US Car Hire

squinty

Hello,

Going to the US in a few weeks. We have hired a car through Avis and the agreement states that the car includes

"All Mandatory Charges, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Additional Liability Insurance, Tax Unlimited mileage Please note that if you fail to collect your car without having cancelled at least 24 hours prior to pick up, a non-cancellation fee will apply as set out in the Booking Terms and Conditions"

I'm a bit wary about being ripped off by being 'persuaded' to buy extras at the counter.

Is there anything more I really need - or am I already covered.

Thanks

ChristineL

My advice is based on renting cars in the USA 2-3 times a year for the last 20 odd years. Your package does look complete and I'd say "no" to the rental company asking me for any additional insurances. However, there are some optional insurance that you can think about.

- What is the excess on the LDW? With some packages it's zero and you have no liability if you have an accident, With other deals there can be an excess where you have to pay the first x dollars of any costs.

- PAI (Personal accident insurance) is not included. This covers the authorised driver and passengers in the car for death, disability and medical expenses in the event of an accident. You may be covered on your travel insurance but check this.

- Roadside Plus isn't included. Most car hire packages don't cover you for accidental windscreens damage, accidental tyre damage or lost keys but you can take out the optional insurance to cover this.

FWIW I have never taken out any of these options.

One other thing, you don't say where you are travelling to. There are a few places in the USA where a local facility fee is charged when you arrive (Phoenix airport is one). You don't have a choice about this but have to pay up regardless of the deal you've booked.

I find Avis are good at not doing a hard sell on extra insurance, unlike say Budget . But if they do ask then they are OK about you saying “no”

Hope this helps. Have fun.

Edited to add another thought - the rental agent will probably ask you if you want to take the refueling option. With this you pay for a tank of petrol when you pick up the car and then you don't have to refill it at the end of the trip. It's up to you to trade off the convenience of this against the possibility of you losing a few dollars when you take the car back with some gas still in the tank.