Renting multiple vehicles - help?

[Nana2Callie]

We are planning a large (20+ people) family vacation to WDW next year as a gift to our grown children. So, we are paying... and I need to rent 3 minivans.

How exactly do I do this? Obviously, we are not the drivers on all the vehicles - do I have to pay extra to add drivers.

Do I rent in my name or their name? Does my CC still cover the insurance?

How do I get a good deal on so many vehicles - we usually rent Budget. Our choices are limited?

Thanks,

 

[Nana2Callie]

Anyone?

 

[rwdavis2]

Why don't you call Budget?

 

[Nana2Callie]

What a novel idea? Didn't see the forest for the trees - I will call. thanks,

 

[rwdavis2]

What a novel idea? Didn't see the forest for the trees - I will call. thanks,

I hope you didn't take what I said as sarcastic. That's such a tough question that only the company could answer it. I'm curious as to the answer as well.

 

[Lewisc]

I'd be surprised if a discount for renting 3 vehicles wound up being cheaper then just searching for the best available rate.

Why not just reserve the vans in the name of the person who'll be driving using their credit card? You could either suggest the cost of the rental is their contribution toward the price of the trip, give them money when the bill comes in or wait in line when you return the vans and ask to have the charges put through on your card. Keep all the paperwork if you do this. You don't want to be paying twice. Don't like any of those ideas. Get additional credit cards on your account in your kids name. Give them the card on the plane going and collect it on the plane going home.

Assume you manage to reserve 3 vans on one credit card. I'd be concerned the "system" or an audit might pick it up as duplicate reservations cancelling 2 out 3 or maybe even all 3.

There is a surcharge for young (under 25) drivers.

 

[HookdonWDW]

We are planning a large (20+ people) family vacation to WDW next year as a gift to our grown children. So, we are paying... and I need to rent 3 minivans.

How exactly do I do this? Obviously, we are not the drivers on all the vehicles - do I have to pay extra to add drivers.

Do I rent in my name or their name? Does my CC still cover the insurance?

How do I get a good deal on so many vehicles - we usually rent Budget. Our choices are limited?

Thanks,

Here's the answer if you still need it... this answer applies to Avis and Budget:

Renting multiple vehicles:

- Since you can only drive one vehicle at a time, you can only rent one vehicle at a time. You can be the lead on one vehicle, and your spouse can be the lead on a second vehicle. For the third, you will need to have another person, over the age of 25, rent the vehicle. Each lead renter will need to have a valid driver's license and a credit card/debit card. Even though you can't have three vehicles in your name, the amount of the rental is put on hold on your credit card until the vehicle is returned. When you go to return the vehicles, you can charge all 3 on your credit card if you would like.

- Additional Drivers: Spouses drive for free. All other Additional Drivers need to be 25+. Additional Driver fee applies for EACH additional driver. There are some exceptions to this (ie. USAA Members, some corporate customers, active military on official orders, etc...)

- Insurance: Check with your credit card/ insurance company to see what is and isn't covered. Basically, the lead driver for each vehicle has liability for that vehicle. If there is an accident, it's hard to know whether or not insurance will cover it ahead of time. If the lead driver isn't driving, their insurance may deny the claim, because they weren't driving and they don't own the vehicle. The additional driver's insurance may not cover it because they didn't rent the vehicle. Best advice is check with your insurance company and the credit card company. Find out what their policies are on Additional Drivers, Loss of Use, and Specialty Vehicle rentals (SUVs and Vans are in a different category than cars).

- Discounts on multiple vehicles: Since you can only rent one vehicle in your name, there really isn't a "multiple vehicle discount". With that said, you may be able to get a coupon or discount code from a friendly customer service agent. Generally the best rates are available through Costco or USAA.

Good Luck!

 

[gmeh1]

Here's the answer if you still need it... this answer applies to Avis and Budget:

Renting multiple vehicles:

- Since you can only drive one vehicle at a time, you can only rent one vehicle at a time. You can be the lead on one vehicle, and your spouse can be the lead on a second vehicle. For the third, you will need to have another person, over the age of 25, rent the vehicle. Each lead renter will need to have a valid driver's license and a credit card/debit card. Even though you can't have three vehicles in your name, the amount of the rental is put on hold on your credit card until the vehicle is returned. When you go to return the vehicles, you can charge all 3 on your credit card if you would like.

