Rental Car in England
May 3rd, 2010, 03:56 AM
#1
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Rental Car in England
Does anyone recommend a reasonable place to rent a car? My travel agent was looking at National, but they seem expensive to me. Would we be better off at Heathrow, or take the train to Bath/Bristol and rent there? Also what are the regulations on renting a car in the UK? Can someone explain what the CDW is, and do I really need it?
thank you!!
thank you!!
May 3rd, 2010, 04:10 AM
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First, look at AutoEurope. They are an American based consolidator and offer very good rates and great customer service.
CDW is additional insurance on the car. In the UK (as well as many other countries), if you are using a credit card, check with your card company and you may find that the card itself provides for full coverage. If so, you then decline all additional insurances. You card company will give you the details.
I'm not sure what you mean by the regulations. You need to be aware of traffic laws and understand that (depending on where you are from) you may be driving on the opposite side of the road from which you are accustomed. But that is easy to switch over.
I've often rented out of Heathrow and other major airports throughout the UK. Just don't plan on driving inside London proper. In addition, in many mid to larger cities, I'll find car parks on the outskirts of town and use the shuttle buses to go in.
If you are going to Bath, there is a car park very near the baths, and it is next to a gigantic grocery store.
CDW is additional insurance on the car. In the UK (as well as many other countries), if you are using a credit card, check with your card company and you may find that the card itself provides for full coverage. If so, you then decline all additional insurances. You card company will give you the details.
I'm not sure what you mean by the regulations. You need to be aware of traffic laws and understand that (depending on where you are from) you may be driving on the opposite side of the road from which you are accustomed. But that is easy to switch over.
I've often rented out of Heathrow and other major airports throughout the UK. Just don't plan on driving inside London proper. In addition, in many mid to larger cities, I'll find car parks on the outskirts of town and use the shuttle buses to go in.
If you are going to Bath, there is a car park very near the baths, and it is next to a gigantic grocery store.
May 3rd, 2010, 04:19 AM
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If you are going to Bath straight from your plane then rent a car in Bath - not a good idea to cope with driving on the wrong side of the road when jetlagged.
CDW is collision damage waiver. An extra insurance so you don't pay for damage to the vehicle. Normally the car is rented only with the minimum legal insurance. Check if your credit card offers the extra insurances you need.
CDW is collision damage waiver. An extra insurance so you don't pay for damage to the vehicle. Normally the car is rented only with the minimum legal insurance. Check if your credit card offers the extra insurances you need.
May 3rd, 2010, 05:38 AM
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There is usually a deductible on basic rental insurance. You could be on the hook for $1,500
or more in the event of damage to the vehicle.
CDW brings this amount down to zero. But note that it's "COLLISION" and not theft... so check with your credit card and see what they offer. Amex has a plan you can add on for $49 IIRC.
Rob
or more in the event of damage to the vehicle.
CDW brings this amount down to zero. But note that it's "COLLISION" and not theft... so check with your credit card and see what they offer. Amex has a plan you can add on for $49 IIRC.
Rob
May 3rd, 2010, 06:19 AM
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"Also what are the regulations on renting a car in the UK?"
There has been some talk on this forum regarding one hire car company in the UK requiring the driver to have an International drivers licence, can't remember which company it was but it seems stupid as all the IDL does is translate the language of your own licence to the language of the country you're visiting, assume you're from North America, so it's in English already (well nearly)!!!!!
Also most American visitors who drive over here get confused about the national speed limit on our roads, this website should help with that:
http://www.abd.org.uk/know_your_speed_limits.htm
Another helpful website, on roundabouts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UK...out_8_Cars.gif
There has been some talk on this forum regarding one hire car company in the UK requiring the driver to have an International drivers licence, can't remember which company it was but it seems stupid as all the IDL does is translate the language of your own licence to the language of the country you're visiting, assume you're from North America, so it's in English already (well nearly)!!!!!
Also most American visitors who drive over here get confused about the national speed limit on our roads, this website should help with that:
http://www.abd.org.uk/know_your_speed_limits.htm
Another helpful website, on roundabouts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UK...out_8_Cars.gif
May 3rd, 2010, 06:24 AM
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<<< but it seems stupid as all the IDL does is translate the language of your own licence to the language of the country you're visiting, >>>
It doesn't. There are several languages in Europe alone that an IDP (not IDL) isn't translated into.
What it does do is confirm that your licence was legally issued
It doesn't. There are several languages in Europe alone that an IDP (not IDL) isn't translated into.
What it does do is confirm that your licence was legally issued
May 3rd, 2010, 08:04 AM
#8
Why are you using a travel agent to rent a car?
Check autoeurope.com first -- and then look at the hertz/Avis/Enterprise/budget/etc sites to see if you can get a better deal. Probably 65-70% of the time autoeurope will be the cheapest. If so, you'll end up w/one of the majors (Hertz/Avis/Budget/etc)
CDW is what Americans call 'deductible'. Yes, you do need it. However, if your credit card covers you for rental cars (most do) then you must decline ALL insurance from the rental agency and the cc becomes your insurer. Basic liability insurance is included in the rental rates -- so you wouldn't decline that part.
