car rental newbie - please help

[m.pots]

I've never rented a car before and I'm curious when you go to the counter to pick it up what the process is. Also, I'm not interested in their insurance. Will I have to show proof that I have insurance?

 

[smart cookie]

I've never been asked for proof, but I always carry some (in case I did get in an accident!). They often ask for your insurance company name, though.

If you don't want to use the rental car companies insurance, you may want to consider putting the rental on a credit card that offers auto rental insurance (including loss of use. - many card insurance policies do not cover this!!) This is due to the fact that auto insurance policies issued in Illinios, where you reside do not cover loss of use charges that a rental company may charge you if you are in an accident. These charges are for the loss of income that the car rental company would have recieved from that car while it is in for repairs. This can amount to several hundred dollars (on top of the deductable you would be responsible for.) The other bonus you get from putting the rental on a credit card that offers insurance coverage is, that the card will pick up your deductible charge (in most cases), in the event of an accident. See http://www.travelcouponsonline.com/insurance.html for a little bit more info on credit card insurance coverage.

 

[stacy6552]

heres the most important tip you will get about car rental...

STAY AWAY FROM NATIONAL! They are always understaffed. The final straw for us was when the rude agent refused to honor our discount and ignored us after we asked for a supervisor.

 

[CarolA]

I have used National probably 20 times at MCO. Never had any problems and I have used contract codes, discounts and coupons all on the same rental!

 

[seashoreCM]

Check the rules, regulations, and policies when booking a rental car. When booking on line inclduing with agents like Travelocity ther is a link you can click to find out.

Some rental companies demand that you buy insurance if youdont have it on your car back at home. Some rental companies demand that non-US citizens buy some of the insurances. This is spelled out in the policies or rules.

Renting hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/carrent.htm

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Have patience. They'll try to sell you insurance, a full tank of gas, and their sneakers if they can make a profit. I have a horiffic story where an attendent waited until I was out checking my car, then tried to convince my wife that should our car be hit a a DTD flying tree limb (we were there in September when Isidor skirted the east coast), we'd have to pay for the repairs, plus the daily rate for up to three months while they waited to get the car fixed. Some of these guys are businessmen. Some of them are persistant little stinkers. Buy your own gas, get your own insurance coverage.

 

[travelbug]

I have rented cars many times from practically every car rental company there is. Some agents are pretty low key, while some can be very hard sell. Be sure to ask your own car insurance agent if your car insurance will cover an accident in a rental car. (It probably will, but it's good to make sure before the first time you rent.) If so, you can turn down the extra coverage they offer you that is so pricey.

Also, be ready when they ask if you want to fill the gas tank yourself before returning the car or have them do it. It may sound like a nice convenience to have them do it, but it is more cost efficient to do it yourself.

Some may also try to talk you into a higher grade of car, for extra cost of course. Be ready to say "no thank you" and stick with what you have. Those extra fees really add up!

If you're traveling with another person who drives, decide ahead of time whether only one of you will drive or whether you'll pay the extra fee for having more than one driver.

If you have a frequent flyer miles no. with any airline, don't forget to find out if it is a partner with your car rental company. If so, be sure to give your FF number when you sign the paperwork so they get it into the computer. If you forget, it can be way more hassle to give it when you return the car (depending on which car rental company and how they process returns).

The only company that I will not do business with again is Alamo. I had two nightmarish experiences with them, and finally decided enough is enough. However, I know that others have said that they've used Alamo for years with no problems.

Those are some hints that come to mind offhand. Hope it helps a little. Good luck!

 

[safetymom]

Try to bypass the counter with whatever rental company you go with. Almost all of them have a program where you can state your preferences for gas, insurance, etc. before hand.

I do this with Hertz and just walk to my car. Very quick and easy.