one way car hire
Oct 30th, 2006, 12:09 AM
#2
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I would definitely reserve this in advance being aware there might be a maximum rental period and that there may be a drop charge.
You might be interested in the attached:
http://www.bnm.com/tips.htm
You might be interested in the attached:
http://www.bnm.com/tips.htm
Oct 30th, 2006, 03:31 AM
#4
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Rental (hire) car pricing is confusing on purpose in the US. There is the base fee to rent a car. Then there are a variety of insurances that they try to sell at time of rental. For most US residents who own a car, these insurances are redundant and therefore unnecessary.
Having read several posts here from international travelers to US, it seems that in many cases the car rental company requires you to purchase these add-on insurances. It is unclear to me if your own insurance at home or your credit card would provide these coverages - you could check and if they do argue with the car rental company. But others here indicate you may be required to purchase these and that can almost double the rental cost.
The other thing to be aware of - and to discuss with car rental company - is that you will need a "California car" for drop off in California. The state of California has much stricter auto emission standards and in order for them to re-rent that vehicle in California, it needs to meet these standards. We ran into that problem with a one-way rental originating in Nevada for drop-off in California, so I imagine it would be even more difficult renting in Miami. Don't want you to get stuck with a car they will not accept in California.
Confusing enough? Sorry, but as I said, I think they make it confusing on purpose so you just give in and spend more money.
Having read several posts here from international travelers to US, it seems that in many cases the car rental company requires you to purchase these add-on insurances. It is unclear to me if your own insurance at home or your credit card would provide these coverages - you could check and if they do argue with the car rental company. But others here indicate you may be required to purchase these and that can almost double the rental cost.
The other thing to be aware of - and to discuss with car rental company - is that you will need a "California car" for drop off in California. The state of California has much stricter auto emission standards and in order for them to re-rent that vehicle in California, it needs to meet these standards. We ran into that problem with a one-way rental originating in Nevada for drop-off in California, so I imagine it would be even more difficult renting in Miami. Don't want you to get stuck with a car they will not accept in California.
Confusing enough? Sorry, but as I said, I think they make it confusing on purpose so you just give in and spend more money.
Oct 30th, 2006, 05:10 AM
#5
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The California car issue is a good point. If I was in that position, I would rent a car for Miami to somewhere near the California border (Nevada, Arizona in Southern CA destination). I would then rent another car for the last leg. It is much more likely that you can get a CA car in a neighboring state.
Sounds like a great road trip!
Sounds like a great road trip!
Oct 30th, 2006, 06:46 AM
#6
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Just want to reinforce that you understand all insurance issues and costs before you finalize your car reervation.
My understandng is that car insurance companies outisde the US will not cover you in the US (just as US compamies cover only US and Canada) and that ex-US credit cards do not provide coverage to memebers.
The car rental agency will not let you take the car until you can prove or buy insurance to cover their loss. But, as far as insurance is concerned be aware that the laws are different for every state.
So you also need to consider the need to protect yourself for loss to other cars, persons or property (which basic car insurance does not cover) in case of accident. In many states if you are at fault your costs can be enormous (we have coverage for $300,000) in terms of damage to other vehicles or other person's medical bills.
So - in renting be sure to figure in:
Any drop-off charge
Need to get car OK for use in California
What your insurance costs will be (after checking with your own insurance and credit cards)
What taxes and fees wil be involved depending on where you pick up the car (airport verus downtown)
Also check if the rental agency wants you to have an International Drivers Permit
My understandng is that car insurance companies outisde the US will not cover you in the US (just as US compamies cover only US and Canada) and that ex-US credit cards do not provide coverage to memebers.
The car rental agency will not let you take the car until you can prove or buy insurance to cover their loss. But, as far as insurance is concerned be aware that the laws are different for every state.
So you also need to consider the need to protect yourself for loss to other cars, persons or property (which basic car insurance does not cover) in case of accident. In many states if you are at fault your costs can be enormous (we have coverage for $300,000) in terms of damage to other vehicles or other person's medical bills.
So - in renting be sure to figure in:
Any drop-off charge
Need to get car OK for use in California
What your insurance costs will be (after checking with your own insurance and credit cards)
What taxes and fees wil be involved depending on where you pick up the car (airport verus downtown)
Also check if the rental agency wants you to have an International Drivers Permit
Oct 30th, 2006, 07:08 AM
#8
You shouldn't have a big problem but be prepared for pretty high prices; either you'll be hit with a big drop-off fee or else the rate will encompass the drop-off charge. I'd expect something in the range of USD2500 for the period will be the minimum, depending on season.
Florida is a unique market in that it finds itself with a surplus of rental cars at the end of the tourist season, so sometimes there can be good deals with cars leaving Florida going to other destinations where demand is greater at that time of year (typically summer.) Don't know if Calif. is one such place; typically they're closer, such as the northeast or midwest.
