USA car hire

[luckystrike]

Hi. I'm going to be hiring a car in the USA this summer. It's something that I've never done before. Does anyone have any hints or tips? Will my UK driving licence suffice? And what about insurance? Many thanks.

[mxyzptlk]

Uk Licence is ok and insurance will be offered. Strongly advise you take the optional (IIRC) collision damage waiver insurance too. Another thing to remember is that a small car to the yanks is around the Mondeo size and don't come much smaller. May also be worth while getting onto the embassy for advice regarding different road ettiquette for area you will be travelling.
It also takes more concentration over there due to driving on the right.

[dr b]

I would talk to your UK insurance company, tell them what you're doing and see if you would be covered under that policy (it's standard in the US that your auto insurance covers the car you are driving, even if it's rented). The reason is that the optional insurance is very expensive (you can tell because they try so hard to sell it to you). Between taxes, fees and insurance you can easily wind up paying an additional 50% over the rental rate. If your UK policy covers you be sure to bring proof of insurance (if you are stopped by the cops, hopefully not for driving on the wrong side of the road, you'll need to show proof that you're insured.)

Where will you be driving, if I may ask?

[Nosha123]

tips.. yes I have one!!!
my boss recently hired from Alamo in Florida...

Be sure to turn the tyres outwards and check the tread on the inside (not normally visible unless you turn the wheel...

Both sides were very very poor - had no tread.. and they got a blowout on the motorway!!!

The tracking on the car was way out!

[dzug2]

By all means check with your UK company, but I am 101% sure they will NOT cover you. That's a purely North American feature and is why cars booked direct in the US are so cheap - just about all Americans are covered by their own policies and give misleading advice on travel boards because they assume it's world wide.

Check out booking through a broker here - Holiday Europe, Holiday Autos, Car hire 3000. They will have an inclusive rate including the insurance you will pay extra for in the US and often work out cheaper.

Or check this lot out:

http://www.carhireinsurance4u.com/

Slight problem is that I understand that if you have an accident you have to pay upfront and then claim off them. (Haven't checked all the fine print though so ICBW)

[KARL]

I suggest you consider taking out a policy for your car hire through www.insurance4carhire.com. Get the details from them (phone if necessary to clear things up), I understand you take out a USA cover policy that means you do not insure through the car hire people at all and you are covered in full. The attractive part with this is that if you have anything to sort out after your return to the UK it is here, not across the Atlantic - and it works out cheaper too except for short hires.

[KARL]

P.S. This probably means you can hire at cheap US rates.

[sitges]

Also, the sooner you book a car the less expensive it will be. The rates go up the closer to the date you need the car. You can save almost 50% if you book 6 months aheade. I realize that you may not have that much time, but I would not wait any longer to book something.

[gazzawazza]

When we went to Florida with TravelCity Direct they played a video on the plane giving driving info just before we landed which I thought was a good idea.
It's ok to turn right on a red light as long as it's clear, and when a school bus stops to pick up or let kids off, ALL traffic on both sides of the road must stop. (I actually forgot about this and everyone tooted angrily at me even though I was going really slowly!!!)
Lane discipline is much more relaxed (ie they overtake both on the left and the right) and slower vehicles are expected to stay in the middle lane. I think that as long as you are aware of this it's actually better than over here.
The interstates and main roads are nice and wide and even when there's eight lanes per carriageway you soon get used to it! Most exits are well signed (they leave from both sides) so get into lane as necessary.
And if you have to stop anywhere at night make sure you do so in a well lit place with lots of people around.

[gazzawazza]

Oh, and we were told that they will offer you an upgrade for something like another $5 per day. We were advised to refuse this as they already have the car waiting for you so you get it anyway!