Rental car insurance?

[frost5000]

My sister and I are trying to take my 2 (DS -10, DS-11)kids to Disney in the fall. We need transportation to and from Philly as CHEAP as possible, so we figure we'll have to drive. My car insurance doesn't cover rentals, and my sister lives in NYC, so no car (or insurance). My mother is having a nervous breakdown (you'd think we were kids ourselves the way she's going on...) because she is sure we won't be able to afford insurance through the car rental. I know the insurance they sell is astronomical (about how much is it??)- is there another way?? Any ideas would be helpful - we're both over 25 and have good driving records. Thanks!!
inkbounc

 

[TravelSheryl]

It can be $20/day or more. I would first contact your car insurance carrier to find out how much it would cost to add that coverage to your current policy. It will probably be cheaper to do it that way.

 

[Beverly Lynn]

you will also want to check with your visa/mastercard company if you are using them as well. if you are using say a visa gold it also have car rental coverage. it will basically pick up what your own car insurance doesn't.

 

[frost5000]

Thanks, I called my insurance co. - no deals there. Apparently I would have to add rental insurance for the entire year costing hundreds more. I don't have a gold card, just the basics, so I don't think that will help. Thinking maybe Greyhound would be cheaper?? does anyone know where the greyhound station is in Orlando? thanks again!!!!

 

[beaker]

Do you have to drive? we usaully drive to wdw about 10 hrs for us but once we get on property we never touch the car again. justv love not having to drive!! but we don't mine walking or waiting for public
transportation all part of the fun. i believe Mears transportation airport to hotel runs around $27/person not sure about kid prices. tiffany which will give you a driver and a towncar is about $80. hope this helps

 

[Lewisc]

Check on getting a Diners credit card. The car insurnace they have is primary and may be sufficient. I'd also double check with your insurance agent. NY policies include rental coverage (by law) and I thought the cost in other states is nominal. You might also shop car rental (with insurance) rates. It's possible a local car dealer or a "rent a wreck" type agency may have a decent deal. I suspect greyhound won't be much cheaper.

 

[TravelSheryl]

You may want to contact Greyhound to find out how much it would cost. Be sure to let them know how many adults and how many children. I'm not sure it would be any cheaper than flying because airfares out of Philly can be pretty cheap with advance planning.

 

[TravelSheryl]

beaker, I think Frost is looking for transportation from Philly to Orlando, not once she's in Orlando.

 

[frost5000]

WOW - you guys are fast!! Before I discovered this board I NEVER thought I'd be able to take my kids to Disney - but it looks like after this glitch is solved we may be on our way. PENNA. seems to have wacky insurance laws, but I'll continue to check it out. Greyhound is offering a buyone get one fare if we leave the week before Sept. - $310. round trip for the four of us, so that may be a backup solution. I just started looking at airfare (something else I never thought I could afford) - We'll see what happens. Thanks for all of the suggestions!!

 

[Brer boy]

Frost, let's look at some options. When are you going? There is a special for September where children fly/stay free at WDW. It's specifically targeted for the Northeast including Philly. Pete has it posted all over the place. Also, I did a quick search for flights in September and they were in the $163 range. At $650 for 4 of you, that's not bad. When looking at driving/bus, you have to consider time, unless that is not a problem. It can chew up a whole day on each end of your vacation. Just some other options to consider.