Anyone familiar with car rentals??

[MissMet]

Hey guys!

I'm hoping someone on here is familiar with how rental car policies work.

We are going to WDW in Sept. Originally we were renting a car for three days before we head to WDW to visit family in the area. However, I am surprising my parents with an extra two days at WDW, so we will only need the rental car the first night. If I cancel the two of the days my mom will figure it out.

If we rent the car for three days but return it the next morning, do we get charged for all three days regardless or will we only be charged for the amount of time we used it??

TIA

 

[Dizneydaz]

Sorry- I don't know. I would think you'll be charged for the time used (maybe at a higher rate?) but I would call the car rental company to be sure.

Are you prepaying? Can you reserve another car for only the time you need (several agencies don't require a c.c. to reserve, Alamo is one) When are you surprising your mom? After you get to WDW or will they know by the time you pick up the car.

I'm confused though-you're staying for 2 more days but you'll only need the car for one? Why?

 

[crashbb]

Most car rentals companies will ding you with an "early return fee". Plus, if you rate is based on the day stay, your daily rate may also increase.

 

[MissMet]

We had planned to go to Fl Sept 27 - Oct 9. We were going to be with family Sept 27 - 30. Now we will be with the fam Sept 27 - 28. So we will only need the car for one night (24 hrs.) rather than three nights.

I was wanting to surprise them on the plane, or at the airport- last minute. If I adjust the reservation, which is in my mom's name, she will know about it as soon as I do it because she will get an e-mail conf. Plus I am almost positive she always prepays, because whenever they pick-up the car, they don't go to the desk, they just pick a car & drive off, only handing the paperwork at the toll booth place.

I guess I better call the company. I don't know which it is, so I'm gonna have to try & figure out a way to get that info from her without it being weird.

Thanks.

 

[got2travel]

Going straight to the booth doesn't necessarily mean it's pre-paid. Most rental car clubs allow you to go straight to the car and bypass the counter. The car is not pre-paid, it's just a perk of being in the club. When the car is returned they scan it with their handheld computer and charge the card that was given on the reservation (or at the booth).


Could you just tell your mom that you are typing up an itinerary with everything all in one place? That could cover why you need the details. I'm not sure if the rental company will give you any details if you are not the one on the reservation though. If you are able to get the details from your mom, just make sure it's not pre-paid then you wouldn't have to do anything with her reservation. Just make one in your name for the 1 day, then use that when you check in for the car. Hmm...then that poses issues as well. Generally only the driver whose name is on the reservation is allowed to drive the car. Additional drivers can be added, but some companies charge for other drivers. You may need to make a 2nd reservation in your mom's name.

 

[MissMet]

Going straight to the booth doesn't necessarily mean it's pre-paid. Most rental car clubs allow you to go straight to the car and bypass the counter. The car is not pre-paid, it's just a perk of being in the club. When the car is returned they scan it with their handheld computer and charge the card that was given on the reservation (or at the booth).


Could you just tell your mom that you are typing up an itinerary with everything all in one place? That could cover why you need the details. I'm not sure if the rental company will give you any details if you are not the one on the reservation though. If you are able to get the details from your mom, just make sure it's not pre-paid then you wouldn't have to do anything with her reservation. Just make one in your name for the 1 day, then use that when you check in for the car. Hmm...then that poses issues as well. Generally only the driver whose name is on the reservation is allowed to drive the car. Additional drivers can be added, but some companies charge for other drivers. You may need to make a 2nd reservation in your mom's name.

That may work. I'm gonna call my mom & get the info for my for "my itinerary print up" & then call the rental car company.

Thanks again!