USA car hire advice

Craazysteve

Hi All,
Looking for some top tips for renting cars in the US.

I actually have no experience hiring a car in any country, so all advice appreciated. Haven't driven on the "wrong" side either, but not too worried about that, have plenty of driving experience.

Best companies in your experience? Best value? Who/what to avoid?
Presume I should take out a separate car hire insurance policy in advance...any recommendations on that front?

Will be looking for a pretty standard car type, two drivers, and renting from one city, dropping off in another say San Fran to LA for example.

givyjoe

Craazysteve wrote: »

Hi All,
Looking for some top tips for renting cars in the US.

I actually have no experience hiring a car in any country, so all advice appreciated. Haven't driven on the "wrong" side either, but not too worried about that, have plenty of driving experience.

Best companies in your experience? Best value? Who/what to avoid?
Presume I should take out a separate car hire insurance policy in advance...any recommendations on that front?

Will be looking for a pretty standard car type, two drivers, and renting from one city, dropping off in another say San Fran to LA for example.

Do NOT underestimate this, driving in Europe is one thing, but I've found the US driving experience to be a whole lot more challenging. Suggest a little bit of reading for example on 4 way stops and the fact that you can turn right on red at some junctions. The latter might vary from state to state.

On where to rent from, start with sky scanner. They collate a list of offers from third party agencies discounts, similar to how trivago works for hotels.

Dave 101

Craazysteve wrote: »

Hi All,
Looking for some top tips for renting cars in the US.

I actually have no experience hiring a car in any country, so all advice appreciated. Haven't driven on the "wrong" side either, but not too worried about that, have plenty of driving experience.

Best companies in your experience? Best value? Who/what to avoid?
Presume I should take out a separate car hire insurance policy in advance...any recommendations on that front?

Will be looking for a pretty standard car type, two drivers, and renting from one city, dropping off in another say San Fran to LA for example.

I’ve always used Alamo for car hire in the US. Find them great, decent prices thru arguscarhire.com you can also purchase additional insurance with them

Craazysteve

givyjoe wrote: »

Do NOT underestimate this, driving in Europe is one thing, but I've found the US driving experience to be a whole lot more challenging. Suggest a little bit of reading for example on 4 way stops and the fact that you can turn right on red at some junctions. The latter might vary from state to state.

On where to rent from, start with sky scanner. They collate a list of offers from third party agencies discounts, similar to how trivago works for hotels.

Thanks, I plan on doing my homework on the driving for sure before I head over.
I use Skyscanner plenty for flights, so I'll give it a go for this, thanks.

Craazysteve

Dave 101 wrote: »

I’ve always used Alamo for car hire in the US. Find them great, decent prices thru arguscarhire.com you can also purchase additional insurance with them

Noted, Thanks Dave!

Wildly Boaring

Small thing. Two rentals the the states had a toll tag.

I only copped after a couple days I was getting charged daily when I was on. Cannot remember the specifics but was way cheaper to turn off and pay cash at a toll.

Also "or equivalent" when hiring means anything sorta the same

Wishbone Ash

Craazysteve wrote: »

... Haven't driven on the "wrong" side either, but not too worried about that, have plenty of driving experience....

Driving in the US can be mentally draining especially at large junctions. Overtaking on both sides is also permitted which can be a little intimidating on multi lane roads with a big rig on either side of you. Also, trucks travel much faster in the US - same highway/inter-state speed as ordinary cars.

School buses - you must stop when a school bus is loading/unloading - no overtaking. They are very strict on this.

Paddy@CIRL

I always use Alamo through RentalCars.com, just booked a 'full size' for LA for a week in September for €220 including CDW and unlimited mileage. Again, be weary of what state you're visiting as local traffic laws can vary (no left turns in New Jersey as an example).

Also, car hire in the USA is a completely different experience compared to Europe. Rather than being assigned a car at the desk, you typically book a car type, and take your pick from what's available on the lot. They will also try to up-sell you on everything, so take note of what you're agreeing to in advance. I was caught out once by Dollar on my first solo visit, but never had any issues with Alamo.

Paddy@CIRL

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Driving in the US can be mentally draining especially at large junctions. Overtaking on both sides is also permitted which can be a little intimidating on multi lane roads with a big rig on either side of you. Also, trucks travel much faster in the US - same highway/inter-state speed as ordinary cars.

School buses - you must stop when a school bus is loading/unloading - no overtaking. They are very strict on this.

