When renting a car, it's common to switch drivers with someone else in the car, but is this allowed?

This time, we explain the procedures and precautions for 'driving a rental car with multiple drivers,' a topic often overlooked.

Is it okay for multiple people to drive one rental car?

Regarding whether multiple people can drive one rental car, the answer is 'no problem'.

However, it's not unconditional. Driving by multiple people is permitted after proper procedures. The next section details these procedures.

Driving a Rental Car with Multiple People: 3 Essential Steps

When using a rental car, if multiple people might drive, inform the rental company in advance.

The procedure is as follows.

1. Fill in the names of potential drivers on the application form

When renting a car, you'll fill out and sign an application. The rental company will always ask one specific question.

That question is: 'Will anyone other than you be driving?'

If you plan to drive with multiple people, be sure to inform them at this time.
Then, fill in the names of potential drivers on the application form.

All potential drivers other than the person renting the car must be declared at this point.

2. Present Driver's Licenses for Potential Drivers

All driver's licenses for potential drivers must be presented to the rental company before rental.
This is crucial in case of an accident, so presenting all driver's licenses is essential.

If there are foreigners among the multiple drivers, foreign drivers must bring their International Driving Permit (IDP) and passport.

Without these documents, foreigners cannot drive a rental car in Japan.

Many rental companies require all drivers to visit the store in person and present their licenses directly. Confirm in advance.
Sapporo Rent-a-Car, popular with tourists, often provides medium to long-term rentals to foreign customers from Asia.

3. All Drivers Sign the Contract at Rental

All drivers must sign the contract.
This also confirms insurance coverage.

In case of an accident, drivers who haven't signed in advance may not be covered by insurance, making this procedure crucial.
The procedures mentioned here also apply to Sapporo Rent-a-Car. All drivers must bring their licenses.

Precautions for Driving with Multiple People

What should you keep in mind when multiple people drive a rental car?

Here are the precautions.

Preferably, experienced drivers should drive

While rental cars are often for long drives, it's best for experienced drivers to take the lead.
Driving an unfamiliar car is not recommended for those who haven't driven in years or are inexperienced.

Especially in special road conditions like snowy roads, it is strongly recommended that people accustomed to driving on snowy roads drive.

Driving on snowy roads requires different skills than regular roads, and the risk of accidents increases if an inexperienced person drives.
When forming a rotation, make decisions considering each driver's driving experience and road conditions.

Limit continuous driving to about 2 hours per person

When driving long distances in a rental car, it is ideal to take a break approximately every 2 hours.
With multiple drivers, rotate skillfully to ensure a manageable drive.

Expressways are often monotonous and induce drowsiness. If you feel sleepy, switch drivers immediately to proactively avoid danger.

In case of an accident, accurately report who was driving

As long as you drive, you cannot be 100% certain you won't be in an accident.
In the unlikely event of an accident with a rental car, you need to handle it calmly.

Please accurately report to the rental car company who was driving at the time of the accident.
If an undeclared driver was operating the vehicle, it could lead to serious issues like insurance not applying.
Furthermore, false reports to the police can lead to prosecution for various crimes, including false declaration (Minor Offenses Act: 1-30 days detention or 1,000-10,000 yen fine, with criminal record) or false accusation (3-10 years imprisonment).
To prepare for such an event, it's crucial to declare all drivers' names and present their licenses during application.

At Sapporo Rent-a-Car

We offer reliable guarantee systems and long-term rental systems for unexpected accidents.

Please use our convenient Web form for reservations.
Complete Peace of Mind Package. The longer you rent, the cheaper it becomes.

※For urgent rentals or rentals within 3 days, please book by phone.

Summary

There is no problem with multiple people driving one rental car.

For this, it's important to declare it properly when applying for the rental car.

Present all potential drivers' licenses, sign the contract, and confirm insurance coverage.
If there are foreign drivers, an International Driving Permit and passport are required.

Also, in special situations like snowy roads, prioritize safety with a driving rotation, such as having experienced drivers take the wheel.
Since rental cars are often used by non-car owners, drive with utmost care to avoid accidents.