It is much easier to rent a car from Heathrow than in Bath --driving away from LHR is a piece of cake. Driving in Bath can be very difficult.
But -- no matter where you rent from -- you do not want to drive on your first day. Jet lag and 'wrong side of the road/wrong side of the car' don't make a safe combination.
Wait until you've been in the country a day or two before you start driving.
Check autoeurope.com first -- and then look at the hertz/Avis/Enterprise/budget/etc sites to see if you can get a better deal. Probably 65-70% of the time autoeurope will be the cheapest. If so, you'll end up w/one of the majors (Hertz/Avis/Budget/etc)
CDW is what Americans call 'deductible'. Yes, you do need it. However, if your credit card covers you for rental cars (most do) then you must decline ALL insurance from the rental agency and the cc becomes your insurer. Basic liability insurance is included in the rental rates -- so you wouldn't decline that part.
It is much easier to rent a car from Heathrow than in Bath --driving away from LHR is a piece of cake. Driving in Bath can be very difficult.
But -- no matter where you rent from -- you do not want to drive on your first day. Jet lag and 'wrong side of the road/wrong side of the car' don't make a safe combination.
Wait until you've been in the country a day or two before you start driving.
May 7th, 2010, 01:06 PM
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Careful with AutoEurope as they're not exactly upfront with all the fees on a rental. I nearly booked a rental through them at Heathrow, and was surprised at how cheap it was...until I read the hidden fine print and noticed that various hefty taxes and airport surcharges were not included. It was very deceiving, the payment page even said something like "Full Balance to Pay" as if there would be no more additional charges. A quick google and glance at negative reviews confirmed that a lot of their customers are shafted with these additional unexpected fees at the counter.
As for CDW, this stands for "Collision Damage Waiver." Sometimes it's included in a car rental quote, but most times it isn't. Basically when you rent a car you're responsible for the cost of any damages, theft etc... up to the full value of the car. CDW is an optional (and expensive) insurance purchase offered by the rental company that reduces your liability to a certain amount (usually 650 pounds). The vast majority of people who have a major credit card do NOT need CDW...their card typically already has CDW coverage for the full value of most rental cars. Check with your credit card issuer. CDW is nothing more than a slick way for car rental companies to make a hefty profit from unsuspecting customers.
As for CDW, this stands for "Collision Damage Waiver." Sometimes it's included in a car rental quote, but most times it isn't. Basically when you rent a car you're responsible for the cost of any damages, theft etc... up to the full value of the car. CDW is an optional (and expensive) insurance purchase offered by the rental company that reduces your liability to a certain amount (usually 650 pounds). The vast majority of people who have a major credit card do NOT need CDW...their card typically already has CDW coverage for the full value of most rental cars. Check with your credit card issuer. CDW is nothing more than a slick way for car rental companies to make a hefty profit from unsuspecting customers.
May 8th, 2010, 10:04 AM
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We used AutoEurope in 2007. There were no hidden fees, and they gave us a free upgrade to an automatic because they were out of manual shift cars. We picked up at Marble Arch and dropped off at Heathrow.
Lee Ann
Lee Ann
May 8th, 2010, 01:25 PM
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shellbellns:
We have used http://www.novacarhire.com numerous times - no hidden fees, a broker who will place you with one of the major car rental places. It is very easy to book a car rental yourself.
Sandy
We have used http://www.novacarhire.com numerous times - no hidden fees, a broker who will place you with one of the major car rental places. It is very easy to book a car rental yourself.
Sandy
May 9th, 2010, 07:17 AM
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Let me clarify my criticism of AutoEurope:
When searching for a car rental quote for London Heathrow, nearly every quote I received included the mandatory 17 pound LHR Airport Surcharge and daily road tax (and I received lots of quotes). AutoEurope was the only website that did not factor these two costs in. In their defense, they do outline on these exclusions on the first booking page.
My problem with them however, is that on the second page under "payment details" it shows you the "total cost" of the rental and underneath that they deceptively inform you that ZERO dollars as the "Amount Due at Pick up." This is clearly false...at time of pick up you will be charged for Road Tax and Airport Surcharges, as these are mandatory goverment taxes. On a weekly rental that can add almost $50 to the price.
Although it's ultimately the responsibility of the consumer to carefully review the terms and conditions before paying, I think AutoEurope's misleading outlining of charges is at best a deliberate attempt to confuse and pull a fast one on the customer.
I'm sure they've had plenty of happy customers, but reviews on the internet suggest they've also had plenty of complaints about this practice. My advice is to read the terms and conditions carefully and if any of the terms appears even remotely ambiguous, then go on to the next company....there's plenty out there to choose from.
When searching for a car rental quote for London Heathrow, nearly every quote I received included the mandatory 17 pound LHR Airport Surcharge and daily road tax (and I received lots of quotes). AutoEurope was the only website that did not factor these two costs in. In their defense, they do outline on these exclusions on the first booking page.
