Car rental questions

[Spirit Feather]

I need help with car rentals. I have never rented a car before!

I am thinking about renting a car for our drive down to Orlando next week. Our car is old and decrepit, and we will be more comfortable going down in a newer vehicle. (Of course, DH said as long as current vehicle gets us there we will be fine—if it dies once we get there then we will just stay-LOL!)

Okay, so I was thinking that I could bid on Priceline or Hotwire and get a semi-decent rate. If we do that, do they charge your card right away for the full amount of the rental? I do not have a credit card, but a VISA check card—will this suffice?

I obviously need unlimited miles. Do the bid site cars include unlimited miles?

Oh, and other than my driver’s license, what do I need to take with me when I pick it up? Insurance policy or anything? VISA check card?

HELP!

 

[CarolA]

I believe Priceline does give unlimited Milage.

They charge your card for the full amount as soon as your bid is accepted.

On the website it states that check cards are accepted, but kind of indicates that this reduces your chance of a winning bid which I take to mean that some of the rental agencies they deal with won't take check cards. (I have seen signs at Rental desks stating this!) Sometimes you can get by with them, but I was at Budget in CA and they could not get authorization for the rental on a debit card (and no Budget did not know it was a debit card until after the rejection)

You will need your check card to pick it up, they will take it again. I would also make sure your insurnace covers rentals.

You might want to post over on Transportation for more info.

 

[peg2001]

First, I would recommend you stay away from Priceline and Hotwire for rental cars. First of all, they are more restrictive than a regular reservation (and yes, your credit card is charged the full amount immediately) and I have often found cheaper rates with conventional reservations.

Use a few travel web sites to get a feel for the rates for your location and dates and size of car: Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, etc. When you see what looks like a good price, try to duplicate it on the rental car companies own website. Look for specials and discount codes (here, on Mousesavers, and other websites).

You can usually make and cancel conventional car reservations without penalty. I'll start out making a reservation and continue to look for better deals. When I find one, I make a new one and cancel the old one.

To pick up the car, you need your drivers license, credit card, and it is a good idea to have your car insurance card. This way, you can easily push back when they try to get you to take their insurance. I do not know about using a check card. You'll have to call the rental car company and ask.

As you know, make sure you reserve a car with unlimited miles. However, also confirm that you can take the car out of state. Some companies have additional restrictions like this.

If you want to post your specifics, location, dates, car size preferences, I'm willing to bet that folks here will help you find a good price.

Peggy

 

[Dodie]

There are a lot of car rental experts over on the Transportation Board! I'd post your question there. I'll bet you'll get some good tips and insight.

 

[It'sMe]

I just got a great rate for a minivan via Orbitz.com. I reserved a week in August 2003 at $189! What a deal!