Who doesn’t love road trips? Travelling for miles to discover new destinations with friends or family. In Sardinia, choosing to rent a car is always a great idea. Many travellers opt for car rental at Olbia Airport to begin their journey through the island, starting from the beautiful northern beaches.
But before setting off, it’s important to know all the conditions for short-term car rental. Understanding who is authorised to drive the vehicle and who the main driver is makes all the difference.
Difference between main driver and additional driver
The main driver is the person who signs the car rental agreement and is legally responsible for the vehicle throughout the rental period. In many cases, it is recommended to add one or more additional drivers to the contract, so the main driver can be supported during the trip. Taking turns behind the wheel, especially on long routes, or having someone available in case of unexpected events can make the entire journey more relaxed.
Depending on the rental company, you may be able to add up to three or more additional drivers, at an extra cost added to the standard rental rate.
Requirements for an additional driver
To be added as an additional driver, you must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence issued at least two years earlier. Each rental company has its own regulations, and in some cases an extra fee may apply if the driver—main or additional—is under 25 years old.
Generally, the same rules apply as those established for the main driver.
Who is authorised to drive the rental car?
Driving a rental car is permitted only for those individuals listed in the rental agreement, either as the main driver or as additional drivers. Anyone else operating the vehicle is considered an unauthorised driver and will not be covered by insurance in the event of an accident, meaning they may be liable for all related costs.
By including all intended drivers in the contract, you avoid situations that may breach the rental company’s policies.
Insurance coverage in case of an accident
The basic insurance coverage varies across companies. The third-party liability insurance (RC auto) offered by Ellepirental includes a single limit of 6 million euros per claim, covering both property damage and personal injury. If the vehicle is damaged, the customer will need to pay a CDW penalty up to the maximum amount specified for the rented vehicle, provided the damage was caused by the driver.
Coverage applies to all drivers listed in the rental agreement and is applied according to the nature of the damage, responsibility, and the policy limits.
You can find detailed guidance on insurance and what happens in the event of an accident in our blog.
Planning your holiday in Sardinia and want to rent a car? Excellent choice. On our website you can find the perfect vehicle for your trip — discover our fleet!
