Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 “down-
town” 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 handier. Returning a car at a big-
city train station or downtown agency can be tricky; get precise details on the
cardrop-offlocationandhours,andallowampletimetofindit.Notethatrent-
al offices usually close from midday Saturday until Monday morning.
When you pick up the rental 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.
In some cases, I prefer to connect long distances by train or bus, then
rent cars for a day or two where they're most useful (I've noted these places
throughout this topic).
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 coverage through your credit card (free, if
your card automatically includes zero-deductible coverage), or buy coverage
through Travel Guard.
