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rental car advice

buff13815
buff13815
Feb 4, 2011
10:49am
Block User
I've never rented a car before but was thinking about it for our next trip to vegas. What if any insurance do I need to purchase? Is it better to rent at a hotel or the airport? Thanks for the help.
snidely333
snidely333
Feb 4, 2011
10:57am
Block User
Airport. Check with your insurance company and credit card to see what they cover.
Julie
Julie
Feb 4, 2011
1:06pm
Block User
Quote
Originally posted by: snidely333
Airport. Check with your insurance company and credit card to see what they cover.


I agree with Snidely. I once called my insurance company to find out what would be covered on a rental. I had full coverage insurance it was pretty much everything that they would cover on my own car less the deductible. What it didn't cover was loss of use. I don't know if there is a predetermined cost for loss of use or if its the current rental rates but my guess is that they would try to screw you. I still always gambled and did not buy their over priced insurance and never had a problem. Since you're going to Vegas anyway, why not gamble?

I always recommend that you bring a copy of your insurance coverage amounts with you. One time I had the car rental place tell me that if I didn't have that (or course I was already in Vegas standing at the counter) that they would have to sell me the insurance. You should have seen how pissed off she was when I whipped out my policy. I don't know why I even brought it. I just had a feeling. I think that was at Payless.
bardolator2
bardolator2
Feb 4, 2011
7:52pm
Block User
Another thing you'll want to do, especially in Las Vegas, is to inspect the vehicle carefully before leaving the lot and report any dings or other imperfections, however small. DO NOT LOSE your copy of the little damage report you hand in. Even take pictures if you can. Otherwise, the rental company might try to make you pay for something that happened before you got the car. This happened to me at Dollar. Fortunately, I was prepared.

LostSoul
LostSoul
Feb 4, 2011
8:37pm
Block User
If you do not have insurance coverage, try www.rentalcargroup.com. They offer very competitive all-inclusive rates and their main partner is Dollar.

Also, do not accept the option of pre-purchase gas.
NAVYMOM924
NAVYMOM924
Feb 5, 2011
3:08am
Block User
Quote
Originally posted by: Julie G
Quote
Originally posted by: snidely333
Airport. Check with your insurance company and credit card to see what they cover.


I agree with Snidely. I once called my insurance company to find out what would be covered on a rental. I had full coverage insurance it was pretty much everything that they would cover on my own car less the deductible. What it didn't cover was loss of use. I don't know if there is a predetermined cost for loss of use or if its the current rental rates but my guess is that they would try to screw you. I still always gambled and did not buy their over priced insurance and never had a problem. Since you're going to Vegas anyway, why not gamble?

I always recommend that you bring a copy of your insurance coverage amounts with you. One time I had the car rental place tell me that if I didn't have that (or course I was already in Vegas standing at the counter) that they would have to sell me the insurance. You should have seen how pissed off she was when I whipped out my policy. I don't know why I even brought it. I just had a feeling. I think that was at Payless.


This is truly a brilliant idea. Thanks for the info.
cancer chic
cancer chic
Feb 5, 2011
3:33am
Block User
I always take a copy and am meticulous about filling out the ding/damage pre-report. I've never had anyone try to sell me insurance or had a problem with any of the rental companies including dollar. the only thing is with dollar last time I booked the lock low and go. I got a small hyndai when usually I get a small suv. I was rudely told I needed to take what they gave me. YOur supposed to get a midsize or larger their choice but a small hyundai was riduculous.

This time I think I'm going to use Costco.com and use alamo. I can prebook a suv for less than the lock low n go from dollar.

PS keep checking the rates and rebook if you find one that is lower.
Captain
Captain
Feb 5, 2011
9:57am
Block User
I've always carried my insurance card with me, since thats what a cop would want to see in a traffic stop. One of my credit cards is issued by my insurance company's bank, and it covers loss of use charges and any deductable on my regular insurance (which, of course, covers rental cars). Renting cars is the only thing I use that card for.
Since joining the various rental car clubs and indicating my preferances, they have not even mentioned insurance.
rick1j1
rick1j1
Feb 5, 2011
3:36pm
Block User
Quote
Originally posted by: cancer chic
I always take a copy and am meticulous about filling out the ding/damage pre-report. I've never had anyone try to sell me insurance or had a problem with any of the rental companies including dollar. the only thing is with dollar last time I booked the lock low and go. I got a small hyndai when usually I get a small suv. I was rudely told I needed to take what they gave me. YOur supposed to get a midsize or larger their choice but a small hyundai was riduculous.

This time I think I'm going to use Costco.com and use alamo. I can prebook a suv for less than the lock low n go from dollar.

PS keep checking the rates and rebook if you find one that is lower.


They did that to me once when I got back raised enough HELL with customer service got a refund and discount for next trip THE squeaky wheel gets the grease
LVrealestateHELP
LVrealestateHELP
Feb 5, 2011
3:49pm
Block User
All good replies. Take note to details. If you have full coverage insurance you are probably covered but you should still double check.


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