Another is that stop means stop at a junction. Even if it's clear, you need to bring the car to a full stop, before moving off again.

scannerd

Stick with the big names direct if possible - definitely less chance of hassle. The agents (like on sky scanner) often have low "rental" and "include insurance" but have turn up to collect and the local company doing the rental throws some curve balls, which are never clear enough on the booking details the agency gives.


I've had it range from being "on site" at booking but miles way when you get there, to demanding we take additional insurance even though the booking said it had full cover.



can be a minefield

Anjobe

Paddy@CIRL wrote: »

Another is that stop means stop at a junction. Even if it's clear, you need to bring the car to a full stop, before moving off again.

Just like here then.

Wishbone Ash

Another tip - log the place where you pick up the car in your sat nav or Google maps. It makes it much easier to find your way back a week or two later when everything looks unfamiliar.

(I realise this won't apply to the OP but will for anyone else returning when they picked up).

Kathnora

Well I've found driving in the U.S. less stressful than Europe. The drivers don't speed as much (they actually have good manners!) and they are far more likely to allow you into or out of a lane unlike many European drivers. The latter speed ahead and it's up to you to bully your way across lanes when you want to exit etc. Driving in rural America can be very pleasant as it's a big place and you can often have the highway to yourself.

givyjoe

Kathnora wrote: »

Well I've found driving in the U.S. less stressful than Europe. The drivers don't speed as much (they actually have good manners!) and they are far more likely to allow you into or out of a lane unlike many European drivers. The latter speed ahead and it's up to you to bully your way across lanes when you want to exit etc. Driving in rural America can be very pleasant as it's a big place and you can often have the highway to yourself.

Out of interest, where were you driving?! In New York (and other big cities) it's the polar opposite. Mental altogether.

cavemeister

I used a company called Alamo (pick up and drop off in LAX) - We reserved a full size car for only about 300 Dollars for 2 weeks. If you book online with them you can actually upload your drivers licence to the booking from Ireland and when you arrive at their depot, you just go to the allocated parking lot and choose any car of your choice from whats available.

We got a gorgeous Red Dodge Charger 3L V6 (for only 300 dollars)

Because you booked it all online, you just get into the car and drive out (a lady will scan a barcode on the car as you leave and thats it)

Driving in California is dead simple. I was worried about LA cause of all their merging motorways but you get the hang of it very quickly (took me about 30 mins to be driving like a local)

Americans are all very good drivers and although their cities are jam packed, traffic moves generally very well. Just remember one thing... If you are turning right and the traffic light is red, you are supposed to turn if no one if coming. You will get honked by the cars behind you if you dont.

Best of luck - You will have a blast.

ohnonotgmail

Anjobe wrote: »

Just like here then.

except they enforce it over there. Expect a cop parked up where you cant see them.

Kathnora

We've driven all over the States and of course city driving is that bit more "hairy" than in rural areas. No experience of New York but have driven in Washington, L.A., San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, Denver, Seattle and Las Vegas. I still would prefer to drive in those cities than drive in places like Paris, Rome, Naples, Lisbon and Barcelona all of which were very scary indeed!

cavemeister

Kathnora wrote: »

We've driven all over the States and of course city driving is that bit more "hairy" than in rural areas. No experience of New York but have driven in Washington, L.A., San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, Denver, Seattle and Las Vegas. I still would prefer to drive in those cities than drive in places like Paris, Rome, Naples, Lisbon and Barcelona all of which were very scary indeed!

I agree, I drove in Barcelona a few years ago and to this day, I don't know how I got out alive. Total mayhem!

Tabnabs

Try to get a car with inbuilt sat-nav or bring your own. Let the machine do the navigating and you follow her instructions. Makes it easier for the driver to follow what's going on around them instead of figuring out where to turn, reading road signs etc.

The advice above about school buses is very important, they will crucify you if you disregard it. In some states, (Florida for example) drink driving really isn't culturally frowned upon but the law will not look kindly on it.

Top tip is to get a big American muscle car and enjoy the hell out of it.

I got ripped off by budget car hire in feb ,
I had pre paid 280e and when i got there there was 280 on my bill.
the 2nd 280 was for an upgrade I hadnt asked for nor was told about.
I had booked a focus and the guy said "is a ford fusion ok for you?" .
apparently that was enough.
Was a work trip so they paid but still felt conned.

driving there was fine.
first time driving there.
Out of the airport and straight into downtown Seattle.
When dropping the car back after a weeks driving I drove the wrong way into the car park !!!!!

