Soundguy
Member
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2006
- Posts
- 323
I have travelled several thousands of miles in rental cars in the US recently and of course there are many differences to car rental in Australia that one needs to be aware of. A few points that spring to mind; sure others can add more:
1) The daily rates quoted (most US bookings are done via the internet) are often quite reasonable (eg $25 - $35) but generally don't include taxes and fees - this is much the same as in Australia, however note that there are several different taxes and in some locations these can be quite steep. Most rental car lots are not on the airport site (each company supplies a shuttle bus service) however you will still be charged an airport tax. My most recent rental out of Boston had more than $16 per day in taxes and misc fees added.
2) If you want to extend a rental be aware that the extra day(s) will generally be at a higher rate and that they will also add an extension fee.
3) In Australia you generally get an hours grace when returning a car - and sometimes more. Not so in the US. Thrifty for example will charge you extra "even if you are 1 minute late returning" (their words). Greedy, but they seem to get away with it!
4) In the US rental car business everything is big, fast and high turnover; you are made very much aware that you are just one of many, many customers. When you return a car you are expected to get your gear out quickly and the moment you leave the car it will be taken away for cleaning. For this reason when returning it never walk away from the car even momentarily before you have taken everything out and checked it over.
5) Child car seats are around $6 - $9 per day, however they are very cheap to buy in the US. If you are renting for a week or more it is often cheaper to buy one (eg Walmart, Target or Babys-R-us).
6) Insurance isn't cheap ($20 - $30 per day for basic CDW & TPP) but I always take it in the US because things can get very messy with even a minor acident in this country (thankfully I have never had this happen). If there is any damage and you have no insurance you are essentially at the mercy of the rental company to charge what they like. Consider the cost and hassle of a court case to challenge their charges..... Even if your credit card or travel insurance provides cover, read the fine print carefully. For example the rental company will often charge their daily rate for the period the car is off the road being repaired, on top of the repair cost itself. Your own insurance may cover the car repair but not the additional rental charges. Then you need to consider third party cover.
7) Some rental companies now offer GPS units for around $10 per day. If you are travelling through major cities these are invaluable & well worth the expense (remember that buying a GPS unit in the US will not give you Australian maps for use here). These units also help you find shops, food outlets and lodging - invaluable if you are travelling about a lot. Try to book a GPS unit ahead as they only have a limited number for rent and they go fast; speak to the branch manager - a request on an internet booking will likely be ignored.
1) The daily rates quoted (most US bookings are done via the internet) are often quite reasonable (eg $25 - $35) but generally don't include taxes and fees - this is much the same as in Australia, however note that there are several different taxes and in some locations these can be quite steep. Most rental car lots are not on the airport site (each company supplies a shuttle bus service) however you will still be charged an airport tax. My most recent rental out of Boston had more than $16 per day in taxes and misc fees added.
2) If you want to extend a rental be aware that the extra day(s) will generally be at a higher rate and that they will also add an extension fee.
3) In Australia you generally get an hours grace when returning a car - and sometimes more. Not so in the US. Thrifty for example will charge you extra "even if you are 1 minute late returning" (their words). Greedy, but they seem to get away with it!
4) In the US rental car business everything is big, fast and high turnover; you are made very much aware that you are just one of many, many customers. When you return a car you are expected to get your gear out quickly and the moment you leave the car it will be taken away for cleaning. For this reason when returning it never walk away from the car even momentarily before you have taken everything out and checked it over.
5) Child car seats are around $6 - $9 per day, however they are very cheap to buy in the US. If you are renting for a week or more it is often cheaper to buy one (eg Walmart, Target or Babys-R-us).
6) Insurance isn't cheap ($20 - $30 per day for basic CDW & TPP) but I always take it in the US because things can get very messy with even a minor acident in this country (thankfully I have never had this happen). If there is any damage and you have no insurance you are essentially at the mercy of the rental company to charge what they like. Consider the cost and hassle of a court case to challenge their charges..... Even if your credit card or travel insurance provides cover, read the fine print carefully. For example the rental company will often charge their daily rate for the period the car is off the road being repaired, on top of the repair cost itself. Your own insurance may cover the car repair but not the additional rental charges. Then you need to consider third party cover.
7) Some rental companies now offer GPS units for around $10 per day. If you are travelling through major cities these are invaluable & well worth the expense (remember that buying a GPS unit in the US will not give you Australian maps for use here). These units also help you find shops, food outlets and lodging - invaluable if you are travelling about a lot. Try to book a GPS unit ahead as they only have a limited number for rent and they go fast; speak to the branch manager - a request on an internet booking will likely be ignored.