Priceline.com and car rentals!!!

[momrek06]

HOWDY

I was wondering if any Transportation DISer's can give me some advice on how to correctly use priceline.com to rent a car. I will need a mini-van in Washington DC. Actually, I will be landing at BWI (SWA) and renting the van there and spending 5 days in DC.

Also, does anyone know if you can get a bigger van that holds 8 people?

I was looking at priceline and noted that (I think) you bid a "daily" rate and not a week rate, is that right?

The trip is not until June. When would be the best time to book this van?

ANY TIPS AT ALL WILL BE APPRECIATED!!!! :

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

This link may help you:

http://www.bidontravel.com/cars.html

 

[momrek06]

Hi,

This link may help you:

http://www.bidontravel.com/cars.html

Thanks, Bob!! :

 

[Vijoge]

also try www.biddingfortravel.com

Generally, you get the best deal on priceline car rentals about a week before you pick it up.

I would reserve something now, online, from one of the rental cos. websites and then try for a priceline rental about a week-10 days before my trip. If successful, cancel the other reservation.

 

[bab31]

I find if you go to hotwire and check what your rate will be renting thru them. Then go to priceline and bid at least 30% lower- even 40 - if your bid is rejected you may change two items - for example - car class and dollar amount. if it is rejected again you may rebid in72 hours. You may want to bid a rediculous low amount just to get a feel for the site. I did this originally. Beware your dates times and where you are picking up at must be correct. Once your bid is accepted it is yours. I have rented thru priceline the last 3 times I needed a car rental and was satisfied. coupons and such did not help as much as renting at priceline for me.

 

[uva185]

There is one thing that concerns me with bidding for a car on priceline. This may or may not affect you but I thought I'd point it out. Many credit cards offer free rental insurance when you rent a car using the credit card. My worry is since it was rented with priceline and the charge shows up as priceline then the credit card may not offer the complimentary insurance on the rental. However if you are purchasing the CDW or LDW I guess it doesn't matter though. Maybe someone else has more experience with that.

 

[momrek06]

Thanks everyone for all the replies. I really appreciate it. :
I am "practicing" and reading through all the FAQ's on priceline and on hotwire. I actually bid $15.00 for a mini-van but was turned down (as I figured) but I am going to continue to make sure I read all the fine print.

Thanks for the other sites as well....bidding for travel!!!

uva185, I have a special rider on my car insurance that I decline all car rental insurances as this rider covers me completely. The cost yearly (I believe is like $150.00) but saves me a ton as we do travel quite a bit and use car rentals. This will be my FIRST time using priceline.

There is one thing that concerns me with bidding for a car on priceline. This may or may not affect you but I thought I'd point it out. Many credit cards offer free rental insurance when you rent a car using the credit card. My worry is since it was rented with priceline and the charge shows up as priceline then the credit card may not offer the complimentary insurance on the rental. However if you are purchasing the CDW or LDW I guess it doesn't matter though. Maybe someone else has more experience with that.