Rental questions at Sanford?

[aimcat]

So I usually use Alamo but Alamo is super high right now for the vehicle we need at SFB. Avis has what will work for us but I have never dealt with them at all. Do they have a kiosk or easy check in at Sanford? What kind of hold do they put on my credit or debit card when we pick the vehicle up?

 

[EACarlson]

A debit card will be treated completely differently than a credit card. A debit card is usually held for the full amount plus a full tank of fuel, that hold is released when the charge actually goes through. How long before those funds are actually released back to you is entirely up to your bank, I've heard of waits of over a week. I rented with Avis a month ago and no holds or authorizations showed up on my Chase credit card until after I returned the car. You will not be able to skip the counter with Avis unless you've rented from them previously, you will have to go to the desk so they can confirm your license, credit card and try to sell you insurance again.

 

[aimcat]

Yeah that is the part I hate about the counter, all the upsells? I see that Avis doesnt include an extra driver or the Florida tolls. I think I will need both. There rental for the SUV we need is still 500 less than Alamo...

 

[aimcat]

I checked Budget also and they were even a little less...

 

[EACarlson]

Yeah that is the part I hate about the counter, all the upsells? I see that Avis doesnt include an extra driver or the Florida tolls. I think I will need both. There rental for the SUV we need is still 500 less than Alamo...

Avis does not charge for spouses, domestic partners or co-workers to be additional drivers. For tolls, you can get a UNI from Amazon to cover all of the toll roads in FL. I don't know if SFB has the visitor toll pass that MCO does, but that is a better option if available.

 

[aimcat]

Looks like if I pay cash at tolls that is cheaper than the uni?

 

[EACarlson]

It would be more per toll, but the total cost would probably be less since you don't have to spend the $18 for the UNI. The danger in this is if you hit an unmanned toll or ramp then you would have no choice but to pay Avis' fees.

 

[aimcat]

So the uni you buy that and it takes care of all that? Or is there an extra subscription you get for it?

 

[EACarlson]

So the uni you buy that and it takes care of all that? Or is there an extra subscription you get for it?

You buy the UNI and set up the account. You link a credit card or checking account to it. When you get your rental car, you go into the app and add the license plate to it. Stick the UNI on the windshield behind the mirror and start driving. Any tolls you go through will be charged at a discounted rate and come out of your account, when the account gets to low it automatically replenishes from the credit card or checking account.