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Going to USA at end of April and tbh haven't had the need to hire a car for 10 years abroad and aware the game has changed a bit. What do I need to make sure I don't get stung for un-needed charges but makes sure we're covered just in case.
The rental agreement from Alamo says...
CDW allocated Inclusive - INCLUDED
EP-EXTENDED PROTECTION - INCLUDED
Additional Driver - No charge
Unlimited Mileage - INCUDED
What else might I need or am I paying for that I don't? Many thanks!
I would just check was their CDW actually covers, it might still have a $1M dollar excess or something nuts. Other than that, not sure you need anything else.
I've rented dozens of cars from Avis & Hertz in the US, with their standard CDW cover, and never had an issue. They dont seem to have the same "nickel and dime" culture for penalising you for every minor undocumented scratch that the UK & EU operations do. I've returned cars with cracked windscreens, punctures, and even once (due to wife opening garage door when tailgate was open) a large ugly scratch/groove across the tailgate and rear screen - they didnt even blink, and no extra charges.
You should be set.
Is liability coverage in the EP?
they charge for wind screen replacement, and tyre punctures and recovery now unless you pay for extra coverage
Roadside Assistance PLUS
Renter may purchase Roadside Plus (RSP) from Owner for an additional fee. If Renter purchases RSP, Owner agrees, subject to the actions that invalidate Collision Damage Waiver, to contractually waive Renter’s responsibility for the cost to provide 24/7 roadside assistance (where available) which includes replacement of lost keys (including remote entry devices), flat tire service (if no inflated spare is available, the vehicle will be towed. Cost of a replacement tire is not covered by RSP), lockout service (if the keys are locked inside the vehicle), jumpstarts, and fuel delivery service for up to 3 gallons (or equivalent liters) of fuel if Vehicle is out of fuel. Roadside Plus services are only available in the United States and Canada. If Renter does not purchase RSP, or RSP is invalidated as set forth above, roadside assistance will be available, but standard charges will apply.
next time i go out there i'll be buying somthing like this before i go
https://www.reducemyexcess.co.uk/excess-single.aspx
https://www.insurance4carhire.com/products/usa-canada-car-hire-excess-insurance
Reasonably sure rentals from Alamo UK website have very good coverage.
Aiui, European rentals are required to provide basic liability insurance. ( A car rented in Europe through a us/Canadian website of a global chain will NOT get liability included. I don't know if a USA based car rented via a eruopean website will get liability coverage included)
In the USA and Canada, liability insurance typically is provided by your credit card (which UK card issuers don't) so there's no law to provide liability insurance as part of the rental.
I wouldn't drive a car in the most litigious culture in the world without ensuring I had suitable liability insurance.
Typically CDW is physical property only coverage for the car you've rented.
Thanks guys, good info. I think I’ll look into one of the excess insurance policies as that’s what I’d got in mind I was missing. Are they all much of a muchness?
We’ve always used Bettersafe for trips to the U.S. and Canada. We haven’t had to make a claim, so can’t comment on their efficiency.
Take a look at autoeurope. Seem a breath of fresh air for rental brokers.
I've used them several times and nothing has come close.
You can hedge your rental - in other words pay a current price and then if it comes down as you get closer you can just rebook the cheaper option. And they pay you the difference back. You can cancel too.
And the rentals I've done everything has been included as far as I can tell. (Although you must double check as there are silly extras that pop up.)
I mean they are a broker but I only discovered a couple of years ago and think they're system is fab.
Went to Florida in December and no issues with collection or return.
Think there's even a generous quidco.
I amazed I didn't discover the them ages ago as appropriate they've been going years.
I tend to only do airport and the big name rentals. I don't think the saving is worth it.
US prices have come down massively since the pandemic.
I'm booked with car rental from Denver airport in July. It's a £961 for 16 days for a chunky car.
That includes CDW with zero excess and Liability - which is not always included. I'm happy to have them as part of the deal, and think buying separately could be problematic. But I have no experience of an actual claim. I'd make sure you you've got (optional) liability or SLI. That's someone suing you for personal accident/ property.
Most credit cards in the UK don't offer much protection with car rentals as far as I've looked at.
CDW doesn't always cover you for every element of car damage. You have to check what's included. But does stop you having a massive bill.
Sometimes CDW has an excess attached to it.
Basic 3rd party insurance is generally included and compulsory I believe.
You can then get extras such as accidental damage to the car etc.