Renting car for first time ?s

[GCM]

My husband and I are thinking of renting a car through Alamo for our upcoming trip to DW this year as our vehicle has some miles on it and we worry about taking it on such a long trip. We have never rented before and have a couple questions.

1. Is it cheaper to rent by the day or week? In checking it seems to be almost as much for a day than it does for a week, but that just doesn't seem right. I wonder if I am doing something wrong.

2. Do you purchase any of the extra things when you rent, i.e., Collision Damage Waiver Full, Extended Protection, Roadside Plus, Return Fuel at any Level?


Thanks so much!

 

[Big Willie]

You'll get varying opinions on #2.

1. You are correct. Weekly rates are normally cheaper than the same time period added up daily. Basically, the weekly rates start at the 5 day point.

2. There are lots of legal matters here. Plus, these are big money makers for the car company which clouds the issue. "MOST" major insurance coverage (your personal insurance) is extended to rental car coverage. Call your local agent and verify. Also, lots of credit cards will cover your rental if used. Again, contact the your credit card company. Get the facts from YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY and YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY!

Personally, Nationwide covers me when I rent for personal use so I decline. For my business trip rentals ( I travel two weeks a month) I decline because my Corporate American Express provides coverage.

Fuel - "To thine own self be true" If you purchase the gas remember there is no reimbursement for unused fuel. It is EASY in that you dont have to fill the tank. But I have a problem giving the rental company a car with my gas. This is another big money maker for the company. My bro-n-law did it one trip to Disney. He turned in a car with 3/4 tank of gas left. But it is convenient.

Good Luck

 

[francie57]

In addition to the info you have been given, make sure that you are able to take the car that far. Some rental companies do not allow for long distances like that. If the company doesn't allow it and you decide to go anyway and have an accident you could be in big trouble with the rental company. Make sure you read the fine print and ask about that.

 

[GCM]

Thanks for this information! I am going to do some more research and see if it will even cover the miles we would be traveling. If it does, I will then check with both our insurance and our credit card to see if accident coverage would be included. It still just blows my mind that it is as cheap to rent for a week over a day! Oh, well, I'm sure they know what they are doing....making money!

Thanks!!!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

In addition to the info you have been given, make sure that you are able to take the car that far. Some rental companies do not allow for long distances like that. If the company doesn't allow it and you decide to go anyway and have an accident you could be in big trouble with the rental company. Make sure you read the fine print and ask about that.

If you use one of the big carriers, there should NEVER be an issue, it's often the smaller, more localized carriers that this becomes an issue.

That said, if driving long distances, look at the mileage allowances, some classes of vehicles have allowances and if you go over the allowance, you are charged a per mile rate there after. Typically vehicles that commonly have mileage limits are high-end vehicles (ie. Hertz Prestige, Fun and Adrenaline series), minivans, full size vans and one way rentals.

1. Is it cheaper to rent by the day or week? In checking it seems to be almost as much for a day than it does for a week, but that just doesn't seem right. I wonder if I am doing something wrong.

Typically week rentals are lower per day in cost then daily rentals. That said, do not attempt to circumvent the daily/weekly rental pricing by booking more days then you need, rental companies reserve the right to reprice your rental if you fail to meet the rate requirements.

2. Do you purchase any of the extra things when you rent, i.e., Collision Damage Waiver Full, Extended Protection, Roadside Plus, Return Fuel at any Level?

Do I, no, never. I have really good insurance (from the #1 US Carrier in customer service) and as being a resident of NY, I know my insurance carries over to rentals without issue. I also have secondary coverage on my American Express. I don't purchase fuel as I don't ever have an issue filling up the rental before I return it.