- Additional Drivers: Spouses drive for free. All other Additional Drivers need to be 25+. Additional Driver fee applies for EACH additional driver. There are some exceptions to this (ie. USAA Members, some corporate customers, active military on official orders, etc...)

- Insurance: Check with your credit card/ insurance company to see what is and isn't covered. Basically, the lead driver for each vehicle has liability for that vehicle. If there is an accident, it's hard to know whether or not insurance will cover it ahead of time. If the lead driver isn't driving, their insurance may deny the claim, because they weren't driving and they don't own the vehicle. The additional driver's insurance may not cover it because they didn't rent the vehicle. Best advice is check with your insurance company and the credit card company. Find out what their policies are on Additional Drivers, Loss of Use, and Specialty Vehicle rentals (SUVs and Vans are in a different category than cars).

- Discounts on multiple vehicles: Since you can only rent one vehicle in your name, there really isn't a "multiple vehicle discount". With that said, you may be able to get a coupon or discount code from a friendly customer service agent. Generally the best rates are available through Costco or USAA.

Good Luck!

Avis will rent to under 25 but over 21. 21-24 will pay approx. 27.00 per day as an underage fee. There are restrictions on what someone in that under 25 age category can rent. You can get that info under their FAQ section.

 

[gmeh1]

We are planning a large (20+ people) family vacation to WDW next year as a gift to our grown children. So, we are paying... and I need to rent 3 minivans.

How exactly do I do this? Obviously, we are not the drivers on all the vehicles - do I have to pay extra to add drivers.

Do I rent in my name or their name? Does my CC still cover the insurance?

How do I get a good deal on so many vehicles - we usually rent Budget. Our choices are limited?

Thanks,

No you are not limited in your choice of rental companies. You can rent three vehicles if you so desire and you can use your credit card for all of them with certain agencies. If you are a member of some agencies programs, your additional driver is free for each rental. When I worked for National/Alamo we had many people from Europe rent more than 1 vehicle all on one credit card for all of the reservations. They had joined Insiders and rented under the Insider's log in. They did go to the counter for these transactions and when they exited, they lined up at the booth with the major renter being last in line as he had to be present as the other cars exited and we had to see his license and the license of the driver of the vehicle. they exited the garage and the main renter brought up the rear, his vehicle was "assigned" and off the convoy went. Very easy and it was actually fun......most of the time.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Avis will rent to under 25 but over 21. 21-24 will pay approx. 27.00 per day as an underage fee. There are restrictions on what someone in that under 25 age category can rent. You can get that info under their FAQ section.

This is true, but under 25 can only rent base cars (sub-compact through full size). They can not rent minivans, SUVs, Specialty Vehicles or "Cool Cars" (luxury/sports cars). Also, you can rent at 18 in the State of NY. In order to drive and Avis/Budget vehicle if you are under 25, you have to have a major credit card IN YOUR OWN name and be the lead driver on the vehicle (categories listed above). Under 25's can't be Additional Drivers.

 

[Shea&Van]

wrong place, sorry

 

[Nana2Callie]

I hope you didn't take what I said as sarcastic. That's such a tough question that only the company could answer it. I'm curious as to the answer as well.

Not at all... I did call Budget and what they said was... that if we rented the vehicles in our name and credit card - then we would need to pay the additional driver fee for all vehicles.

 

[Nana2Callie]

No you are not limited in your choice of rental companies. You can rent three vehicles if you so desire and you can use your credit card for all of them with certain agencies. If you are a member of some agencies programs, your additional driver is free for each rental. When I worked for National/Alamo we had many people from Europe rent more than 1 vehicle all on one credit card for all of the reservations. They had joined Insiders and rented under the Insider's log in. They did go to the counter for these transactions and when they exited, they lined up at the booth with the major renter being last in line as he had to be present as the other cars exited and we had to see his license and the license of the driver of the vehicle. they exited the garage and the main renter brought up the rear, his vehicle was "assigned" and off the convoy went. Very easy and it was actually fun......most of the time.

We are limited by the fact we live in a small town and only have Budget, National and Avis.

 

[Lewisc]

We are limited by the fact we live in a small town and only have Budget, National and Avis.

You're renting 3 vans and driving to WDW? What exact location are you renting from? Is it an airport location or local location?

 

[rdevine10]

Of the companies you listed, National offers a free 2nd driver when you join the emerald club.

Honestly, I think the easiest way to do it would be have each family rent the car and you give them the money for it. Example: say each van costs $400, then give each family $400 cash and have them use their credit card to do it.

