Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: How to rent a car out of state?

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Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 04-10-2006, 12:05 AM:

I'm visiting Virgina next month and need to rent a car. I've never rented on before so I need some advice.
1)Are there any extra fee's if you do get a car and go across state line (i'm also going to Washington DC)
2) Do I REALLY need to buy insurance?
3)I have a spotless driving record (contrary to popular belief, some women are good drivers haha), will this make the rates go down, or is that wishful thinking.

Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 04-10-2006, 12:31 AM:

Don't have much car rental experience myself but I gotta wonder-how would they know you took it out of state anyway? Regardless, I don't think its prohibited.

Posted by Frank Dubrois (Member # 3042) on 04-10-2006, 12:53 AM:

You do have to disclose if you go out of state in case you get into an accident. If you have car insurance it covers the rental, so dont buy their insurance, its a rip off. Make sure you DO walk around the car and note EVERY irregularity aka scratches, paint chips, dents, window cracks, and go over the interior VERY closely as well for any kind of cigarrete burns or rips and tears. Those companys will try to pin everything on you. If you have comprehensive coverage, it might be wise to pay a little extra for the week or so you have the rental, and get the $0 deductable, so if they do find a scratch or something you didnt notice, your insurnace will cover it and your not out any cash. Just words of advice from someone who's been there, done that.

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 04-10-2006, 01:14 AM:

quote: Allison Parsons
1)Are there any extra fee's if you do get a car and go across state line (i'm also going to Washington DC)
2) Do I REALLY need to buy insurance?
3)I have a spotless driving record (contrary to popular belief, some women are good drivers haha), will this make the rates go down, or is that wishful thinking.

1. Depends on the rental. Some companies don't want their cars to leave a state without extra fees. So you'll need to tell them your travel plans and see what rates they give you. And most big companies have transponders and LoJacks installed on their fleets now so they definitely can tell if a car leaves an authorized area. They can also tell if you've been speeding in one of their cars.

2. Depends on your insurance and credit card. Does your insurance cover you when driving a rental? If not, many credit cards have automatic insurance coverage for rental cars if the card is used to cover the rental. If yours does it can be much cheaper to decline the company's coverage and use your card's. If you actually have a problem and need to make a claim using your card's coverage, things can get really sticky though. But it is definitely cheaper to use your card as long as nothing goes wrong. OTOH the company comprehensive coverage is as simple as it is expensive. Just bring the car back with no hassles at all about dings or other road rash.

3. Won't affect rental or company insurance rates one way or the other. If your driving record isn't good, most companies won't rent to you period.

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 04-10-2006, 01:42 AM:

quote: Frank Dubrois
Make sure you DO walk around the car and note EVERY irregularity aka scratches, paint chips, dents, window cracks, and go over the interior VERY closely

I'm paranoid about things like that, should I take pictures of the car BEFORE I drive away, or is that too silly

Also, I have a AAA membership and I just noticed that there is a Hertz rental and discount ID# on the back on my card.

Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 04-10-2006, 02:58 AM:

Hertz seems to be fairly expensive, try Dollar or Alamo, they're both reasonable.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 04-10-2006, 03:59 AM:

Valid Driver's License and a credit card to secure the rental..for starters..and just bring it back, or to the destination depot with a full tank of gas.

And, you're the only permissable driver. If you get caught with someone else driving... [Eek!]

Posted by Dick Vaughan (Member # 540) on 04-10-2006, 04:43 AM:

I use rental cars quite a lot in the US and Canada. Trying to bring my car across from the UK is less than easy [Big Grin]

I find I can often get bettter rates booking through Expedia or similar rather than going to the rental companies direct.

Also as they are usually business rentals I take the comprehensive cover as it saves arguments over minor scratches etc

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 04-10-2006, 05:37 AM:

Dick, Just be careful when booking through Expedia or Travelocity. They get a discounted rate, which is not good if you need the car longer than booked. I recently had a trip booked through Travelocity and I was delayed 2 days because of work (the return portion of my trip). I called the car rental place and was told my daily rate was doubled for the remaining days. I also had to pay a higher rate at the same hotel. And I had to purchase a new return ticket from Delta.

Posted by Sam Graham (Member # 2889) on 04-10-2006, 11:09 AM:

Hertz generally offers unlimited miles and no state restrictions. For simplicity, I swear by them. Other companies are generally pretty good about laying out their state/mileage restrictions in the details of a rental offer.

Most rental car companies will try to sell you on their "loss damage waiver" insurance...hard. But if you use a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express for the rental, your credit card gives you the same basic coverage automatically. Check with your credit card company for specifics.

Also, if you book through Hertz online, make sure you check rates for both your AAA discount as well as with NO discount. I have found myself surprised at how the base rate changes that way. It's sometimes actually cheaper to go the base route.

As far as being paranoid, I would suggest walking around the car at the rental place and pointing out any scratches or dings immediately...not taking pictures and reporting later if they complain to you.

