Originally Posted by
AutoSlash
We totally agree that the language is ambiguous. It would be a simple matter to adjust it to something like:
"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 and do not need to be explicitly named on the rental agreement in order to be considered an authorized driver."
However, most if not all of the rental companies have this ambiguity. We don't believe this is intentional, and in any situation where there was an accident and the spouse benefit were a relevant issue, we believe there would not be any problem because the intent of the rental company is clear here, but it still causes confusion and concern among renters.
Right. But our common hope is to find some empirical evidence that elevates the part of your quote I bolded/underlined to something more than just a belief.
We're talking about the potential for people to leave themselves open to significant liability claims (or at least the headache of having to fight them) by not having their spouse named, based solely off the fact that someone at the counter said, "Nah, you're good."