Emergency long distance car rental

[sueg]

DS(17) had his first accident with our minivan. We are going thru insurance & I am concerned that we won't have our minivan back for our Aug. vacation. We are driving to VA (colleges), NC (colleges) to FLA for one week at WDW and then driving to Hilton Head for 2 days & back to NJ, a total of 2 weeks. While I know some tips for renting in FLA, because we always rent a car for our March WDW trip, I am clueless for a long distance trip. I've figured out that any rental must have unlimited milage & insurance only gives us $40 per day, so it looks like no minivan. Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[Lewisc]

If the other driver is at fault they may be responsible for your rental car costs, not capped at $40/day.

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

I know that for my insurance coverage they must give me a comparable rental vehicle than the one I insured. Last year when I had my accident in my SUV; I had a mini van for a week while it got repaired.

 

[sueg]

Unfortunately, my son was clearly at fault. The other car was parked. The insurance company was pretty clear on $40 per day, but I suppose I can question them further. They suggested that we try enterprise because they have a direct billing arrangement with them. But I have the most experience w/ National, e.g. I'm an Emerald Club member & seem to do the best with them. My preliminary research puts us in a full size car, like a Taurus. Not exactly what I want to drive- fully packed for 14 days. But the next step up will cost us about $200. beyond our reimbursement.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by sueg
Unfortunately, my son was clearly at fault. The other car was parked. The insurance company was pretty clear on $40 per day, but I suppose I can question them further. They suggested that we try enterprise because they have a direct billing arrangement with them. But I have the most experience w/ National, e.g. I'm an Emerald Club member & seem to do the best with them. My preliminary research puts us in a full size car, like a Taurus. Not exactly what I want to drive- fully packed for 14 days. But the next step up will cost us about $200. beyond our reimbursement.

If your son was at fault then you're limited to the policy limits, BUT talk to Enterprise. They may be able to offer you some type of upgrade. Might you try using Hotwire to rent from the nearest airport?

Revised--I see your in the NYC area. Go throught the yellow pages and try everything including local car dealers and rent a wreck. Your best bet may be to try to get your van driveable enough to make your trip.