Car hire in the USA

[SurreyGuy]

I'm going out there in June.

Is there any benefit trying to organise my car hire (probably for 2days at most) prior to going or shoudl I wait till I'm there?

T.I.A.

[mushroom25]

in my experience, it doesn't matter whether you book ahead or do it on the day, you still end up having an argument with the counter clerk.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks :o)

[dannydingbat]

Before you go, definately. Go through an internet agency, like Travel Supermarket because you get everything thrown in and pay less. Doing it over there will attract payments for extras which you can't avoid. Most car hire firms will offer better deals by you booking in the UK beofre you go

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks

[dzug]

I'd say here but for one thing - most of the deals are for 3 days or more.

So price both and bear in mind that a quote you get there will probably not include insurance.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks.

How come it won't include insurance? Is that what "collision damage waiver" is?

[dzug]

Yes CDW is the eqivalent of insurance.

It's not included in rentals because most US car policies cover rental cars - and most US credit cards also include insurance for rentals charged to them. So local hirers generally have no need of it.

Beware well-meaning Americans who tell you you don't need it - no UK credit card and no UK car policy covers you. They will assume it does.

[SurreyGuy]

Hi dzug

So how come any car hire I organise B4 I go won't include insurance?

Also, not really sure what u meant about "price both........"

[dzug]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. What I meant was:

Price the hire through a consolidator here (eg auto europe, holiday autos - there are loads) - it will be a pretty much all inclusive price.

Then price it (online) through a rental firm or firms in the US - these will probably show CDW as an 'optional' extra.

If you turn up and rent in the US CDW will also be an 'optional' extra.

For a short hire such as yours I'm not sure which will turn out cheaper.

You do need the CDW - if you don't take it you are liable for the full cost of replacing the car, and possibly lost rental fees, in the event of a serious accident.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks dzug