Rental Car Newbie

[yooperfan]

I want to rent a car at the airport and return it to either the Contemporary or Dolphin. My question is, who would you suggest I contact for prices when the drop off location will not be the same as pick up location. Also, if anyone has ever done this before, can you get a car with unlimited miles this way? We would be picking up the car at the airport around noonon a Friday and dropping it off on-property around 5PM or 6PM Sunday.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

You cannot drop a car at the Contemp. You can at the Swalphin.
National/Alamo are at the Swalphin and car care center.
Go online for the prices for Alamo and National.
Yes, you can get unlimited mileage.

You would qualify for a weekend rate.
Check www.mousesavers.com for codes and legit coupons.

 

[jctwizzer]

We haven't done this, but I think on Sunday you could drop the car off at the car care center and they would take you to the Contemporary...wouldn't hurt to ask....

 

[sgtdisney]

Keep in mind as well if you are picking up by noon on Friday and dropping off at 6PM on Sunday you will be charged for 3 days. I am not sure how long you will be in Orlando, but you may want to try pricing the rental for the length of your trip with a pick up and dropoff at the airport. See how it compares to the 3 day one way rental. It may not be all that much more if you are going to pay to get back to the airport in a limo or on some other transportation company.

 

[Lewisc]

Since your a newbie some suggestions that will save you $:
1) Don't take any of the gas plans. Rent the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.
2) Check your personal auto policy and credit card coverage. Most people are able to waive all of the expensive optional coverages. If you're going waive the coverages read your contract. Some clerks interpert no as no to all but the lower extra coverage.
3) Watch your times. The rental period is based on a 24 hour clock. If you rent at 10:00a and return the car 2:00p the following day you'll pay for 2 days. Many agencies will give you the weekly rate if you rent for at least 5 days. A weekly rate may be cheaper for you.
4)Make sure you have room for your luggage. Some of the compact cars don't have trunks large trunks.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by Lewisc
Since your a newbie some suggestions that will save you $:
1) Don't take any of the gas plans. Rent the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.
2) Check your personal auto policy and credit card coverage. Most people are able to waive all of the expensive optional coverages. If you're going waive the coverages read your contract. Some clerks interpert no as no to all but the lower extra coverage.
3) Watch your times. The rental period is based on a 24 hour clock. If you rent at 10:00a and return the car 2:00p the following day you'll pay for 2 days. Many agencies will give you the weekly rate if you rent for at least 5 days. A weekly rate may be cheaper for you.
4)Make sure you have room for your luggage. Some of the compact cars don't have trunks large trunks.

Also, this doesn't just apply for rentals, but EVERYTHING:

READ BEFORE YOU INITIAL AND/OR SIGN ANYTHING!

I've heard reports, and it happened to me at a HoJo on Long Island where you initial something before you read it and you end up with something you don't want. Particularly the insurance coverage.

Car Rental employees have weekly/monthly quotas of insurance to sell, and can be fired if they don't make that quota. So you'll tell them no, then the clerk will have you initial, saying you accept the coverage.

Just read it before you sign it!

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by SnackyStacky
I've heard reports, and it happened to me at a HoJo on Long Island where you initial something before you read it and you end up with something you don't want. Particularly the insurance coverage.

Just read it before you sign it!

I'm from LI. What HoJo and what did they do? I don't think there very many HoJo's left.

 

[undertheradar]

Like anything else, read everything.

Check to see the rates for multiple days as well as multiple class(size) vehicles. If the company has too many midsize projected to sit, those may be less expensive.

If you belong to AAA, Sam's Club, BJs, Costco, check to see what your member discount is.

Remember to refuel the car before returning it.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by Lewisc
I'm from LI. What HoJo and what did they do? I don't think there very many HoJo's left.

It was a while ago....I think it was in Westbury? I was there for a wedding, and we had been quoted a price at booking. My (now) fiancée initialed the paperwork at checkin, and it was a higher rate. Management refused to honor the quoted rate because she'd signed for the higher one.

 

[Mymatisse]

It was in Westbury right off the Jerico Turnpike. It was a crappy hotel. Don't ever stay there!