Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to Europe (buy and upload European maps before your trip). GPS apps are also available
for smartphones, but downloading maps on one of these apps in Europe could lead to an
Big companies have offices in most cities; ask whether they can pick you up at your
hotel. Small local rental companies can be cheaper but aren't as flexible.
Compare pickup costs (downtown can be less expensive than the airport) and explore
drop-off options. When selecting a location, don't trust the agency's description of
“downtown” or “city center.” In some cases, a “downtown” branch can be on the outskirts
of the city—a long, costly taxi ride from the center. Before choosing, plug the addresses
into a mapping website. You may find that the “train station” location is more central.
Returning a car at a big-city train station or downtown agency can be tricky; get precise
details on the car drop-off location and hours, and allow ample time to follow it. Note that
rental offices may close from midday Saturday until Monday morning.
When you pick up the car, check it thoroughly and make sure any damage is noted on
your rental agreement. Find out how your car's lights, turn signals, wipers, and fuel cap
function, and know what kind of fuel the car takes. When you return the car, make sure
the agent verifies its condition with you.
Car Insurance Options
When you rent a car, you are liable for a very high deductible, sometimes equal to the
entire value of the car. Limit your financial risk by choosing one of these three options:
Buy Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage from the car-rental company, get cov-
erage through your credit card (free, if your card automatically includes zero-deductible
coverage), or buy coverage through Travel Guard.
CDW
includes a very high deductible (typically $1,000-1,500). Though each rental
company has its own variation, basic CDW costs $15-35 a day (figure roughly 30 percent
extra) and reduces your liability, but does not eliminate it. When you pick up the car,
you'll be offered the chance to “buy down” the deductible to zero (for an additional
$10-30/day; this is sometimes called “super CDW”).
If you opt for
credit-cardcoverage,
there's a catch. You'll technically have to decline
all coverage offered by the car-rental company, which means they can place a hold on
your card (which can be up to the full value of the car). In case of damage, it can be time-
consuming to resolve the charges with your credit-card company. Before you decide on
this option, quiz your credit-card company about how it works.
