Car Rental - What do I need?

Gilbs

I'm going to Spain on Friday and have decided this year - I'm not going to be screwed over by the ridiculous insurances and excess charges that they make you take out. I've made a rental with gold car on their cheapest deal and I'm not going to take out any of the extras that they insist you need.

This is what they have told me:

Included in the booking:
Unlimited mileage, Car passenger insurance, Partial Damage Cover with excess (CDW), Third Party Liability Insurance (This insurance covers damages to third parties in an accident caused by you.) VAT, local taxes (21 %)

Not included in the booking
Super Relax Cover (Full cover) - The most complete cover for your peace of mind. Includes 24h service.

What other policies do I need to take out to ensure I'm fully covered? I've looked at excess hire polices but I'm not sure if this is what I'll need? I'm finding it all a bit confusing.

Any help would be much appreciated!!!

eDicky

Read the 'Beware Goldcar' thread if you haven't already.

Purchase the excess cover separately, but don't bother mentioning it when they give you the hard sell for their own 'Super Relax', just politely say no thanks with an air of knowing what you're doing.

If you want to possibly avoid the hassle of claiming on the excess cover, or even risk saving the cost of buying it, crack a joke or two or at least try to lighten the mood of the agent somehow, even if you had to wait an hour or more in the queue.

Same with the car lot staff, if encountered, offer them a British can of beer or chocolate bar, in case they will be on duty when you return the car (could still help even if they aren't).

You can examine the car minutely, make sure even the slightest blemish is recorded, take photos - but they will still find some damage when you take it back if they want to - unless they like you, hence the above.

Good luck...

brianposter

Take out the car hire excess insurance, take photographs, and remember that in Spain the office has a "complaints book" which is actually a set of forms which can be taken away and filled in in English. If they wont give you the forms you call the police.
Simply asking for the "complaints book" often produces an immediate change of attitude.

ic

If you don't want to be gouged, go with any company other than Goldcar (and their other brands Interent and Rhodium). My first and last experience with them was booking a cheap car and taking my own insurance before hand. The car they gave me was beaten to bits, though the paperwork described it as immaculate. I reported it to someone on site who took details on their tablet. They promised to email they updated paperwork - they didn't. After I got home they took the excess off my card (£650ish), and ignored my complaint for a month. I had to take it through the credit card company and prove everything (photos of car on collection, fuel tank full, complaint letters, docs for the rental, etc). It took a couple more months to clear.

Just don't do it. Go with somebody else. I've rented lots from Firefly at Murcia with no issues - and I never take their insurance, but that might be luck with local office.

jackieblack

Gilbs wrote: »

I've made a rental with gold car on their cheapest deal

:doh:

Gilbs wrote: »

Any help would be much appreciated!!!

See below

eDicky wrote: »

Read the 'Beware Goldcar' thread if you haven't already.

Good luck...

This ^^^

ic wrote: »

If you don't want to be gouged, go with any company other than Goldcar (and their other brands Interent and Rhodium).

Just don't do it. Go with somebody else. I've rented lots from Firefly at Murcia with no issues - and I never take their insurance, but that might be luck with local office.

And this ^^^^