Originally Posted by
gooselee
Bumping the thread for any updates and some specific advice.
I have EE status and a couple free days I want to use.
Mrs. Lee has a short road trip coming up originating from our home; I will not be travelling with her.
We are married and have the same address, so per National rules she is automatically included as an add'l driver.
Will there be any issues if I go pick up the car using my EE status/free days, bring it back home, and then Mrs. Lee takes it on her road trip without me?
I would also return the car after her trip (we are pretty close to ATL airport, so renting from there is convenient enough).
Mrs. Lee would be taking the car from Georgia to N Carolina & back.
I know I can call in and have the free days transferred, but a) would like to utilize my EE benefits and b) due to scheduling it's just going to be easier for me to pick up/drop off. But, I don't want there to be any issues if some mishap occurs during the trip and the primary renter is a couple hours away from the car at the time.
There is no problem at all with what you are proposing but Mrs. Lee should accompany you to pick up the vehicle and you should have her added to the rental contract at the booth when you exit the lot. She'll just need to present her driver's license. This is as per National's policy:
Any additional driver (excluding a spouse or domestic partner) will pay a daily fee. Renter’s spouse or domestic partner who meet the same age and driver’s license requirements of the renter are authorized drivers at no additional charge. Any additional authorized drivers must appear at time of rental and meet age and driver’s license requirements.
(
https://www.nationalcar.com/en/suppo...iver-fees.html)
It seems pretty unambiguous that even though the fee is waived for an EC member's spouse, they must still appear at the time the rental is checked out and present their driver's license. Further down the page referenced above it says exactly that:
All additional drivers must:
- Appear at the rental counter with the primary renter
- Present a valid driver's license
We would not take a chance with this so best to have your wife accompany you to pick up the rental.
Note that it's definitely not necessary for you to return the vehicle yourself or even be present at return. As an authorized driver on the contract, your wife will be fully authorized to return the rental on her own if this is convenient for you.