CAR RENTALS on HW or PL

[Rodster]

OK, just a bit to share. Taking a cue from fellow MERBites about HW & PL to get a discount for hotel rooms, I tried HW to get a car also for my trip to Montreal. Rate is about 50% of going through the rental agency.

I'll report back about quality & satisfaction when I get the car next Monday when I arrive in Montreal.

 

[lgna69xxx]

i have used HW alot for hotels, and also for cars although not as much but the times i have used they have been great and CHEAP!

 

[CWipes]

I personally do not like using hotwire or priceline for car rentals because you normally are pressured in to purchasing the additional cost insurance, which ends up costing more then if you booked it via the car rental's own web site, since it's not covered under the standard credit card rental purchase when booked via hotwire or priceline.

Read the fine print...

- CWipes

 

[Turbodick]

I personally do not like using hotwire or priceline for car rentals because you normally are pressured in to purchasing the additional cost insurance, which ends up costing more then if you booked it via the car rental's own web site, since it's not covered under the standard credit card rental purchase when booked via hotwire or priceline.

Read the fine print...

- CWipes

Credit card coverage of insurance is a sweet deal. I've found it so cheap to book direct through Enterprise for three day weekends (under $20 a day unlimited mileage) that I'd just park my car and put the wear on a rental.

 

[Rodster]

Credit card coverage of insurance is a sweet deal. I've found it so cheap to book direct through Enterprise for three day weekends (under $20 a day unlimited mileage) that I'd just park my car and put the wear on a rental.

Yes, Enterprise does have a great 3-day weekend. Have used it many times.

 

[IamNY]

I have used Hot Wire with great results. Also try Kayak.com.

 

[metoo4]

For the insurance stuff, it's a good idea to check with your own car insurance company. Many now offer, at no or very small cost, to insure cars you rent for short terms, at the same conditions as your own vehicle so, same deductible and all. Some will even cover extra costs the rental company might charges in case of accident.

Enterprise usually have the cheapest, no frills basic models of cars. Let's say you get an Impala, it will be the cheapest model Chevy is selling. That's why they often, if not always have the best possible rates around. If you register with them, you often get coupons for free upgrades, 15-20% off, weekends at 50% and other goodies.

 

[CWipes]

Yeah, since I don't have a car, I don't carry auto insurance in general, but for Montreal, if I'm staying in Downtown I don't really need a car either.

But yes you should verify that you're covered for car rentals under your current auto insurance plan, otherwise you're going to get the "high pressure insurance sell" when you go to pick up your car when using hotwire or priceline.

That's what happened to me the the first and last time I rented a car from YUL (I was staying near the airport which is why I rented a car), and I found a "good rate" via hotwire.

- CWipes

 

[smuler]

A couple things I would like to add

If you are renting a car in Canada, your regular car insurance at home should automatically cover your rental- call your insurance company, and ask them.

You MUST have a Canadian proof of insurance card in the vehicle ( issued by your insurance company ) , in case you get pulled over in Canada.

Canadian insurance carries higher coverage for injuries, rather than the cheap shit 15/30/5 coverage , which is the minimum allowed by law here in NJ.

http://www.economywatch.com/insurance/life-insurance/canada-auto-insurance.html

don't get caught with cheapie insurance...

You will get a ticket, or worse, in an accident in which you are not covered


my 2 cents


Best Regards


Smuler

 

[Rodster]

A couple things I would like to add

If you are renting a car in Canada, your regular car insurance at home should automatically cover your rental- call your insurance company, and ask them.

My experience is a little different. It's not automatic, it's a policy rider you have to pay for. Although mine was ridiculously cheap - $30/year covered any non-owned vehicle with the same coverage I had on my own vehicle.

Well worth it for someone who rents a lot.

 

[Rodster]

Quality Update

I'm preparing for another Montreal visit and realized I forgot to update this thread with my last rental results.

The base HW deal seemed good enough, about $21/day but two things I didn't consider:
[1] Some strange fee called "tax collection recovery fee" added about $43 to the bill and;
[2] I missed the charges were in USD funds therefore, add an extra 22% to the whole thing.

Ended up paying about $110 for 2 days. No real savings to be had. I'll stick to using the agencies directly and maybe HW only for hotels.

 

[Voyager]

[1] Some strange fee called "tax collection recovery fee" added about $43 to the bill

Rodster,

Did you inquire as to what the $43 ($21.50/day) fee was, or did you just pay it? If it wasn't listed/explained upfront then I don't understand how it would be added, as a surprise, at the end.

Thanks for the info.

Voyager