Renting a car in Hawaii

[N860CR]

I'm looking to rent a car for an upcoming trip to HNL.

The rates seem fairly cheap (about $30US per day), however I'm not totally understanding the insurance. From what I've gathered, the base rate includes NO insurance, and basically for cover I'll need to pay about another $30 a day (ie: making it around $60US a day for the car). Is this right?

I've got the Earth+ Credit Card which has Rental Vehicle Excess insurance, however it states:

"The hiring agreement must incorporate the standard comprehensive motor insurance normally provided by the rental vehicle agency covering loss or damage to the rental vehicle"

So I read that to mean I need to purchase the insurance, and they'll cover the excess - but they won't cover me if I don't purchase the insurance.

How do you guys generally handle hiring cars in the US?

Thanks

 

[drron]

Yes it is a trap with credit card insurance when using car rentals in the US.I use Car Hire, Auto Leasing & Motor Home Rentals - Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA - globalCARS for US rentals.You do have to prepay but virtually always I get a car with all insurance included for close to the base rate advertised on the agencies sites.They use usually Hertz or Alamo.I take the Hertz option when available as then I can use the No.1 club line and mrsdrron can be signed up as a co-driver for free.
I have used them as I have been able to change dates,pick up spots etc without any hassles or charges.Others will have their favourites but in general you get a much better rate when doing it from Australia.It may not be much though in Hawaii.

 

[RR]

I have used Hertz extensively in Hawaii and found them to be the cheapest or very near to the cheapest when all insurances are added, and like drron I stick with them for the convenience of the No.1 Club. I also always take out most insurance options - not the personal effects option, but the CDW, LDW and liability options. (One place I don't want to end up with an exposed liability is the US - given airfares to get to Hawaii, accommodation and base car hire rates, it is really only a marginal additional cost for peace of mind).

When booking or comparing rates, always also try the Hertz Australian reservations number for a quote, asking for the Qantas FF discount – it is about 10% off the base rate and has often worked out cheaper than corporate discount rates I have also had access to.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[serfty]

This is often the case in the USA.

You standard Oz travel insurance package does not cover you - If hiring directly from the company you can either 1) Self-insure:shock: or 2) Pay their insurance :-| .

This can turn a USD29 hire into a USD80 hire.

There's some useful threads here on AFF (The first listed is very informative):-

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/rental-vehicle-insurance-excess-6521.html
• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/us-car-rental-rates-ridiculously-8669.html

 

[Alanslegal]

when i book mv's in USA, i regularly hire through this website...

Cheap Car Hire | Cheap Car Rental USA Canada

they have all inclusive costings and their cost seems very competitive......

their website says;;;;;;;

Our Unbeatable prices include​

• Unlimited Mileage
• Collision/Loss Damage Waiver
• SLI / Third Party (up to $ 1 million)
• ALL Taxes and Fees
• No charge for Cancellation / Changes