[Soundguy]

I have travelled several thousands of miles in rental cars in the US recently and of course there are many differences to car rental in Australia that one needs to be aware of. A few points that spring to mind; sure others can add more:

1) The daily rates quoted (most US bookings are done via the internet) are often quite reasonable (eg $25 - $35) but generally don't include taxes and fees - this is much the same as in Australia, however note that there are several different taxes and in some locations these can be quite steep. Most rental car lots are not on the airport site (each company supplies a shuttle bus service) however you will still be charged an airport tax. My most recent rental out of Boston had more than $16 per day in taxes and misc fees added.

2) If you want to extend a rental be aware that the extra day(s) will generally be at a higher rate and that they will also add an extension fee.

3) In Australia you generally get an hours grace when returning a car - and sometimes more. Not so in the US. Thrifty for example will charge you extra "even if you are 1 minute late returning" (their words). Greedy, but they seem to get away with it!

4) In the US rental car business everything is big, fast and high turnover; you are made very much aware that you are just one of many, many customers. When you return a car you are expected to get your gear out quickly and the moment you leave the car it will be taken away for cleaning. For this reason when returning it never walk away from the car even momentarily before you have taken everything out and checked it over.

5) Child car seats are around $6 - $9 per day, however they are very cheap to buy in the US. If you are renting for a week or more it is often cheaper to buy one (eg Walmart, Target or Babys-R-us).

6) Insurance isn't cheap ($20 - $30 per day for basic CDW & TPP) but I always take it in the US because things can get very messy with even a minor acident in this country (thankfully I have never had this happen). If there is any damage and you have no insurance you are essentially at the mercy of the rental company to charge what they like. Consider the cost and hassle of a court case to challenge their charges..... Even if your credit card or travel insurance provides cover, read the fine print carefully. For example the rental company will often charge their daily rate for the period the car is off the road being repaired, on top of the repair cost itself. Your own insurance may cover the car repair but not the additional rental charges. Then you need to consider third party cover.

7) Some rental companies now offer GPS units for around $10 per day. If you are travelling through major cities these are invaluable & well worth the expense (remember that buying a GPS unit in the US will not give you Australian maps for use here). These units also help you find shops, food outlets and lodging - invaluable if you are travelling about a lot. Try to book a GPS unit ahead as they only have a limited number for rent and they go fast; speak to the branch manager - a request on an internet booking will likely be ignored.

[Maca44]

In September 2006 I rented an Avis car out of Seattle for 21 days. It was booked through my TA who got it through driveaway holidays. It included ALL taxes etc, and I was told when I collected the vehicle to refuse any other options offered to me. However, the Avis lady at SEA noted that everything was included and did not offer anything in any event.

It was $1300 for the 21 days which worked out at AUD$62 per day so its something to consider, however, I booked it 3 months before I left which would not assist those who need to rent a car at short notice. DriveAway Holidays International Car Hire, Car Rentals in Europe & England!

[straitman]

Thanks for the link. I'm always ready to compare the various rates.

[CO BNE]

I have so far prepaid two car rentals through Expedia Australia this year as their rates included CDW/LDW and all taxes.

Purchase the full tank of petrol upfront and return the car empty to Alamo.

10 days in HSV - AU$448.43 (Economy 2Door Car Auto)
7 days in IAD - AU$305.84 (Economy 4Door Car Auto)

I'll be a return customer for Expedia Australia if these rates continue.

[Dee Thom]

Originally Posted by CO BNE

I have so far prepaid two car rentals through Expedia Australia this year as their rates included CDW/LDW and all taxes.

Purchase the full tank of petrol upfront and return the car empty to Alamo.

10 days in HSV - AU$448.43 (Economy 2Door Car Auto)
7 days in IAD - AU$305.84 (Economy 4Door Car Auto)

I'll be a return customer for Expedia Australia if these rates continue.

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I've also used Alamo thru a T/A, out of LAX and thru South Western States, leaving car "empty" in TCN.
All Tax was included,
16 days-- Jeep Commander(large 4x4)-- AU$920.57
Can recomend Alamo,great to deal with
Cheers Guys

[drron]

For the last 2 years we have used global cars for prepaid car rentals in the states .the rates are with unlimited miles and all insurance and they use hertz.Never a problem and on the last trip we were hiring a car in Anchorage.Because our friends who were to be travelling with us had an accident and had to return to australia we had to change the rental.We had no problems doing so.And no extra costs.
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