Hertz charges $15 to $25 per day for each additional driver, though the exact amount depends on your location, the rental length, and your membership status
When you rent from Hertz, only the primary renter is covered under the rental agreement by default. Anyone else who will drive the vehicle must be added as an additional driver, and Hertz charges a daily fee for each person you add. The fee is not a one-time cost — it applies for every day of your rental, so a five-day rental with one extra driver costs between $75 and $125 just for that driver.
The exact price varies by location because state insurance regulations and local demand affect what Hertz can charge. A rental in New York City may cost more than the same rental in rural Pennsylvania. The rental length also matters: longer rentals sometimes have lower per-day rates for additional drivers, though Hertz does not always advertise this discount upfront.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz charges $15 to $25 per additional driver per day, with the total cost multiplied by the number of rental days.
- You must add extra drivers before you pick up the car — you cannot add them later without returning to the location.
- Gold Plus Rewards members sometimes receive discounts on additional driver fees, though the savings are usually $2 to $5 per day.
- Drivers under 25 may face an additional young driver surcharge on top of the extra driver fee, which can double the total cost.
- If you are renting with a spouse or family member, asking about multi-driver packages or checking competitor rates can save $50 to $150 on a week-long rental.
How the additional driver fee works at checkout
When you book a Hertz rental online or by phone, the system asks whether additional drivers will use the car. If you say yes, you enter their name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Hertz then adds the daily fee to your total quote. This happens before you pay, so you can see the full cost and decide whether to proceed.
The additional driver must be present at pickup with a valid driver's license. Hertz scans the license and verifies the information matches what you entered during booking. If the person is not there at pickup, you cannot add them later without going back to the location — you would have to return the car, add the driver, and re-rent it, which defeats the purpose.
If you did not add a driver during booking but realize you need one at the counter, Hertz will add them for the same daily rate, but only if they are physically present with a valid license. Some locations may charge a processing fee on top of the daily rate if you add a driver at pickup rather than in advance.
Age restrictions and young driver surcharges
Drivers under 25 face an additional complication: Hertz charges a separate young driver surcharge on top of the additional driver fee. This surcharge is typically $15 to $30 per day depending on the driver's age and location. A 22-year-old added as an extra driver could cost $30 to $55 per day instead of the standard $15 to $25.
Drivers under 21 are often not permitted to be additional drivers at all, depending on state law and Hertz policy. Some locations allow 18-year-olds to drive if they are added as additional drivers, but others do not. The best approach is to call the specific Hertz location where you plan to pick up the car and ask about their age policy before you book.
Ways to reduce or avoid the additional driver fee
If you are a Gold Plus Rewards member, Hertz sometimes waives the additional driver fee entirely or reduces it by $2 to $5 per day. The discount is not automatic — it depends on your membership tier and the location. Check your member benefits in the Hertz app or website before booking, or call the location directly to confirm whether your membership includes a discount.
Renting from a competitor may be cheaper if you need multiple drivers. Enterprise, Budget, and Avis charge different rates for additional drivers, and some offer better deals for longer rentals or loyalty members. Spending 15 minutes comparing quotes across three rental companies can save $50 to $100 on a week-long rental with two drivers.
If only one person will actually drive most of the time, consider not adding the second driver at all. You are only required to add someone as an additional driver if they will operate the vehicle. If the second person is a passenger only, there is no fee. However, if the primary driver becomes tired or unable to drive, the second person cannot legally take over without being on the agreement, so this only works if you are certain about who will drive.
What happens if an unlisted driver operates the car
If someone drives the rental car without being listed on the agreement, Hertz's insurance does not cover any damage or accidents involving that driver. You become personally liable for repairs, medical bills, or third-party claims. This is not a small risk — a single accident can cost thousands of dollars and may also void your personal auto insurance coverage if the rental company reports the incident.
Hertz does not actively monitor who is driving, but if an accident occurs and the police report names a driver who is not on the rental agreement, Hertz will discover this during the claims process. At that point, they will deny coverage and pursue you for the full cost of repairs or damages.
Comparing Hertz additional driver fees to other rental companies
| Rental Company | Additional Driver Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz | $15–$25 per day | Gold Plus members may receive discounts; young drivers pay extra surcharge |
| Enterprise | $10–$20 per day | Often lower than Hertz; some locations waive the fee for family members |
| Budget | $10–$15 per day | Generally the cheapest option; no surcharge for drivers 21 and older |
| Avis | $15–$25 per day | Preferred members sometimes receive discounts or waivers |
| National | $15–$20 per day | Executive members may may have access to for discounts |
Budget and Enterprise tend to charge less for additional drivers than Hertz, though the difference is usually $5 to $10 per day. Over a week-long rental with two drivers, that adds up to $35 to $70 in savings. However, Hertz may offer a better rate on the base rental itself, so always compare the total cost, not just the additional driver fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an additional driver after I pick up the car?
No. You must add all drivers before pickup. If you need to add someone after you have already rented the car, you would have to return to the location, which is impractical. Always confirm who will drive before you complete your booking.
Does my personal auto insurance cover an additional driver on a Hertz rental?
It depends on your policy. Some personal auto insurance policies extend coverage to rental cars and any authorized drivers, while others do not. Call your insurance company before renting and ask specifically whether additional drivers are covered under your rental car coverage.
What if the additional driver is my spouse?
Hertz charges the same daily fee for a spouse as for any other additional driver — there is no family discount. However, some locations may offer a multi-driver package for longer rentals. Call ahead to ask whether the specific location has a package rate for two drivers.
Do I have to pay the additional driver fee if I am not sure whether the second person will drive?
You only pay the fee if you add them to the agreement. If you are unsure, do not add them during booking. You can always call the location before pickup and add them then if you decide you need them, though you may face a processing fee for adding them at the counter.
Will Hertz charge me if an additional driver does not show up for pickup?
Yes. If you add an additional driver during booking, Hertz charges the daily fee regardless of whether that person actually picks up the car. You must remove them from the agreement before pickup to avoid the charge. Call the location or modify your reservation online as soon as you know they will not be driving.