Kathnora

givy joe..... Don't have experience of New York but have driven in Washington, Boston,Denver, L.A., San Diego, San Francisco and Las Vegas. Ok, city driving is that bit more "hairy" but not nearly as scary as driving in Paris, Rome, Naples, Lisbon or Barcelona where it's madness altogether and if you hesitate for a second at a junction you get blasted by car horns!

grogi

Paddy@CIRL wrote: »

Another is that stop means stop at a junction. Even if it's clear, you need to bring the car to a full stop, before moving off again.

That's the same in here.

Charles Babbage

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

Small thing. Two rentals the the states had a toll tag.

I only copped after a couple days I was getting charged daily when I was on. Cannot remember the specifics but was way cheaper to turn off and pay cash at a toll.

Also "or equivalent" when hiring means anything sorta the same

In the north East, Massachusetts, NY state etc, there are quite a few tolls. The toll tag may have a sliding cover, it will only work with the cover off, so don't drive through the tag only lanes with the cover on!



It might seem obvious, but make sure you have a credit card and bring your licence if renting a car.
Most filling station pumps do not take foreign cards, and some places do not even take them at the desk, so you'll need to prepay cash in most cases to get juice. Fortunately, $30 or $40 does the job, unlike here.

lobbylad

Regarding the school buses, the stopping rule even applies if the school bus os on the other side of the road and there is no central divider. You must stop until the school bus moves off.

Otherwise I agree with most other posters, I've found driving in the US a lot less challenging than most of Europe.

And as regards being on the wrong side, one thing to be careful of is that when you are in the US you will be conscious of it and will find it easy enough. But, when you get home, once off the plane and if you hop into a car on this side of the pond, particularly if you've been 2 weeks in the States, you need to remember to drive on the left hand side here. Its very easy to fall back into autopilot mode here and forget that you are back home and supposed to drive on the left.

Remember to park in the US with the flow of traffic, unlike here, you cannot scoot across the road into a parking spot being faced the wrong way.

Jimbob1977

When you receive the car, take video and photo of the exterior and interior.

Make sure that even the tiniest scratch or scuff on the body or wheels is noted by the agent on the contract.

Sometimes you hear stories of tiny, inconsequential scratches that cost hundreds of euro/dollars/pounds.

For peace of mind, maybe purchase the "super-insurance" on the internet. For a few euro more per day, you can reduce the damage excess (CDW) to NIL. If you don't, you are liable for the excess... say the first €1,500 (as an example) of damage.

It's up to you.... just a gamble, like any insurance

Rural driving is a dream. Good roads and quiet.

It only gets hairy in major cities. Los Angeles is terrible for lane changes without indicating. They are zipping about like flies.

Speed limits are typically similar or lower than Ireland, although some places are higher.

If stopped by police, don't give any backchat or make sudden movements for the glovebox.

slave1

Paddy@CIRL wrote: »

Another is that stop means stop at a junction. Even if it's clear, you need to bring the car to a full stop, before moving off again.

Anjobe wrote: »

Just like here then.

Not like here at all, at a (no traffic lights) junction noone has the right of way in the US.
ALL vehicles must come to a complete stop and then the vehicle that was stopped first moves off first and so on until everyone has made their way through the junction.
It's unusual the first few times but it actually makes perfect sense as once followed there are no collisions/rear endings etc.

Also, in some states you can turn right on a red if the coast is clear (again, only after making a complete stop).

Some parts of the states have time specific speed limits e.g. 45mph until school closing time and then 25mph around the time the school closes for the day and they usually have either flashing lights or signs to tell you.

Another one is the school bus, when the school bus comes to a stop, traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop until the bus starts off again.

Finally, in some states you must turn your lights on in the rain, even a drizzle.

As others have said, drive with care and you will be fine, all the above are highly enforced, always drive with your rental papers, if you are stopped you must produce it and your driver's licence or you will be in BIG bother.

grogi

slave1 wrote: »

Also, in some states you can turn right on a red if the coast is clear (again, only after making a complete stop).

You can also turn left from one way to one way streets.

Nevertheless the only penalty from not doing turns on red is annoyed car behind you, nothing more.

tcawley29

I always had a good experience with Budget in the states. Rented twice in Atlanta and got a free upgrade both times.
Rented once in New York, car had some damage not marked down. I made them aware of this when I was leaving and they marked it on the sheet for me. No problems.

