Adding a second driver: cost and consequences
Adding a second driver costs between six and twelve euros a day with a common cap of sixty to ninety euros per rental, and declaring them is essential because damage caused by an undeclared driver removes the damage cover entirely.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- The daily charge runs 6 € to 12 €, capped at 60 € to 90 € per rental.
- Many premium rates include one additional driver at no charge.
- An undeclared driver means the hirer pays 100 per cent of any damage.
- The second driver must meet the same age and licence requirements.
It is a cheap extra that becomes extremely expensive when omitted: without it, a 1,500 € impact is paid in full by the person who signed.
What it costs
The charge applies per day and usually has a cap per rental, so on longer hires the cost stabilises. In high season the rates rise by around 20 per cent against the winter months. Some premium rates and many loyalty programmes include the first additional driver free, and a spouse or registered partner is frequently included at no charge as well.
| Duration | Daily rate | Total with cap |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 6 to 12 € | 18 to 36 € |
| 7 days | 6 to 12 € | 42 to 84 € |
| 10 days | 6 to 12 € | 60 to 90 € |
| 14 days | cap reached | 60 to 90 € |
| 21 days | cap reached | 60 to 90 € |
| Spouse or partner | 0 to 12 € | varies by company |
| Second additional driver | 6 to 12 € | charged separately |
| Young driver surcharge | 8 to 20 € | per day, under 25 |
What happens if you do not declare
The contract names the authorised drivers with their licence numbers. If the vehicle is damaged while someone else is driving, the contract has been breached: the damage cover ceases to apply, even where the zero excess product was purchased, and the full repair cost is billed together with the immobilisation days at 40 € to 90 € each.
What the second driver must present
The same requirements as the main driver: minimum age, usually 21, and 1 to 2 years of licence holding. Drivers under 25 pay the young driver surcharge of 8 € to 20 € a day, which applies to additional drivers as well. They must attend the desk in person with the original licence and photographic identification. A photograph of the licence is not accepted by most companies.
With a licence issued outside the European Union an international driving permit may be required, and it cannot be obtained on the island at short notice.
When it is worth it
On journeys of more than 2 hours at a stretch and on mountain routes, where fatigue matters. On trips with children, so the driving can be shared. And whenever there is any chance the other person might take the wheel: 60 € against an exposure of 1,500 € to 3,000 € is not a close call. On a short trip with one driver only, the extra is unnecessary.
Frequently asked
+What does an additional driver cost?
Six to twelve euros a day, with a common cap of 60 € to 90 € per rental.
+Can my partner drive without being declared?
No. If they are not on the contract, damage cover ceases to apply even with the zero excess product.
+Is a spouse included free?
With several companies yes, though they must still register at the desk with their licence.
+What age is required?
Usually 21 with 1 to 2 years of licence holding, plus a young driver surcharge up to age 25.
+Is a photograph of the licence enough?
Not at most companies. The original document is required at the desk.
Sources
- 1Dirección General de Tráfico, Ministerio del Interior (August 2026)
- 2Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)