One more small little detail...Most rental car companies will not accept debit cards, even if they have a Visa/Mastercard logo on them.

Posted by Jason Burroughs (Member # 68) on 04-10-2006, 01:39 PM:

Also, make sure you have a true Credit Card. Most car rental agencies are no longer accepting Check Cards, because they are not able to put a large enough hold, for long enough.

In regards to the hold, expect a roughly $100 hold on your card, which is refunded/canceled upon return of the car - minus any balances owed.

Some rental companies will ask if you are taking the car across a state line, some wont. I've never been asked at National if I'll be leaving the state.

Don't worry about taking pictures, but go over the car in detail with one of their personnel, and document any blemishes. They should have a sheet for this. Return the car with as much or more gas that it had when you got it, but it doesn't have to be FULL. Certinaly don't opt to pre-pay for the gas fill up upon your return. Their rates are astronomical.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 04-10-2006, 01:50 PM:

If you don't smoke, and don't like the smell of a smoky car, be sure to request a "non-smoking" car. Also, rent a car that is one size larger than you think you will need; a "large" rental car is generally "medium" size by normal peoples' standards.

I've rented from pretty much all the rental companies and haven't seen much difference between them (with the notable exception of Rent-A-Wreck, which I don't recommend).

Several people have recommended using Priceline for rental cars. You might check this out, although I don't like the way that Priceline requires a credit card number before letting users do anything on their web site (they used to, anyway...haven't checked recently).

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 04-10-2006, 02:47 PM:

Be sure to return the car with a full tank of gas, or they might give you the "courtesy service" of filling the tank for you at about double the going price of gas. (Some companies do charge the regular gas price, but not all.)

On the out of state thing: I once rented a car in LA for the purpose of driving to Vegas and back, the rental office never asked me about driving plans, and the trip was completed with no problems...but after I had returned home I happened to glance at a pertinent part of the contract where it said I would not take the car out of state and if I did, I would be liable for the entire cost of the car if I wrecked it, even if I bought their insurance!! So it pays to read the fine print.

Posted by Jim Ziegler (Member # 86) on 04-10-2006, 04:21 PM:

The thing about the credit card insurance is that it is secondary coverage. Basically, if you wreak the car, your insurance gets the claim, you pay the deductable and then wait for the credit card to reimburse the deductable to you. I usually get the damage waiver, just because its worth the $15 a day to not have to worry about road debris or other drivers.

Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 04-10-2006, 07:12 PM:

When I was living in Los Angeles, I had to go to a wedding in Virginia. I flew out of LAX to Dulles Airport. I used Hertz rent a car for the trip. As Sam posted Hertz generally offers unlimited miles and no state restrictions. And they did, because I needed to drive to Fredericksberg and then to the city of Orange. But before I went to Fredericksberg I drove to D.C. for a few hours. After the wedding and a few local trips around, I had to drive one of brides maids to Richmond, Virginia to get her plane before my flight took off at Dulles later that evening. I had the car for just 2 1/2 days and put just over 905 miles on it. I bought their insurance when I booked it. I originally had another rental company, but Hertz's prices were half of the other.

Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 04-10-2006, 09:26 PM:

Many rental companies prohibit taking their vehicles to certain areas or even passing thru them, NYC for instance. The companies that don't allow travel to or thru New York will usually provide a route acceptable to them around.

Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 04-10-2006, 09:34 PM:

quote: Mike Blakesley
Be sure to return the car with a full tank of gas, or they might give you the "courtesy service" of filling the tank for you at about double the going price of gas.

And by full, Mike means FULL. Alamo charged me $25 just to top off the tank back when gas was only $1.15 a gallon. Now I make a point to fill up at the closest station to the return depot irregardless of the price.

Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 04-10-2006, 10:46 PM:

That's odd... usually when I rent a car, they always have a certain level that the tank is at, and you must return it at that level. So if its at the 3/4 mark, then you return it at that, or if it's full then return it full. Never had a problem otherwise.

Posted by Shane Cooper (Member # 2510) on 04-11-2006, 12:24 AM:

I am somewhat biased on the issue because my brother is a branch manager, but I suggest Enterprise. They are cheap, take a debit card (with Visa/MC logo if you need it), and have never given me crap about taking my car across state lines.

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 04-11-2006, 12:39 AM:

I too am leaning toward Enterprise. Ok, thanks for all the info. From what I can gather from what everyone says, I need to do this:

1) No need to buy their insurance. I have a Visa card.
2) ask about going over state lines, but 99% of the time it's OK
3) check out the car throughly for dings, etc. (can I REFUSE to take a car if I think it's going to be a problem??)
4) I don't plan on renting thru Expedia or Priceline. Not a fan of those 'name your own price' sites, my luck I would totally get screwed over.
5)Do not Prepay for gas and bring back the car full, or mostly full, of gas.

Anything else I'm forgeting? Oh yes, do I need to bring my car insurance info on the trip or just leave it at home?