Driving in New York is definitely a bit more hectic than Ireland but keep a clear head and you'll be fine.

Some great advice given here too by other posters regarding junctions and school busses.

Also be careful coming out of carparks that you don't end up on the wrong side of the road. It can happen so just be careful and stick on the right hand side of the road

BailMeOut

book with Nova https://www.novacarhire.com/ (or at least get pricing with them). Your car will end up coming from one of the larger companies however you will pay less.

I travel 3-4 times a year to USA and always use them. Just make sure politely you say NO to everything they try sell you at the counter when you arrive (SatNav, insurance, pre-pay fuel, etc..).

Also be very nice and chatty with the people at the desk when you pick up your car as it is quite easy to charm yourself an upgrade.

smurfjed

One of the things that i love about driving in the USA is that they will allow you hire anything, I got this for 10 days last December, they just gave me the keys and told me to enjoy myself.



Driving was interesting to say the least as it was an aerodynamic nightmare, but i returned it without a scratch.

Generally driving there is easy, renting is super easy, but make sure that you are insured properly. I have previously purchased insurance from Expedia, but when i went to get the car, the rental company told me that they would pursue me for the money and i would have to deal with the Expedia insurance company for a refund.

Download OFFLINE maps on GOOGLE as most rental companies will charge you about $10 per day.

freddieot

I must have driven in the states about 15 times at his stage. Most of the western states including CA,NV, MT etc.

Whether it's big cities like Las Vegas, San Francisco or New York or Yellowstone and rural areas, a Sat Nav is essential.

I usually book with Budget because overall they are usually the cheapest and I've never had a bad experience with them.

One word of advice is get a large car or SUV. If you are going for a few weeks the extra cost overall, spread out, is not too bad and it's far more enjoyable than driving a focus size vehicle which will feel smaller than small when those enormous trucks are passing you out. With Budget some of the SUV hire options come with all insurances built into the rate already which I find to be the best deal.

No matter what option you chose make sure you follow the rules, especially in the small towns (25mph means 25mph - not 30).

Kathnora

Definitely agree with freddieot above re the sat nav. It's absolutely essential. The numbering system they have on roads is incomprehensible (well, it may have been okay if I had time to study it!) and you will get lost very easily without a sat nav.

grogi

Kathnora wrote: »

Definitely agree with freddieot above re the sat nav. It's absolutely essential. The numbering system they have on roads is incomprehensible (well, it may have been okay if I had time to study it!) and you will get lost very easily without a sat nav.

T-Mobile data sim from Walmart and one is sorted...

TomOnBoard

This Guardian article may be useful:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/apr/27/us-road-trips-car-hire-essentials

Pay particular attention to insurance and understand what is included. It's quite different to here.

https://www.icarhireinsurance.com/information-and-news/news/what-insurance-you-need-when-hiring-a-car-in-the-usa

challengemaster

Anjobe wrote: »

Just like here then.

Assuming you're doing a driving test or spotted a garda car eyeing you up, sure. Just like here.

blackbox

You'll need to shop around if you are not returning the car to the place you collected it. Many charge a lot extra for this but some don't charge extra at all. Also watch out for high charges for a driver under 25.

chicorytip

Charles Babbage wrote:

It might seem obvious, but make sure you have a credit card and bring your licence if renting a car. Most filling station pumps do not take foreign cards, and some places do not even take them at the desk, so you'll need to prepay cash in most cases to get juice. Fortunately, $30 or $40 does the job, unlike here.

What about Visa Debit cards? Are they accepted as a form of payment for the rental as opposed to just the booking deposit?

Charles Babbage

chicorytip wrote: »

What about Visa Debit cards? Are they accepted as a form of payment for the rental as opposed to just the booking deposit?

Not usually. Some will, but be careful to establish this in advance.
I had a problem some years ago when I booked a Hertz car with Autoeurope, Bank of Ireland then cancelled my credit card because of another unrelated fraud issue and it would have taken a week to get a new card sent to the US. I was able to change my booking to Dollar who did accept the debit card.

TOss Sweep

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

except they enforce it over there. Expect a cop parked up where you cant see them.

Big time enforce the stopping at a stop sign. In Ireland you get away with slowing right down and edging or rolling at the junction but in the US Cops will ticket you for it if you don't come to a complete stop.

The driving on the left thing is not that bad. Just read up on the rules of the road and one will be fine. Just pay attention like you should at any time driving and you will get by.

