Questions about car rental with National

[Mom+4]

I have never rented a car before. We always drive wherever we go, but I found GREAT airline tix a few months ago, and bought them. I also got a great deal on a full size car from National Emerald Aisle ($180 taxes included for 12/17 to 12/26). My questions are:

1. Where can I find a list of what is considered a full size car for National? I would like to know if the cars I see on the aisle are full size or intermediate so that in the event there are no full size, I will realize that and ask someone.

2. What happens if our flight is late? Will National hold a car for us?

3. My DH will need to drive the car also. I know that with Emerald Aisle there is no charge for this, but do I need to fill out some form at MCO saying that we will both be driving the car? (We both have job interviews while we are down there, in the hopes that we will relocate to Orlando next summer).

4. Do I need to let my insurance company know before the trip that I will be renting a car?

5. What do I do if there is a problem with the car (Flat tire, won't start, etc.)?

Thanks for helping a novice.

 

[drusba]

1. Full size is a Buick Regal or similar, see http://www.nationalcar.com/servlet/DocHandler/index.html?7507e5f0c3f4d856

2. If late, you still just go to the Aisle and get a car (it will be open and have cars whenever you arrive). If you know you are going to be several hours late you should call and let them know if you can --the contract you got when you reserved has an 800 number to call.

3. Both can drive car, no extra charge when husband and wife. You may need to let them know by showing both driver's licences when you get car.

4. No need to tell your insurance carrier. Your insurance should cover anything even though it is a rental car but check your policy to assure (generally mainstream companies policies like State Farm and Allstate provide coverage). If so you do not need to and should not purchase any of the insurances offered by National--those offered by car rental companies are at exhorbitant rates and are unnecessary if you already have car insurance (their daily rate for insurance when you multiply to a yearly rate is about 5 to 10 times higher than regular auto insurance.

5. Contract you get when you pick up car will have number to call if anything goes wrong with car and National will send someone if you are stranded.

 

[DisPadre]

We just got back yesterday. We did the Emerald Aisle thing and got a full size for $115 plus taxes and other charges (totaled $152) for a week. There wasn't anything great on the Aisle when we got there. Chevy Malibu was the best. We were told we could also take anything off of the Full Size Aisle so we got a Toyota Camry. As far as upgrading to an SUV or mini-van, it's really hit or miss with the Emerald Aisle, but for $115 we took the chance and still got a decent full size. To get the cheapest rate follow all the suggestions on mousesavers.com. Also, if you're looking for a minivan, we checked out L&M while we were there nad the looked pretty reputable. New vans and lots of them!!! $165 was the price while we were there. Good luck!!

 

[melanieewr]

Mom+4;

Could you pm me and tell me how you got that rate? Our dates are the 18-26 and the best rate that I can get is $223. I have tried lots of codes but the resv. site usually kicks at least the coupon or contract code out saying that it is during blackout dates. I am a member of almost every travel club out there and I have tried every code on the mousesavers site so I am wondering what I am doing wrong.

Thanks A Bunch
Melanie

 

[DebbieB]

Good idea reserving a full size in case there are none on the EA. When I arrrived last Saturday all they had on the aisle were intermediates, some even looked smaller. There was a Grand Am and an Alero, both intermediate. I wasn't sure what the rest were but they were small. Since I reserved a full size, I went there (next aisle over) and there were 15 or 20 to pick from, mostly Malibu's. I took an Olds Intrigue.