Need Help / General Advice on Car Rentals?

[ZehnJahren]

I have only ever rented a car once (and that on points), but for our 10 day trip in October we're staying offsite so we'll need a car.

What are the best tips to getting the best deal on rental cars? Is there a thread that addresses this, or are these tips kind of spread out on this forum?

How far in advance should I be renting? Are these rentals usually non-refundable, or does it vary?

I have a Costco membership; I read that they have great prices, but for our dates I'm showing almost $400 - is this common for so many days? How do I know if picking up from MCO will allow us the free extra driver Costco advertises through their site, through Alamo? Anyone used this?

Is it worth it to get the tolls prepaid if I don't know where we'll be driving? What really happens if we miss a toll - do we get dinged for a large dollar amount by the car company?

Do you buy insurance? I am checking to see if I'm covered through my car insurance, but so far have just read that I get the "state minimums".

That's all I can think of for now; would appreciate any input!

 

[Ranger111]

You have asked a very "large" and "open question. Rather than try and give you some tips, which I may have wrong....I might suggest something else.

Rather than getting all sorts of disjointed tips, maybe reading some well-done articles written by professionals would help.

First of all, check out this Web article:

http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3612.html

Second, go to google and type in search terms such as "car rental 101"

Or "how to rent a car" Or "Car rental secrets" You seem intelligent from your post, you can probably think of some other search terms.

I think that might be the easiest....and just so I can say I tried:

1) You will most likely get better rates the closer it gets to the date.

2) Check the car rental sites such as National, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Enterprise, Dollar, Thrifty, Budget, but also the travel sites such as Travelocity, Priceline, Orbitz, Expedia, Hotwire.

3) You may be able to do well by bidding through Priceline, but you are then stuck at that price, when you could do better....I have found Priceline to be much less useful in the past two years....

4) Read threads in the transportation section on disboards. Odds are you will find tips that you can use without having to do any real work on your own.

 

[Thumper_Man]

I have only ever rented a car once (and that on points), but for our 10 day trip in October we're staying offsite so we'll need a car.

What are the best tips to getting the best deal on rental cars? Is there a thread that addresses this, or are these tips kind of spread out on this forum?

They are kinda spread out through this forum. One place people have recommended is carrentalsavers.com. Sometimes you can land some really good rates there.

How far in advance should I be renting?

You can start looking since now, but as you get closer, deals tend to pop up more often. You can book now if you like and if the rates go down, you can modify your reservation to book at the lower rate. Just keep checking.

Are these rentals usually non-refundable, or does it vary?

Some companies offer it. A non-refundable rate you would have to pay in advance. Sometimes you get better deals this way, but if a better deal comes along, you wouldn't be able to rebook at the lower rate.

Most companies will not charge you until after your trip has been completed. Be sure to read the policies carefully as some companies will put a hold on your cc for the amount of the rental plus an additional amount.

I have a Costco membership; I read that they have great prices, but for our dates I'm showing almost $400 - is this common for so many days? How do I know if picking up from MCO will allow us the free extra driver Costco advertises through their site, through Alamo? Anyone used this?

Never have booked through Costco. It will usually state somewhere if the extra driver is free involved. Check the companies website for this information.

Is it worth it to get the tolls prepaid if I don't know where we'll be driving? What really happens if we miss a toll - do we get dinged for a large dollar amount by the car company?

My DW and I usually stay offsite as well. We don't do the prepaid tolls. We take a roll of quarters with us and use the exact coin toll lanes. There are toll lanes to pay in cash and credit or debit card. Depending on where you are staying, you will not inquire many toll roads getting to WDW. You will encounter some on the way, but not worth it for the prepaid option.

I've never been dinged because I've never missed a toll, but I've read that rental companies will you charge you the fine and a fee on top of that. Hopefully others can provide more information on this.

Do you buy insurance? I am checking to see if I'm covered through my car insurance, but so far have just read that I get the "state minimums".

Your car insurance should cover it. Some credit card companies cover it as well. Don't let them trick you into buying this if you don't really need it. They will often say things like you will be charged for every day the car sits in the shop, etc. Your insurance will cover all expenses should an accident occur.

Also, when picking up the rental car, take time to look over the vehicle. Just don't load your stuff and leave. Check for damages to the vehicle. Check and make sure signals, lights and all instruments work. Report it before you leave and make sure they take note.

That's all I can think of for now; would appreciate any input!

Hope I could help. Anymore questions feel free to ask.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

There are many threads on this forum about rental cars. Some post a specific month and people will post if they got a great deal or a discount/coupon code. Mousesavers.com also post codes to help save but I have tried the ones they recently have and they did not work for me. That may not be the case for everybody because I think a lot has to do as to when your dates. I usually use Avis but for our upcoming trip found their rates higher than usual. I went with National and signed up with the Emerald Isle. I will say that I find prices go down as the trip gets closer but that is not always the case. If you find a price that you like, don't pay the upfront cost. Make sure it's something you can cancel if you find a lower rate down the road. I was on Costco.com today looking at rental cars and found prices have gone down about $100 for the dates we will be going to WDW (April). We don't buy insurance, we're covered with car insurance/credit card. But, know your policy. We don't pre-pay gas or tolls either. Sign up for car rental companies loyalty programs, sometimes that helps in getting a better deal.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

You are look way too far I advance. Your best deals will be closer to your trip. I never book my car until the Tues. before I leave. That is when the rental companies release their last minute specials

 

[ZehnJahren]

Wow, thank you all so much for great information! This is a great jumping-off point; looks like I can relax for a bit before starting my rental car journey - I was thinking of it more like airfare, buy early and you'll probably get a decent deal. I will definitely look around the transportation board more, as well as the links posted, and see what more I can learn; may come back with more questions in the summer!