As for rental companies either find insurance at home before you rent or pay for their insurance when you get here. I actually think they wont let you rent without full insurance for international. Having said that its been a while since I rented on a non US license and Insurance.

On the form of payment. All of them only take Credit from International nowadays. Having said that most Debit cards are Visa or Mastercard and apparently some places allow them not that I have ever been able to use one though even with Visa/Mastercard versions. Obviously only difference is that deposit is going to be put on hold in your bank account.

BailMeOut

grogi wrote: »

T-Mobile data sim from Walmart and one is sorted...

No need - just install the excellent "HERE WeGo" App and download the states you need to your phone. Entire USA is 6GB but individual states are just a few hundred meg. It is available for Android and Apple and is free.

TomOnBoard

I see many of the one-way rentals on autoeurope.ie include full insurances and breakdown cover. Worth a look I'd say.

alan partridge aha

Never drove in the States till 2 years ago. It's very handy as long as you have a sat nav. Keep to speed limits in towns and cities but on highways you can drive at least 10% over and not get stopped.

A2LUE42

If there are road works the speed limits are reduced in ajacent lanes. This is taken very seriously and limits can be quite low.

TomOnBoard

Above all, never EVER park in front of a fire hydrant....

https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/18/us/new-jersey-fire-hydrant-trnd/index.html

cml387

One thing the brother got caught by... always park facing in the direction of the traffic flow of the side you are parking.

fullstop

blackbox wrote: »

You'll need to shop around if you are not returning the car to the place you collected it. Many charge a lot extra for this but some don't charge extra at all.

This. I rent with hertz probably 15-20 times a year but they charge an extortionate fee to drop the car back to a different location. Had a fairly big Nissan yoke in California for 2 weeks a few years ago with Thrifty, picked up from SFO and dropped back to LAX and only cost about $400 total

TrailerBob

Picking up a car from thrifty in Orlando Monday week. Booked through rentalcars.com and got a decent deal including all insurance. Have driven a few times in the States, and have to day I've found it very straightforward. Going to be covering 5 states on this trip so looking forward to seeing more differing road types.

chicorytip

TOss Sweep wrote:

Big time enforce the stopping at a stop sign. In Ireland you get away with slowing right down and edging or rolling at the junction but in the US Cops will ticket you for it if you don't come to a complete stop.

Are there not dangers associated with driving through red lights at junctions? Surely it's not always possible to have a clear view of approaching traffic. I would wait for green regardless.

tcawley29

chicorytip wrote: »

Are there not dangers associated with driving through red lights at junctions? Surely it's not always possible to have a clear view of approaching traffic. I would wait for green regardless.

I haven't had a problem with them here so far.

Try it and see how far it gets you. You'll be deaf by the end of the day with everyone blasting you out of it

BailMeOut

Remember in most states you can take a right on red!

DaveyDave

Rented with Alamo, found they were the best value and also one of the few that took debit cards. Owned by Enterprise, but better prices! Also for some reason other companies didn't include Collision Damage Waiver, which you shouldn't have to pay for as a tourist.

Don't pay for extra insurance if you have CDW as it covers everything and I recommend you travel insurance for any medical expenses, try not get the cheapest plan either as he medical isn't high enough. Keep in mind mechanical faults of a car are covered. Extra car insurance covers lost keys etc.

Not every turn is right on red, look out for signs saying otherwise. Pedestrians and cars approaching have right of way.

Be aware at 4 way stops, some people will go through them anyway.

Don't let them upsell you a GPS Unit. If possible, get a T-Mobile Sim with the 3 week, unlimited data $30 tourist plan. Use your own phone with Google Maps for GPS if you can. Some units don't have lane assist, where it tells you to be in the left lane on a highway exit for example.

I rented a car for 2 weeks in Orlando, 2 months after getting my full license. It's a lot of fun over there. As long as you're comfortable in a car you shouldn't have any issue. Watch the speed as fines can be upwards of $300. BUT, in saying that I never saw any cops on the highway and everyone was speeding, even the trucks. Just take it handy and go with the flow.

Also, ask about any toll pass. In Orlando for example, most tolls have a side slip for change toll booths but one was pass only. Alamo fortunately have a Sunpass so I was only charged the toll amount when I left. Otherwise you may have nonsense admin fees on top of it.

Note any damages when you pick up the car and let them know.

Outside of them trying to upsell you satnav and a bigger car at the desk, that's all there really is to know. I've read many forum posts about people who rented cars and who worked at rental companies and there isn't really many horror stories that weren't user error.