Car hire in California - what insurance do I need??

Beamuffin

Hey all, 

never rented a car in the USA before, so looking for advice please. 

We are travelling to Sacramento in May for two weeks and are looking to rent a car for part of the trip. We were going to just go to a rental there and book direct, however from what I’ve ready…it would be best to do before? 

Also need to know what kind of insurance I’ll need to make sure I’m covered, or do I take the insurance out with them? 

Please help!

thanks

400ixl

If you book it via a UK agency then you will get the required insurances. Booking via a US agency or with the rental company in the US you will need to purchase them as US citizens use their personal motor insurance to cover rentals.

https://www.autoeurope.co.uk/car-hire-usa/ and go down to the FAQ's and it will cover insurance requirements.

Beamuffin

Thank you! So, can I book through a UK agency, in the UK and if I’m there? Or should I just book before I go? 

Also, do you know of any UK agencies? 

bagand96

Booking in advance will almost always be cheaper than a walk up on the day rate, even if booking the night before!

Either a UK agency or the UK website of a multinational (all the big chains have a UK version of their site).  If you book with Free Cancellation then you can monitor prices and cancel and re-book if required.  I've booked a US car whilst in the US (via a UK portal on my phone) before without issue.

The US is one of the easier places to rent a car, in general you don't get too much of a hard sell at the desk for extras, as most of the insurances are included and Zero excess.

Beamuffin

Sorry, also…when I go to pick the car up, will there be any additional charges? 

And to double check - I won’t need to get ‘gap’ insurance for more protection? I’ve heard people say you should to increase the liability cover?

bagand96

Beamuffin said:

Sorry, also…when I go to pick the car up, will there be any additional charges? 

And to double check - I won’t need to get ‘gap’ insurance for more protection? I’ve heard people say you should to increase the liability cover?

It will depend on what you book and what is included.  That's why the suggestion to book via a UK based site as that should include all the insurances and cover you require legally.  There may be a damage deposit to put down or excess in the event of damage - you can buy Car Hire Excess Insurance to cover this. It may or may not be required based on what you book.

When are you looking for and where from? Ii'm sure people will be happy to look at options for you.

400ixl

You will always have to leave a deposit / hold on a card when you start the rental. 

You won't need insurance for crash damage as CDW cover will be included.

Two of the brokers used by many people renting for the US are www.autoeurope.co.uk who I linked to earlier and www.discountfloridacarhire.co.uk (they cover more than Florida).

Book something earlier with one of the brokers like these who offer cancellable hire up to 14 days out and then just check it every so often to see if it drops. Both will include the insurances you need. You may want to take the additional puncture and floor cover if you are going anywhere that these are possibilities.

daveyjp

Zest car rental are uk based and always include full no excess insurance.