My problem with them however, is that on the second page under "payment details" it shows you the "total cost" of the rental and underneath that they deceptively inform you that ZERO dollars as the "Amount Due at Pick up." This is clearly false...at time of pick up you will be charged for Road Tax and Airport Surcharges, as these are mandatory goverment taxes. On a weekly rental that can add almost $50 to the price.
Although it's ultimately the responsibility of the consumer to carefully review the terms and conditions before paying, I think AutoEurope's misleading outlining of charges is at best a deliberate attempt to confuse and pull a fast one on the customer.
I'm sure they've had plenty of happy customers, but reviews on the internet suggest they've also had plenty of complaints about this practice. My advice is to read the terms and conditions carefully and if any of the terms appears even remotely ambiguous, then go on to the next company....there's plenty out there to choose from.
May 9th, 2010, 09:14 AM
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They way they have always done it with me when renting in either the UK or Ireland was that I would do the reservation and within 24 hours I would receive the confirmation with the total cost. I then had the ability to either accept or decline the car rental with full refund if I declined.
Maybe they changed their rules.
dave
Maybe they changed their rules.
dave
May 10th, 2010, 08:12 AM
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Why not try booking at the Autoeurope UK site at www.auto-europe.co.uk?
The quotes on the U.K. website make no mention of daily road tax or airport pick-up surcharge, and the daily inclusive rate (the only one offered) seems to be cheaper than the basic rate (with minimal insurance?) in dollars on the U.S. website.
In the U.K., road tax is an annual charge, so I do not understand why they quote a daily rate. Any airport surcharge should also be included in the price offered. All-inclusive prices are the norm over here, but Americans like to see a breakdown with surcharges, tax, etc shown separately.
Air conditioning is fairly standard over here now, unless you are going to rent a very small basic model. Our car has climate control and we use it most of the year. You will certainly find air con an advantage if you are going to park the car in strong sunshine in July.
The quotes on the U.K. website make no mention of daily road tax or airport pick-up surcharge, and the daily inclusive rate (the only one offered) seems to be cheaper than the basic rate (with minimal insurance?) in dollars on the U.S. website.
In the U.K., road tax is an annual charge, so I do not understand why they quote a daily rate. Any airport surcharge should also be included in the price offered. All-inclusive prices are the norm over here, but Americans like to see a breakdown with surcharges, tax, etc shown separately.
Air conditioning is fairly standard over here now, unless you are going to rent a very small basic model. Our car has climate control and we use it most of the year. You will certainly find air con an advantage if you are going to park the car in strong sunshine in July.
Jul 5th, 2013, 03:03 AM
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I need to advise of a recent car hire debacle with Easirent Gatwick and Cartrawler. The upshot is that I paid the total rental price for 10 days hire months in advance. Get to the Easirent Gatwick Office (hole in the wall miles from the airport)sorry sir, no can do, no BMW as advertised and booked, no similar vehicle, and to top it off no refund. They stated the booking agent Cartrawler held the money. As you can imagine not too happy. That was four months ago and I still don't have a refund. As I said at the start don't use Easirent Gatwick and don't book through Cartrawler.
Jul 5th, 2013, 08:13 AM
#17
Buccasaint: >>As I said at the start don't use Easirent Gatwick and don't book through Cartrawler.<<
No danger of that. The company names alone would put me off. They don't sound legit (the 'easirent' probably trying to confuse folks w/ easyCar)
No danger of that. The company names alone would put me off. They don't sound legit (the 'easirent' probably trying to confuse folks w/ easyCar)
Jul 5th, 2013, 09:25 AM
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Hey AR,
I am looking at my IDP valid through 22 Sept, 2013.
P1 lists "particulars concerning the driver", "vehicles for which the permit is valid" with an explanation of categories A - E and a box for exclusions.
The same material is repeated in Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, German, Portuguese, Dutch and French.
At no point does my license or any confirmation of its validity appear.
Have a nice day.
I am looking at my IDP valid through 22 Sept, 2013.
P1 lists "particulars concerning the driver", "vehicles for which the permit is valid" with an explanation of categories A - E and a box for exclusions.
The same material is repeated in Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, German, Portuguese, Dutch and French.
At no point does my license or any confirmation of its validity appear.
Have a nice day.
Jul 5th, 2013, 09:26 AM
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Hey SB,
www.kemwel.com, www.autoeurope.com
They are brokers who will get you a lower price than your TA can arrange.
www.kemwel.com, www.autoeurope.com
They are brokers who will get you a lower price than your TA can arrange.
Jul 5th, 2013, 09:33 AM
#20
ira: Need to shine the lightbulb 
The thread is three+ years old. By 'SB' I assume you mean shellbellns (the OP) - who probably isn't still looking.
(the thread was topped by Buccasaint who registered to complain about a couple of obscure UK rental sites.)
The thread is three+ years old. By 'SB' I assume you mean shellbellns (the OP) - who probably isn't still looking.(the thread was topped by Buccasaint who registered to complain about a couple of obscure UK rental sites.)
