Can You Rent a Car for Someone Else?

• Most car rental companies require the person who made the reservation to be present at the time of pickup, as they are part of a legally binding contract and responsible for the vehicle. 
• Some car rental companies allow you to add additional drivers to the rental agreement, often for a fee, making it possible to rent a car for someone else. 
• Rental agencies generally focus on age restrictions rather than new driver limits, and some even perform license checks to ensure minimal liability.
• At FINN, the car subscription model offers a different approach to traditional car rentals, offering more flexibility with six or 12-month contracts and insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance included.

Most companies will not allow you to rent a car for someone else. This is because rental companies need the person who made the reservation to be on-site during pickup as the person named on the rental agreement is part of a legally binding contract. Companies need to know some background information on the driver. As cars are expensive assets, and without the correct insurance, rental companies are liable. This is covered in how much does it cost to rent a car. As the risk of an incident is different for each driver, the person named on the insurance needs to be the person collecting the vehicle.

There may be another way to rent a car on someone else's behalf. These are the steps you can take if you want to rent a car for someone else.

There are ways around renting a car for someone else. Additional charges may apply to those who wish to do so, but here are the steps to begin:

Step 1: Search for a car to rent 

Go online, or visit a car rental office in person to discuss your needs. Browse inventories and use handy search features to narrow down and pick your ideal rental car. Find something that fits your budget and driving style and make sure it is available for the length of time you wish to rent for. At FINN, the way you land your next car is slightly different with a car subscription model - but more on that later.

Step 2: Check if it’s possible to add more drivers 

As it is the simplest way to rent a car for someone else, see if you can add a driver. This step is ideal as most rental car companies allow multiple drivers under the same rental agreement. Be wary though, as some will charge a fee for this service.

It’s important to note that you are still the main driver on the policy, and are responsible for any damage or losses. As you are part of the rental agreement, you will need to be at the check-in desk when collecting the vehicle. Also, make sure you take a credit or debit card in your name as it will be required for the deposit. 

Step 3: Add additional drivers 

Once the rental agreement has named all the additional drivers and the rental company is happy then you can start using the vehicle. The main renter must be responsible for the booking, but the other drivers are free to use the vehicle as much as they want.

Providing the additional driver meets the age and rental agreement requirements, there should be no issues renting a car for someone else using this method.

Renting a car for someone else can be a bit tricky, but these steps can help. Most car rental companies require the person who made the reservation to be present during a pick-up, but by adding additional drivers or simply asking your car rental company, you may be able to make it work. 

With FINN, you can choose your dream car and have it delivered right to you. With an additional driver included at no extra cost. With a FINN car subscription, you have no more worries about insurance, registration, or maintenance - everything is included in your monthly fee.