car rental and insurance
 

I have enjoyed all the UK driving tips -- any suggestions about rates for rental cars -- and advice about taking the insurance or waiving?

Nancy, We've had the best luck with Kemwel (kemwel.com) and Autoeurope (autoeurope.com). Re insurance we use our VISA gold and waive the CDW, but check with your insurance agent. If you're going to Ireland you'll need mandatory theft insurance. We've used the CDW once, Isle of Skye, forced off the road, blew 2 tires and damaged the rims. Put it on the card and AMEX (our card at the time) took care of it.

Thanks, Richard, for the advice. Autoeurope produced our best quote, so we're going with them.

Researched and found Richard's reply of 4/12. Please tell me what CDW is. I see you "waived the CDW" when you rented a car. I assume it is some kind of insurance; how much does it cost? <BR> <BR>Also, is the stick shift in the floor?

Gayle, <BR>CDW - Collision Damage Waiver. Where the stick shift is on an auto depends on the make and model of auto; it may be on the floor or on the steering column

Need to clarify categorically which insurance being referred to. <BR> <BR>Liability-It is rarely covered by US auto insurance or by any credit card. In Europe, the rental contract usually includes it. You have to ask the rental company for confirmation. <BR> <BR>Collision,Theft,Loss-Either buy from the rental (expensive), third party (such as Travelguard), or your credit card if it covers it. The credit card companies are continually tweaking with this coverage so beware of the term that applies with a particular country at particular time. <BR> <BR>Personal Accident-This I have never gotten straight answer on what it is. But you will be asked to accept or waive at the counter.

Wes & Greg, you have been very helpful. Thank you.