Car Rental Advice
 

Ok here's the situation me and 3 of my girlfriends are planning on renting a car for a week and driving from Ny to ME.
Driver #1 over 25, with credit card
#2 over 25, with credit card, & AAA
#3 over 25, & AAA
#4 21 & with credit card.
I'm really worried about getting screwed and ending up with this huge bill at the end.

We obviously need unlimited miles and at least a standard car. But what about addional drivers and insurance and all that. Should we book online or in the location??

All of this is very confusing to me any help would be great!!!!

Most rental car places are unlimited miles. At least the ones I've recently checked.

I did all my transactions on line, using the Passbook Entertainment coupons. I got an email confirmation that I printed and took with me.

I never got insurance from the rental company. You really don't need it if you have insurance. That's my opinion anyway.

As for extra drivers, with my recent reservation (Budget) there was no charge for an extra driver. Not sure if there is after a certain number. You can check several of the companies.

As for an under 25 driver, not sure. I think that is okay. The under 25 is a problem if the person RENTING the car is under 25...

I used www.alamo.com to reserve a car today and the online form allows a 2nd driver for additional fee. In my case it cost an extra $50 for a 2nd driver and a one week rental. Only one person can drive the car at a time. Personally would choose to limit the driving to those with best driving record, and to save $ those over 25. Check amongst yourselves about whose credit card provides insurance coverage when you decline the rental company's collision damage waiver. Calling AAA may provide more insight into your question, they also have own website for reserving cars, but only for members. Hope this helps.

If you use Thrifty, be sure to find their ad on this Fodor site, because you get 10% off using their ad code.

If you pick up in New York you have to go by their laws; and if I remember correctly nobody under 25 can drive a rental car.

I'd definitely check with several rental car companies in your area to see what their policies are. As someone mentioned, some companies don't charge for extra drivers and some do. Also, depending on the rates, it might be less expensive to rent from a company that charges a fee for extra drivers if that company is also having a sale. Also, call your insurance company and your credit card companies to see what type of rental insurance coverage they offer. Rent the car under the name of the person who has adequate insurance coverage and you will save some money that way.

Actually, the State of New York is one of the only (maybe the only?) State that requires all car rental outfits to rent to all individuals 18 years or older. This was due to some age discrimination lawsuit some years ago. The rental company can still, and will, charge you extra fees for under 25, but they cannot refuse you a car for the age reason alone.