Car Rental in USA

keithmdw

Although I am a regular traveller to ths US (Florida area), I have never rented a car there (have relied on family living there ferrying me around). Considering going this year and renting a car to get about for myself.

What costs should I look out for?

I got a quote from Budget for an airport pick-up and drop-off (figured the big names would be the best in terms of risk) and it included the following:

- Local Tax
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Vehicle Registration Fee
- Airport/City/Other Surcharge
- Supplementary Liability Insurance (SLI)
- Unlimited Mileage

Are there any other things they will try and sell me, and if so which would actually be a good idea to get?

Is CDW the one where I don't get stuck with the excess in the event of a claim? Basically I want a solution where I don't get held financially liable for anything in the event of an accident/damage etc.

Thanks

crossleydd42

bascially you want all of the insurances they offer, bar theft from vehicle. CDW needs to be supplemented by SLI.

It is better to pay for a tank of fuel up front, then you don't have to fill her up before returning the vehicle. I believe that the Daily Telegraph voted Alamo the best car hire company last year, but they are all much of a muchness in my opinion.
If you get a small car, it's liely that's what you'll get. If you go for a larger one like a Toyoa Corolla, it's possible that they will all be out and you will get a free upgrade. Last Autumn, my Corolla was upgraded to a new-model Hyundai Sonata - very swish.



Try a car hire comparison site like: http://www.carbookers.com/search/?wl_version=ebuk&lang=en

hammy_the_hammer

possibly if you've got family there and they can pick you up it may be cheaper to hire the car from an off-airport location. compare prices for the airport and the nearest office to your relations with the same company. another benefit of doing it this way is do you need the car for the whole time you are there? most companies competitive prices are based around multiples of 7 days but again fiddling about with the days on the website gives you an idea of what's best for you. if you or your partner work for a large multi-national company it is worth enquiring whether they have negotiated a discount rate with any hire company . mine does and i receive a genuine 15% reduction when i hire

monkeyspanner

The rental companies will try to sell you personal liability insurance. This essentially duplicates part of the travel insurance you will probably have and if you have holiday insurance this should cover you but make sure the personal liability cover is suffucient (I'd suggest a minimum of $2m for the USA.
Ask what the excess on the CDW is. Car hire companies have been increasing the excess to reduce their costs and it can be large with some companies. If you arrange your hire in the UK you can remove this excess with some companies e.g. Holidayautos for a small additional charge.