Enterprise Additional Driver Charge: What It Costs and How It Works

When you rent a car from Enterprise, the base rate covers one driver — you. Anyone else who gets behind the wheel is considered an additional driver, and Enterprise charges a daily fee for each one. That fee adds up fast, and it's one of the most commonly misunderstood line items on a rental receipt.

Here's a clear breakdown of how the charge works, what affects it, and when it might not apply at all.

What the Additional Driver Fee Actually Covers

Enterprise's additional driver fee is essentially a liability and coverage extension. When you rent a vehicle, the rental agreement — and any protections tied to it — applies to you as the primary renter. Adding a second driver formally extends that coverage to them.

Without being listed on the agreement, a second driver is unauthorized. If they're involved in an accident, Enterprise may deny coverage entirely, leaving both parties exposed. The fee isn't just administrative — it's what makes that person a recognized, protected driver under the terms of the rental.

How Much Does Enterprise Charge for an Additional Driver?

Enterprise's additional driver fee typically falls in the range of $10 to $15 per day, though the exact amount varies by:

• Location — rates differ by state, city, and even individual branch
• Rental type — standard consumer rentals, corporate accounts, and insurance replacement rentals are priced differently
• Membership programs — Enterprise Plus members may receive different terms
• Promotions or negotiated rates — some corporate or travel accounts include additional drivers at no charge

There is usually a per-rental cap on how many days the fee applies, so a long rental won't necessarily multiply the cost indefinitely. That cap also varies by location and agreement type.

When Enterprise Waives the Additional Driver Fee 💡

This is where many renters leave money on the table. Enterprise waives the additional driver fee in several common situations:

Spouses and domestic partners — In many states, Enterprise waives the fee for a renter's spouse or domestic partner who is listed on the agreement. This is a widely applied policy, but it is not universal.

Corporate and business accounts — Many companies that have negotiated fleet or travel agreements with Enterprise include complimentary additional drivers as part of the contract terms. If you're renting on a business account, check the agreement before assuming the fee applies.

Insurance replacement rentals — When Enterprise provides a vehicle through an insurance claim (via a third-party insurer or direct repair network), the terms often differ from a standard consumer rental. Additional driver fees may be covered by the insurer or waived under the replacement rental agreement.

AAA, USAA, and select loyalty programs — Certain membership organizations have arrangements with Enterprise that include additional driver waivers. The specifics depend on the organization and the current agreement in place.

Who Qualifies as an Additional Driver?

Not everyone can simply be added to the agreement. Enterprise applies its standard driver eligibility requirements to additional drivers just as it does to primary renters. That typically includes:

• Minimum age — usually 21 in most states, though some locations require 25; renters under 25 may face a young driver surcharge on top of the additional driver fee
• Valid driver's license — must be current and, for foreign licenses, may require an International Driving Permit depending on the branch
• Meeting any state-specific requirements — some states have laws that affect what rental companies can and cannot require

If an additional driver doesn't meet Enterprise's eligibility criteria, they cannot be added regardless of fee payment.

The Risk of Skipping the Listing

Some renters assume that if a friend or partner occasionally drives the rental, it won't matter. That's a meaningful gamble. If an unlisted driver has an accident:

• Enterprise may hold the primary renter fully liable
• Any collision damage waiver (CDW) or protection plan purchased may be voided
• The primary renter's personal auto insurance or credit card coverage may also refuse to pay, since the rental agreement was violated

The additional driver fee is small compared to what an uncovered accident could cost.

Comparing the Fee Structure 📋

What Shapes the Total Cost

A renter adding one additional driver for a five-day trip at $13/day pays $65 before taxes — on top of the base rental, any protection plans, and fuel charges. For a two-week rental with a capped fee structure, that number may not continue climbing linearly.

The final number depends on the branch location, the account type, whether any waiver applies, and how the rental is booked. The same Enterprise location can quote different terms for a consumer booking versus a corporate or insurance booking.

What the fee actually comes to for any specific rental depends on details that only become clear when the agreement is in front of you — the location, the account, the dates, and who's being added.