What if? Additional Driver on Car Rental

[Kendallkat2]

We have a full-size car reserved for our trip to WDW the end of this month. We are sharing the rental fee with a relative for the first week we are there. National says it's an additional $7.00 per day per driver for an additional driver.

What if something does happen, like an accident (God forbid) and the person driving isn't the person who made the rental? It's it something terrible like increasing your insurance? Does anyone know the consequences? Should we just bite the bullet and pay the additional $7.00?

I have always been the driver when we go to WDW because the rental is in my name. I would like to be the passenger for once, and be able to "look" around and see the sights. But, I've always been too cheap to pay the extra fee. Now that we have other people sharing the cost I thought I would do some research.

Thanks in advance to any suggestions,

Beth

 

[poohandwendy]

Pay the $7. If an uninsured driver (not a paid, specified driver that the Rental company knows about) is operating the car during an accident, you will be liable for ANY costs associated with the accident. You have essentially broken your contract. You (and they also) would be responsible for any medical costs, car replacement, damage...(not to mention the other car/people involved) potentially BIG trouble.

Your regular car insurance is not going to cover a driver who is not authorized to drive the vehicle and it is unlikely the driver's insurance will cover them either as they are driving a car without permission. Also, if a unauthorized driver is pulled over, they can be arrested because they are not authorized to be driving the car.

There may also be additional fees and penalties. But I know this is a HUGE risk. Definitely not worth it...

 

[Kendallkat2]

YIKES!!!! Guess we'll pay the $7.00 or I'll do all the driving! Thanks, Beth

 

[DiscussDisney]

Try Alamo. Many of the discount codes include an additional driver for free (ex: costco, sams club, disney visa, & others....)

 

[Marbear]

Another vote for Alamo, and most especially for the Quicksilver program. You often get cheaper rates, another driver for free and the ability to bypass the regular line (we checked in at MCO not at the main counter, where about 20 families were waiting, but inside the terminal where the cars are parked - it took about 5 minutes at the terminal desk because they had all my info. pre-registered).

It is a program primarily for small business owners, but you should still check out what Mousesavers (www.mousesavers.com) has to say - all the info. you need is there. I registered for it online, and got all my info. via e-mail and regular mail within 1 week. You may still have time to register and I highly recommend it! The program saved us money and tons of time!

 

[jekjones1558]

We have both Alamo Quicksilver and Budget Fastbreak (similar program). That way we have 2 choices for a good deal.

 

[Candace]

If you are an Emerald Club member with National, there is no charge for the additional driver. Just did this last weekend.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Candace
If you are an Emerald Club member with National, there is no charge for the additional driver. Just did this last weekend.

That is true, assuming you follow the guidelines (which are very vague on the website) for the EC program.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Marbear
Another vote for Alamo, and most especially for the Quicksilver program. You often get cheaper rates, another driver for free and the ability to bypass the regular line (we checked in at MCO not at the main counter, where about 20 families were waiting, but inside the terminal where the cars are parked - it took about 5 minutes at the terminal desk because they had all my info. pre-registered).

It is a program primarily for small business owners, but you should still check out what Mousesavers (www.mousesavers.com) has to say - all the info. you need is there. I registered for it online, and got all my info. via e-mail and regular mail within 1 week. You may still have time to register and I highly recommend it! The program saved us money and tons of time!

QS is changing some of it's rules. You can no longer use QS with a coupon. It bounces you right out. They are updating the system and eventually, you will be able to use ie: a BJ's contract number, but, not the coupon. It is a total pain. Mine went that way about 4 months ago and Dee's just did it this week.
The plan is for corporate and small business.