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Thread: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

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    Default Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Ok I checked the flights to go home to Sacramento for the Christmas time and f*^k they are pretty much sold out. So, now I was thinking of renting a rental car and driving slower (crazy other holiday drivers scare me) and taking it up there. Its about a 9-10hr drive.

    Should I reserve it now because its a holiday thing? Or give up and take Amtrak or Grey hound?
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    242_fair
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Amtrak from LA to San Fran is the most wonderful train ride I have ever had! I think they call it the 'Costal Starlight'.

    You can see the ocean from much of the trip, and dine on fabulous 5* food while you look out the window! I highly reccomend the train. And if you book tix well in advance the price can be very reasonable.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Rent it now if you are sure you want to go really sacramento not that far of a drive with airport security and such you could do the drive in about the same amount of time - with security , flight, baggage claim . I really dont enjoy flying much anymore . And last quetion you will be staying a few days correct if its just a quick visit and turn around by all means fly .

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    You know off topic sorry - but I have been thinking about doing a cool train ride next vacation it would be a 5 to 7 day trip any suggestions - I am in az .

    Quote Originally Posted by 242_fair
    Amtrak from LA to San Fran is the most wonderful train ride I have ever had! I think they call it the 'Costal Starlight'.

    You can see the ocean from much of the trip, and dine on fabulous 5* food while you look out the window! I highly reccomend the train. And if you book tix well in advance the price can be very reasonable.

  5. #5
    madmaxine
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    I took the LA Amtrak all the way up to near the SF area. It was very cheap ($30 one-way for a first-time rider, probably a little more now) and gorgeous scenery.
    How much time are you getting with family? To see whether the plane ticket is worth it. I wouldn't drive. Expensive gasoline and take a long time.
    Don't do Greyhound. Too dang nasty. Ughh.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Train, get advanced reservations. Leave the driving to them. You can walk around a lot freer. Maybe faster than car or bus. You just need to arrange your connections at both ends. Expect some type of security by then, but less than the airlines.
    I loved going to strip clubs; I actually made some friends there. Now things are different for the clubs and for me. As a result I am not as happy.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    I'd take the train. If you want to have a car there, you can get one cheap enough if you reserve now.

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Take the train. The price of gas is insane and it'll just be a whole hell of a lot less stressful.

    Book your tickets now or within the next month.

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    God/dess Bunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    The only time I've ever rented a car I was surprised by a lot of hidden fees that ended up making the price of the car twice what I thought it would be.

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    God/dess Bridgette's Avatar
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    FYI, "hidden fees": You DON'T have to take the insurance they offer. Most Visa and Mastercard credit cards have rental car coverage for FREE. Mine do. Even if it's not covered thru the issuing bank, VISA and MASTERCARD cover it. Go to visa.com or mastercard.com for a phone number to call, enter your account number, and get the details.

    Generally speaking, the cc will cover the rental car provided you 1) don't keep it longer than 15 days at a time, 2) pay for the rental with the same cc you reserved it with, 3) decline the rental company's offered coverage, and sometimes 4) purchase gas with same cc. There are other requirements regarding how to report damage/accident to the cc and file a claim, which can all be printed from the cc websites. A few minutes of homework can save you alot of money!

    I've had clerks at rental counters try to tell me my credit card doesn't cover rental cars, when I've called the company and been SPECIFICALLY told it DOES. You don't HAVE to buy rental insurance and I've always flat refused. They're just trying to pressure you into buying their high-priced insurance. You don't have to. The rental agency by law has to have liability on their cars - they can't let people drive them otherwise. You don't have to pay extra for rental car insurance.

    Any other "hidden" fees may be related to a small surcharge for getting airline mileage credit, but that's always been no more than a couple bucks a week in my experience. The big extra charges than can double your rental cost are unnecessary insurance. Know what they're selling you

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    B's right. My Hubby worked for Alamo for 2 years, and the only way the fees are hidden is if they don't tell you about them. They have to, by their rules, ask you to opt-in for their insurance. BUT, You do NOT need it. If they don't ask you about the insurance, ask THEM about it, to make sure they aren't adding it to your bill. Some are sneaky and will do that, so watch for it. He said the only time his location added the insurance was with cash rentals. But, even then, they were told ahead of time.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Okay, maybe its only here and in florida, but i thought you had to be 25 to rent a car???