Doesn't hurt to price it now. I would not wait until arrival though; what you're asking for is pretty unusual for most rental stations and you might find yourself unable to find anything when you arrive, or be put into a very uncomfortable expense position.
Florida is a unique market in that it finds itself with a surplus of rental cars at the end of the tourist season, so sometimes there can be good deals with cars leaving Florida going to other destinations where demand is greater at that time of year (typically summer.) Don't know if Calif. is one such place; typically they're closer, such as the northeast or midwest.
Doesn't hurt to price it now. I would not wait until arrival though; what you're asking for is pretty unusual for most rental stations and you might find yourself unable to find anything when you arrive, or be put into a very uncomfortable expense position.
Oct 30th, 2006, 09:02 AM
#9
We just sold an old beach car for $500. Solid, but totally ugly. Turned out the guy buying it needed a 30 day car rental (locally) and it was going to be $1000.
Maybe you could consider buying a modest used car with the idea to resell at the end? Lots of other issues will come into play, but it might be cheaper overall.
Just an idea...
Either way, I'd try to have the basics arranged out before you get to Miami.
Maybe you could consider buying a modest used car with the idea to resell at the end? Lots of other issues will come into play, but it might be cheaper overall.
Just an idea...
Either way, I'd try to have the basics arranged out before you get to Miami.
Oct 30th, 2006, 04:52 PM
#10
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Europcar books for non-residents, you might give them a look.
What places will you be stopping between Miami and L.A.? Usually this type of long trip would have a big drop charge...but you can sometimes break the trip up into three or four legs, picking up and dropping off cars along the way. Just an example was posted here last week where a trip from L.a. to Albuquerque was $600, but L.A to Vegas was $150 and Vegas to Albuquerque was $150.
What places will you be stopping between Miami and L.A.? Usually this type of long trip would have a big drop charge...but you can sometimes break the trip up into three or four legs, picking up and dropping off cars along the way. Just an example was posted here last week where a trip from L.a. to Albuquerque was $600, but L.A to Vegas was $150 and Vegas to Albuquerque was $150.
Oct 30th, 2006, 05:53 PM
#12
I'm pretty sure none of the reliable/national rental agencies will rent for 45 days.
Do you plan on driving all the way from Florida to California (assuming by LA you meant Los Angeles)
If there are just selected areas you want to see enroute, you will be better off w/ a series of 1 and 2 week rentals and flying in between. I don't think you can reant a car for the whole time.
Do you plan on driving all the way from Florida to California (assuming by LA you meant Los Angeles)
If there are just selected areas you want to see enroute, you will be better off w/ a series of 1 and 2 week rentals and flying in between. I don't think you can reant a car for the whole time.
Oct 30th, 2006, 06:38 PM
#13
I'm pretty sure none of the reliable/national rental agencies will rent for 45 days.
Sure they will. I ran the OP's itinerary through Expedia (with imaginary dates) and had no problem getting Hertz, Alamo, and some other rates. Monthly rental plus extra days. Total a bunch.
Sure they will. I ran the OP's itinerary through Expedia (with imaginary dates) and had no problem getting Hertz, Alamo, and some other rates. Monthly rental plus extra days. Total a bunch.
Oct 30th, 2006, 06:41 PM
#14
That's weird - I've tried to check rates for others for 5 - 6 weeks a few times over the last few years, and every time I was instructed to phone (could not book on-line) and eventually determined longer rentals required turning in one car for another. Maybe rules have changed . . . .
Good to know.
Good to know.
Oct 30th, 2006, 06:57 PM
#15
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Might vary from state to state..I tried in Florida and was told they could not....over 30 days is classified as a lease.
Biggest problem will be LA (if it is los angeles) typically car rental drops are more regional, so they can get it back on another 1 way. (remember the tag is registered in the originating state)
In any case.....that is ONE LONG DRIVE and personally there is nothing along the route that would make the trip worth the agony
If the goal is to see a few of the cities along the way...you might want to consider a few one ways through South West Airlines
Something like Fly Miami ---> New Orleans. Rent in New Orleans and drive to Dallas then one way flight to Vegas then drive to Los Angeles.
Just an idea
Biggest problem will be LA (if it is los angeles) typically car rental drops are more regional, so they can get it back on another 1 way. (remember the tag is registered in the originating state)
In any case.....that is ONE LONG DRIVE and personally there is nothing along the route that would make the trip worth the agony
If the goal is to see a few of the cities along the way...you might want to consider a few one ways through South West Airlines
Something like Fly Miami ---> New Orleans. Rent in New Orleans and drive to Dallas then one way flight to Vegas then drive to Los Angeles.
Just an idea
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