Car rental process

[ky.]

HI All!

Our trio is coming up in 3 weeks, soooo excited, and we are renting a car for the very first time. None of our party has ever rented a car anywhere before so we are not sure what to expect. We have rented from Costco through Enterprise. Can anyone walk me through the process once we land in Orlando? Also, how do I know if we have to pay extra for insurance when we pick it up? Both drivers have valid insurance here in canada, does that apply in USA as well?

Thank you all!

 

[ottawamom]

You will need to check with your insurance provider here in Canada to see if you have rental car coverage. I haven't rented in years in Orlando so hopefully others can give you a more up to date process to follow.

 

[tgropp]

You can buy insurance from the car provider but it is very expensive. Whoever is doing the driving, check with their insurance provider for your coverage. My insurance policy will only allow myself to be the sole driver while in Florida. After you pick up your luggage, take an elevator to the lower floor where all the car rental agencies have their counters unless you are a member of enterprise where you can just go straight across the road to the garage kiosk and bypass the madness at the counter

 

[migel]

Purchasing their insurance can almost double the cost of the rental. I rent often and have coverage through my own insurance, as well as the credit card I use. Usually they will ask to you write in the name of your insurance company if you are declining theirs. They will also try to upsell you with the gas top-up option and toll pass. I use my own Sunpass and return the car full, so I decline these, but they are options, depending on your needs.

 

[Marek Zyskowski]

HI All!

Our trio is coming up in 3 weeks, soooo excited, and we are renting a car for the very first time. None of our party has ever rented a car anywhere before so we are not sure what to expect. We have rented from Costco through Enterprise. Can anyone walk me through the process once we land in Orlando? Also, how do I know if we have to pay extra for insurance when we pick it up? Both drivers have valid insurance here in canada, does that apply in USA as well?

Thank you all!

This sounds like there will be a story once you get back.

 

[CanucksRock]

I usually book the rental through Costco Travel. I always decline the insurance, as I have coverage thru my regular car insurance & credit card. Never been asked for my insurance info with Budget or Alamo. For Toll Pass - book it thru VisitorTollPass.com and pick up at the airport in the same area where the car rental desks are. There is gas station at the airport so you can fill up before returning car.

 

[yowcruiser]

Looks like the most critical stuff has been covered

• Do pre-book a visitor toll pass as suggested by @CanucksRock . Also make sure that any installed e-toll transponders in the car (this will be near the rearview mirror, if equipped with it), is closed/off
• As was suggested by a few, do check with your insurer if it extends to rental covers, and the max amount payable for liabilities. Your credit card may offer coverage as well, if you do use the card for the rental - this is usually offered on World Elite Mastercards, Visa Infinite/Infinite Privilege cards and several American Express cards.
• In Florida, I have never been asked for proof of insurance when declining insurance
• Enterprise offer an e-check in service ahead of the rental date to expedite everything upon arrival (so that you can get straight to the car rental lot and skip the in-terminal counter
• As for fuel, yes, there is at least one station near the airport. When flying out early in the morning, we actually find it easier to fill up at the Speedway in WDW either on our way to, or the evening before (and the tank will still show as full when dropping off the car)

 

[erinlynn2020]

Looks like the most critical stuff has been covered

• Do pre-book a visitor toll pass as suggested by @CanucksRock . Also make sure that any installed e-toll transponders in the car (this will be near the rearview mirror, if equipped with it), is closed/off
• As was suggested by a few, do check with your insurer if it extends to rental covers, and the max amount payable for liabilities. Your credit card may offer coverage as well, if you do use the card for the rental - this is usually offered on World Elite Mastercards, Visa Infinite/Infinite Privilege cards and several American Express cards.
• In Florida, I have never been asked for proof of insurance when declining insurance
• Enterprise offer an e-check in service ahead of the rental date to expedite everything upon arrival (so that you can get straight to the car rental lot and skip the in-terminal counter
• As for fuel, yes, there is at least one station near the airport. When flying out early in the morning, we actually find it easier to fill up at the Speedway in WDW either on our way to, or the evening before (and the tank will still show as full when dropping off the car)

to pre book the visitor toll, do you have to download their app? Or can I just purchase at the kiosk upon arrival this weekend ? Also used Costco but it’s with Alamo, here’s hoping all is smooth. Thanks OP & all posters

 

[migel]

to pre book the visitor toll, do you have to download their app? Or can I just purchase at the kiosk upon arrival this weekend ? Also used Costco but it’s with Alamo, here’s hoping all is smooth. Thanks OP & all posters

Alamo is great because you can preload your info (Drivers license, etc.) and then skip the counter and go straight to the garage, without having to be a rewards member.

 

[CanucksRock]

to pre book the visitor toll, do you have to download their app? Or can I just purchase at the kiosk upon arrival this weekend ? Also used Costco but it’s with Alamo, here’s hoping all is smooth. Thanks OP & all posters

You can book online without the App

 

[mort1331]

Call your car insurance here. IF you do not have rental car add on yet,,,you can still add on and it will be cheaper than from the rental car company. Mine is only $40 a year. Now after I get home I usually take it off, or at least take it off at renewal time.

 

[redrosesix]

Call your car insurance here. IF you do not have rental car add on yet,,,you can still add on and it will be cheaper than from the rental car company. Mine is only $40 a year. Now after I get home I usually take it off, or at least take it off at renewal time.

This.

On my previous insurance policy, I had to ask for the rider every year or it wouldn't be included. It costs less to add the rider than the daily rental car insurance rate.

 

[dancin Disney style]

OP...you should post your experience. There is good information here for others.

I need to correct something though. The comment about getting gas at WDW. You can do that but you run the risk of being charged by the rental company for a full tank regardless. They require that you get gas within a certain number of miles away from the airport. You need to have the receipt to prove it. In my experience they don't ask for proof all that often but they can and I have been asked. The gas station at the airport is your best option. It's very easy to get in an out of.

On the subject of insurance, the last two times I rented (both were in the last 9 months) I was asked for my insurance card. Previous to that I have been asked a few times and I've probably rented from MCO at least 30 times. I really don't think they can do anything with it other that take down the info. Just be sure and have it with you.

Also, if you are booking through Costco you need to have your membership card with you. I've been asked for that a time or two at MCO. I've been asked for it more regularly in other cities.