Driving a rental car in America?

Hurley6969

Does anyone know the way renting a car works in the US. As in if you have an accident here do they look for that there and give a loading on the car because of your previous accident or do they just put on a loading because of something like your age?
Do you need to bring anything else other than you license to the rental car place to get one?
Thanks.

Heroditas

I wasn't asked anything. I booked the car online and then showed them my passport and driver's licence in the rental pick-up point. They handed over the keys and I drove off.

However - make sure you check every piece of small print regarding the costs. We picked up the car in Oregon and dropped it off in LA. We knew it was much dearer that way but there can be a load of extras and hidden charges in the contract. We paid an awfully lot more than we expected to, despite taking into account the "fine" for dropping off the car in another state.

Oh we rented from Hertz. Not the most helpful of crews if you want to contact them regarding a query

Steve

Hurley6969 wrote: »

Does anyone know the way renting a car works in the US. As in if you have an accident here do they look for that there and give a loading on the car because of your previous accident or do they just put on a loading because of something like your age?
Do you need to bring anything else other than you license to the rental car place to get one?
Thanks.

Booking online is wayyy cheaper. your Irish driving licence and a credit card are all that are required.
They don't ask anything about your driving history.

Make sure you take out appropriate insurance with the rental. CDW - collision damage waiver and LDW - loss damage waiver are probably all you need. There are extras like personal injury and contents but I never use them.

You also have to be a minimum age to rent which varies from state to state.

blade999

Twice now in florida I've rented cars ie. dodge chargers! I find when i got there I played one rental desk off another and got the best price in about 15mins! All they want is your license and your money!!!
If you do book online ask for a upgrade when picking it up as they did it free for me the first time when i booked online.

charlesD

SteveC wrote: »

You also have to be a minimum age to rent which varies from state to state.

This depends, typically to qualify for insurance, you need to be at least 25, but you should be able to find someone to rent to you even if you are under 25. It will just be sans insurance.


Like Heroditas said, make sure you go over all the fine print and are clear about what you are using the car for. If you are going to be taking the car across state lines, make sure you mention this as well.

As is the case anywhere, make sure you look at the car before you drive it with the renter and point out any existing damage to the car.

Steve

charlesD wrote: »

This depends, typically to qualify for insurance, you need to be at least 25, but you should be able to find someone to rent to you even if you are under 25. It will just be sans insurance.

True but I've heard it's nigh on impossible to get independent insurance without an address in the USA and an American credit card registered to that address.
I don't know that for sure but it's what I was told by a mate living there.

I personally wouldn't be happy having independent insurance should the worst happen - especially if I was only going to be there for a week or two.
Americans = paperwork + lawsuits.

mickoneill30

One tip that has saved me money is to book online and book the smallest car. Any time I've booked the smallest car they've never had them and got upgraded for free.

However if you walk in and ask for their cheapest car you might find the cheapest one they have is 2 levels up from their cheapest one online. In Boston I got stuck with a huge Ford POS and had to pay extra for a GPS that I didn't want (because it came with the car).

However petrol costs shag all

charlesD

SteveC wrote: »

True but I've heard it's nigh on impossible to get independent insurance without an address in the USA and an American credit card registered to that address.
I don't know that for sure but it's what I was told by a mate living there.

I personally wouldn't be happy having independent insurance should the worst happen - especially if I was only going to be there for a week or two.
Americans = paperwork + lawsuits.

This is a good point, I am not sure how that would work.

By independent insurance, do you mean separate from the rental company?

If so, most rental companies offer an insurance option, so for a short stay, this would probably be the best bet.

Steve

charlesD wrote: »

By independent insurance, do you mean separate from the rental company?

Yep.
I'm pretty sure you'd need proof of insurance before renting as well. A lot of residents there would rent cars on their own insurance.

If so, most rental companies offer an insurance option, so for a short stay, this would probably be the best bet.

Yep. I agree.

Hurley6969

Cheers, Thanks for all the info.

Johnny Storm

I found these guys quite good.
http://www.expedia.com/daily/cars/default.asp


I also agree with booking the cheapest/smallest.

Watch out for CDW= Collision Damage Waiver = "insurance" - can often cost more than the car itself.
You can also look up discount codes for the particular car rental company on Google. Can save a % or get free CDW when available.