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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    I believe that's everywhere, that you have to be 25. I think there's a waiver. I'll ask the Hubby when he gets home.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    I think most large car companies "want" you to be 25...but will rent to someone who has a valid driver's license and a major credit card (not debit card). If you are under 25, you are charged a much higher rate.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    ^True.. Or if it's an insurance rental. They overlook the age requirement for that. Dan also said when he was given cash for the rental and they didn't argue about the insurance, he rented to them.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Ok cool. Ive never had to travel during the holidays and the only thing I know is that its a freakin mad rush to wherever everyone is going. Hours and lines and more.....I guess Ill take the train. The train takes about almost the same time maybe 2-3 more hours. I had no idea rental car companies had so many hidden fees!? They said they would rent to me but it would be slightly higher since I will be 21.

    I havent seen my grandma for so long and just want to hang out with her and my uncles family.

    I guess Ill have to book now then my god 4-5 months in advance! Well its alot cheaper now. I love the train but sometimes its a little slow...but worth it around Big Sur its so pretty anytime of the year.
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Quote Originally Posted by VenusGoddess
    I think most large car companies "want" you to be 25...but will rent to someone who has a valid driver's license and a major credit card (not debit card). If you are under 25, you are charged a much higher rate.
    Yep usually about $25 more day these days for under 25.

    The rental agency by law has to have liability on their cars - they can't let people drive them otherwise. The rental agency by law has to have liability on their cars - they can't let people drive them otherwise. - However not in California, they'd don't provide liability insurance.

    TM take the train.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Generally speaking car comps will rent to 21yos for an extra charge. They prefer 25+yos.

    TM, I dunno about CA trains, but when I was on east coast last year I was taking trains up and down and they were MUCH more convenient and easier than flying. I could buy my ticket online, then arrive at the station literally 10 minutes before the train was to depart, print my ticket at a machine (amtrak) then run down to the platform and jump on the train just before it departed. No long slow lines, no huge security hassles, and no trekking 5 miles with luggage to get to the flight gate. In busier times there would be some lines at busier stations, but even then it was NOTHING compared to the airport crap. The coach seating on the trains are also waaaay more roomy and comfy than on planes. If I can reasonably take a train vs plane from now on, I'll do it every time.

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

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    Veteran Member stant's Avatar
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Quote Originally Posted by CalifSCVisitor65
    The rental agency by law has to have liability on their cars - they can't let people drive them otherwise. - However not in California, they'd don't provide liability insurance.
    I'm curious where you learned this. As far as I know, and I just checked, California requires rental companies to carry the state's minimum liability coverage. The cost for this coverage is built into the price of the car rental. The coverage priority of this insurance is always secondary to the driver's, and they may have a company policy to require renters to hold liability. But they remain the owner of the car, and of course their employees drive it. You may have been squeezed by a rental car agent.

    Rental agents frequently bullshit and coerce renters to buy supplemental coverages they don't need at hugely inflated rates. I read an estimation that car rental companies in the US make $1 billion a year from duplicative and unnecessary insurance and "waiver" sales.

    All of the car larger companies, to my knowledge are in fact self-insured, meaning that they actually don't pay an outside company to handle claims, but instead post a coverage bond and handle all claims internally. Hence their eagerness to sell you this bullshit.

    Of course it's difficult to tell a rental agent he or she is full of shit when travelling and few or no other options are available. Yet another reason they love to squeeze you this way, and another reason to despise car rental companies.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Oh, and if you want to have a "quickie" get a sleeper berth.
    I loved going to strip clubs; I actually made some friends there. Now things are different for the clubs and for me. As a result I am not as happy.

    Customers are not entitled to grope, disrespect, or rob strippers. This is their job, not their hobby, and they all need income. Clubs are not just some erotic show for guys to view while drinking.

    NOTE: anything I post here, outside of a direct quote, is my opinion only, which I am entitled to. Take it for what you estimate it is worth.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Quote Originally Posted by stant
    I'm curious where you learned this. As far as I know, and I just checked, California requires rental companies to carry the state's minimum liability coverage. The cost for this coverage is built into the price of the car rental. [snip]

    Rental agents frequently bullshit and coerce renters to buy supplemental coverages they don't need at hugely inflated rates. I read an estimation that car rental companies in the US make $1 billion a year from duplicative and unnecessary insurance and "waiver" sales.

