any car rental company horror story?

[andylawcc]

Going to rent a car for the first time... anything I should be aware of ? (i know there will be tons of miscellaneous surcharges and fee, and i will remember to fill up the tank before returning otherwise more rapage will commence)

 

[Greenman]

There are two kinds of car that can go anywhere, a four wheel drive and a rental.

 

[nageov3t]

rented a car last summer for a long-ass road trip.

no major problems...they nickel and dime you for gas if it's not at the exact spot it was before they gave it to you (and no credit if you fill it up, natch) but that's to be expected.

 

[chusteczka]

You will most likely need a credit card and home phone number. They will probably try to get your cell phone number also. Be sure you know before you go how you will provide for insurance. You have three choices for insurance:

• purchase insurance from them for a daily rate,
• use the insurance you have for your own vehicle, or
• your credit card may offer rental insurance when you use the card to pay the entire bill.

The selection you choose depends on how you want to handle any accident.

If you pay the daily insurance rate from the rental company, you can walk away from the damaged vehicle and immediately put that issue behind you.

If you use your own vehicle insurance, first ensure your policy will cover rentals. In the event of an accident, your insurance policy will cover the damages. This may result in an increase to your insurance premium.

I do not know the results of an accident with coverage from a credit card. It would be good to call up your credit card benefits number and ask them about it.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: loki8481
rented a car last summer for a long-ass road trip.

no major problems...they nickel and dime you for gas if it's not at the exact spot it was before they gave it to you (and no credit if you fill it up, natch) but that's to be expected.

which company? I know they are franchise so your good experience with that one company may not tranlsate to mine.

Originally posted by: chusteczka
If you pay the daily insurance rate from the rental company, you can walk away from the damaged vehicle and immediately put that issue behind you.

If you use your own vehicle insurance, first ensure your policy will cover rentals. In the event of an accident, your insurance policy will cover the damages. This may result in an increase to your insurance premium.

I do not know the results of an accident with coverage from a credit card. It would be good to call up your credit card benefits number and ask them about it.

thanks chusteczka, I always wonder who does those "rental service" provided by credit card works. But since this is a business purpose trip, I will pay the daily rate. Thanks again.

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: andylawcc

Originally posted by: loki8481
rented a car last summer for a long-ass road trip.

no major problems...they nickel and dime you for gas if it's not at the exact spot it was before they gave it to you (and no credit if you fill it up, natch) but that's to be expected.

which company? I know they are franchise so your good experience with that one company may not translate to mine.

Enterprise.

 

[Kaieye]

Check out the car for scratches, dented paint and chipped windows with the salesperson before you sign off. Use American Express card if you can. Fill the tank about ten miles before you return the car to the rental place especially if the gas meter is full.

 

[bctbct]

Always decline the insurance

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