USA car hire reccomendations (Seattle)

Dentoned

Hi so we're off to visit family in the Pacific Northwest next summer and I will be renting a car for the first time.
my family have little experience or advise so was wondering the following;

1) what company to use. I know Sixt, Fox and Avis have  a bad rep. I can't afford Enterprise who have good reviews - has anyone used Alamo (part of the enterprise group) or Budget?

2) Sat nav. Hire over there? Buy here 2nd hand or risk phone data and use Waze? I have a good paper map as a back up. 

3) what level of cover should I get. We're travelling light and I'll only have my phone and documents as valuables. I'll be renting a compact or medium car. (Dont fancy a tiny on on the I5!)

Any other advise or tips welcome as this is my first time driving in the US but not abroad as I've drives around France in my own vehicle extensively and class myself as a confident driver. Thanks in advance!

Murphy_The_Cat

I've used Avis plenty of times in the US and never had any issues.  Book via Avis UK and check for Quidco cashback or possibly via BA carhire to save a few quid (select BA Exec Blue and you'll get a %ge reduction).

I've not had a car in the US without SAT NAV for many years.  For belt and braces I'd use Waze or Google offline maps.

Stick with the insurance cover that UK Avis (or UK Budget etc) provide.

Get a decent sized car - there is zero pleasure to be had from driving a compact or medium sized car, especially if you are only saving a hadfull of £'s.  Check out the SUV rental rates and you may get a pleasant surprise.

400ixl

1) no idea where you heard that Avis have a bad rep, they are the company I use the most in the US (they also own Budget and its pretty much the same company out there). The Enterprise group (Alamo, National etc) are the ones I have had most issues with, but others will tell you they are fine.

2) I usually rent full size SUV's and haven't had one with Sat Nav for a few years now, but they have all had Android Auto and Apple Car Play to mirror the phone to the display. There are some sat nav apps that allow you to download maps which therefore mean you don't need data. Google Maps can do this as well.

3) Ensure you get the full cover including Crash Damage Waiver (CDW) and Legal cover of at least $1m. Most UK based rentals come with the required cover. Get this and don't fall for the upsell when you pick up. Ignore the name (they do more than Florida) www.discountfloridacarhire.co.uk is a good company to use and is popular on some of the travel forums. You can even email Andy and ask for an offline price to see if he can beat his online prices. He will ensure you have all the insurances you need.

I would advise an SUV, even if it is a mid sized as being higher up on some of the freeways is a good idea.

It is still typically a case of it will be cheaper overall to rent full to full and fill up before you return than full to empty, but do check and some prefer the convenience.

You will find that hire cars at the moment can be a right mix, due to supply issues they are holding onto cars longer, buying any spec they can get and even buying private secondhand cars to meet demand. So keep your expectations reasonable.

sammynunes

Just book the cheapest via a UK agent. 

400ixl

sammynunes said:

Just book the cheapest via a UK agent. 

Often not the best answer for many of the reasons above, especially in that some UK agents don't include all of the required insurances for the US.

Another thing to consider is who will need to be able to drive, some companies include spouses or additional drivers depending on the level you choose which can be  cheaper than taking to lowest level and adding them.