    [snip]

    Of course it's difficult to tell a rental agent he or she is full of shit when travelling and few or no other options are available. Yet another reason they love to squeeze you this way, and another reason to despise car rental companies.
    Pretty much what I was saying earlier. But I HAVE told them they're full of shit and even gone so far as to call VISA and have them verify to the agent on the phone that my credit card account does in fact have rental car coverage. They CANNOT refuse to rent to you for declining their supplemental insurance if you have a form of coverage already - either through your own auto insurance or your credit card.

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    I am in a situation where I/we only have one working car right now, and I havent got the down payment for a decent car I would enjoy owning. Thus, I hae ben renting a car Thursday-Monday for about the last 2 months, with Enterprise. They are super nice, and if they don't have the economy car I asked for...they've given me Dodge Ram 1500 Dual Cab trucks for the same price. And as for the insurance thing, I am covered by my agent, Nationwide, no matter what I am driving. I simply decline their coverage, and I have to initial the rental form in about 4 different places...but they have honestly never given me any guff about it. If you have a CC like Visa or MC like Bridgette said, it SHOULD be covered. I know that if I used their insurance it would bascially double the cost.

    I like the train, but really only for short trips personally, unless time isnt an issue. I know Greyhound is ghetto and somewhat filthy, but it's usually crazy cheap. Whenever I go to NYC, I almost always take the bus. It's 20 bucks roundtrip, which is cheaper than the gas and the 40 bucks a day I would have to pay to park a car in Manhattan. Perhaps it's just me, bu I get a kick out of Greyhound. It's better than any reality show. However, you're a beautiful young girl, and if you're travelling by yourself...it might be annoying. Either way, and whatever you do decide...book it now.

    BTW, arent you in San Diego? Is it really a 9-10 hour drive to Sacremento? That's crazy. With gas being what it is, especially in Cali, I'd opt for the train or bus.
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    Featured Member CalifSCVisitor65's Avatar
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Quote Originally Posted by stant
    I'm curious where you learned this. As far as I know, and I just checked, California requires rental companies to carry the state's minimum liability coverage. The cost for this coverage is built into the price of the car rental. The coverage priority of this insurance is always secondary to the driver's, and they may have a company policy to require renters to hold liability. But they remain the owner of the car, and of course their employees drive it. You may have been squeezed by a rental car agent.

    All of the car larger companies, to my knowledge are in fact self-insured, meaning that they actually don't pay an outside company to handle claims, but instead post a coverage bond and handle all claims internally. Hence their eagerness to sell you this bullshit.
    Well I was a night auditor, station manager and Corp Acct. Rep for a major car rental company for about 7 yrs.

    Everything you said is correct about being self-insured. But if the rental car agency has to pay out a 3rd party liability claim then they might come back after the renter, if the renter doesn't have liability insurance.

    I am not a lawyer and don't claim to be one, so let's just let the topic be.

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    Featured Member CalifSCVisitor65's Avatar
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    Quote Originally Posted by Bridgette
    Pretty much what I was saying earlier. But I HAVE told them they're full of shit and even gone so far as to call VISA and have them verify to the agent on the phone that my credit card account does in fact have rental car coverage. They CANNOT refuse to rent to you for declining their supplemental insurance if you have a form of coverage already - either through your own auto insurance or your credit card.
    Bridgette: Everything you're saying is correct except Visa, MC, Amex, Diner's Club are providing coverage on the rental car itself (comp and collision) not someone'e else car or property, if you the renter is at fault (3rd party liability).

  25. #25
    Jay Zeno
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    Default Re: Rental Car reservation (quickie)

    The train sounds very cool. I'd do that.

    I rented from Dollar just for kicks, and they charged me close to 100% of what was quoted. I dropped off the car in a rush and didn't scope the bill out thoroughly and wouldn't have had time to fight about it then anyway. And I turned down all the extra insurance and stuff. I simply don't know why charged me so much - I haven't had that experience with other companies. I have a complaint in, and we'll see how it goes.

    If Dollar does the right thing, I'll take the posting down. But until then, DOLLAR RENTAL CAR SUCKS!!!!




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