However, there may be an easier way.

 

[Nana2Callie]

Yes, that is about what we've figured out is to each rent in their own name and us pay them back cash. We are renting for airport in Fort Smith AR and driving. It is a huge family vacation...

 

[Lewisc]

Yes, that is about what we've figured out is to each rent in their own name and us pay them back cash. We are renting for airport in Fort Smith AR and driving. It is a huge family vacation...

Reason I asked...the resale value of the vehicle is directly related to the number of miles on the vehicle. Unlimited mileage is intended to mean you won't be nickle and dimed under normal rental circumstances. Normal meaning you fly into the airport, drive in the area then return the car back to the same airport.

Agencies have polices which impact one way renters and renters who plan on driving long distances. Enterprise typically limits the geographic area you're allowed to drive you car. Customers who need to expand the area pay more and/or pay for miles.

I did a "test reservation" for a mini van at Fort Smith airport with Budget. This is the "fine print" for your local airport for a minivan

mileage charge: 1,200 free miles then .25 USD / add'l mi

You need to estimate the total number of miles you'll be driving. Add at least 100 miles to cover driving around Orlando and to cover times you may exit the interstate and drive a few miles in order to find a suitable restaurant.

Get the total charge. Repeat the process for each agency. Make sure the rate isn't contingent on flying in or out of the airport.

Budget, this location, has a cancellation charge. That's actually good. It makes it harder for them to justify overbooking.

edited to add: You'll save the airport fees if you find a local (neighborhood) location. I'd be surprised if can get a good rate on a mini-van, for the number of miles you'll be driving, but it's worth checking.

The "old" logic says renting a vehicle and getting some money is better then letting it set in the lot unrented. New logic says keep it on the lot unrented if you're not going to get enough money to cover the diminished value of the vehicle as a result of miles driven. Keeping a few cars on the lot give the agency the ability to get $$$ from a last minute renter.

I checked for you. All three agencies, FSM airport mini-van rental, will be charging for excess miles. National .30 after 1150 miles. I checked assuming a 7 day rental. A 14 day rental should give you twice the miles. It will probably pay to rent for 2 weeks, even if you have to keep the van in your house for a few days after you return home. Remember to include the miles from your home to the airport both directions when you do the math.

MY POST DOESN'T READ THE WAY I INTENDED IT TO READ. IT SOUNDS LIKE I'M lecturing the OP. I have no reason to assume she isn't aware of what it will cost to rent a minivan. I'm not edited the post because other people reading the thread might not be aware of what it can cost to rent a vehicle and drive it long distances.

 

[gmeh1]

This is true, but under 25 can only rent base cars (sub-compact through full size). They can not rent minivans, SUVs, Specialty Vehicles or "Cool Cars" (luxury/sports cars). Also, you can rent at 18 in the State of NY. In order to drive and Avis/Budget vehicle if you are under 25, you have to have a major credit card IN YOUR OWN name and be the lead driver on the vehicle (categories listed above). Under 25's can't be Additional Drivers.

I believe I said there is a limit on what an under 25 can rent and I also referenced the FAQ section. I don't need to detail what people can actually read if they have the desire.

 

[gmeh1]

Of the companies you listed, National offers a free 2nd driver when you join the emerald club.

Honestly, I think the easiest way to do it would be have each family rent the car and you give them the money for it. Example: say each van costs $400, then give each family $400 cash and have them use their credit card to do it.

However, there may be an easier way.

There are limits on the additional driver with National's Emerald Club.

Unless applicable law requires otherwise, the Vehicle may only be driven by you
or an Additional Authorized Driver. An "Additional Authorized Driver" is an
individual who (i) is a capable and validly licensed driver for the type of Vehicle
being rented, (ii) is at least 21 years of age (a young renter fee may apply for
drivers under age 25), (iii) has your prior permission to drive the Vehicle, and (iv)
is either a member of your immediate family who permanently resides with you,
or a fellow employee who drives the Vehicle for business purposes. You will not
allow use of the rental vehicle by any driver in violation of the requirements set
forth above. Your immediate family members includes your parent, child, spouse
or a domestic partner. In addition to the above, Additional Authorized Drivers
who otherwise meet National’s qualifications can be added at the time of rental.
The Additional Authorized Drivers and you are referred to collectively in the
Agreement as Authorized Driver(s).

 

[gmeh1]

We are limited by the fact we live in a small town and only have Budget, National and Avis.

I did not know that from your other posts.