For some reason I'm more stressed out about renting a car than anything else about this trip! Oh, and If any of you are planing to attend the Book Expo America in Washington, DC in May, let me know!!!

Posted by Joshua Waaland (Member # 287) on 04-11-2006, 03:54 PM:

quote: Frank Dubrois
Make sure you DO walk around the car and note EVERY irregularity aka scratches, paint chips, dents, window cracks, and go over the interior VERY closely as well for any kind of cigarrete burns or rips and tears. Those companys will try to pin everything on you.

I rent a car with Hertz almost weekly and I have yet to have any problems. Charging people for scratches and such is kind of a thing of the past. They used to be nit-picky but not so much anymore. When you turn in the cars now, you drive in, they check the fuel gauge and ask if you had any problems, then the attendant prints off your receipt right there in the parking lot and you are on your way.

Hell, the other two guys I work with (one is my boss) make it their hobby abusing rental cars. My first week in sales I went out with the other guy and he beat the living piss out of that car! He would be doing 65 on the freeway and then slam the stick (automatic transmission) through all the gears and put on the parking brake to make the tires squeal. He spilled pop in it and even gouged the dash with a piece of steel and he didn't get charged for anything. They have even broken the transmissions in brand new rental cars and taken them back barely moving and not gotten charged. [Eek!]

By the way, I do not condone this behavior and I kept insisting that he stop especially since I felt unsafe riding with him. I merely mention it to prove my point.

quote: Frank Dubrois
You do have to disclose if you go out of state in case you get into an accident.

I usually rent and drive into several states and they have never asked me where I am going. For instance, I usually fly up into Dallas and rent a car then drive to Houston, Texarkana, New Orleans and back.

Make sure you remember to fill up before returning though. I forget every time then have to leave again to go get gas. This can be a real pain when the rental place is in an airport. If they fill it up it costs about $6.50 a gallon! [Eek!]

As far as insurance goes, if you call your agent they will tell you if you are covered by your own. My employer buys me a million dollar umbrella policy that covers me in all rental cars so I don't know a lot about any other types of policies. You will need proof of insurance and your license.

Posted by Joel N. Weber II (Member # 3530) on 04-11-2006, 07:35 PM:

Regarding AAA discounts: I once stayed at a Best Western hotel, calling their reservation 800 number to make a reservation about five minutes before I showed up at the hotel. The best rate I got the central Best Western reservation number to quote me turned out to be a better rate than the guy who checked in just before me who got the AAA discount.

(I don't know how common this is elsewhere in the industry, but it is certainly the case with Best Western that after you ask them for the rate, you need to ask them if that's actually the best price they can offer, and get them to search for the better rates, because often one will find that there is, in fact, a better rate available to people who are persistent in asking this.)

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 04-12-2006, 02:55 AM:

quote: Joshua Waaland
Hell, the other two guys I work with (one is my boss) make it their hobby abusing rental cars. My first week in sales I went out with the other guy and he beat the living piss out of that car! He would be doing 65 on the freeway and then slam the stick (automatic transmission) through all the gears and put on the parking brake to make the tires squeal. He spilled pop in it and even gouged the dash with a piece of steel and he didn't get charged for anything. They have even broken the transmissions in brand new rental cars and taken them back barely moving and not gotten charged.

Looks like your boss is really mature. He must be a great role model for you.

Posted by Joshua Waaland (Member # 287) on 04-13-2006, 07:29 PM:

quote: Michael Schaffer
Looks like your boss is really mature. He must be a great role model for you.

Agreed. Can you believe that he is 63 years old too? I went to the home office in Toronto yesterday and today and it was nice to actually be around some normal mature people for a change. When you only have 5 employees at a location that is not where the owner is, people can get away with a lot more.

Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 04-13-2006, 08:16 PM:

Sounds like he saw Jackass and got inspired when he rented the car! Lol.

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 05-24-2006, 12:13 AM:

Quick update:
Just got back from vacation, and my rent a car experience was so insanely EASY that it was ridiculous! I rented from Hertz and got a Mazda 3 that didn't even have 1000 miles on it (though it does now, thanks to me!)
HOWEVER
One day after I got the car, I noticed I had a nail in the back tire. Lets just say I pretended it wasn't there and hopefully Hertz won't notice it either [Big Grin]

Well, for the sake of the next person renting it, I hope they do....but just don't charge me for it being in there. The Airport had a whole buttload of construction going on, so I'm assuming I may have picked it up there. The nail is quite noticble, but I don't think it truely punctured the tire. I went over 350 miles with it in there and nothing bad happened (thank goodness).

Thanks again for all your help on the subject!

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 05-24-2006, 02:48 AM:

An aside here....a thing to remember for the future - if you find a nail in a tire, LEAVE it there and drive to a service station to get it fixed. Most people will try to pull it out and presto...flat tire.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 05-24-2006, 09:36 AM:

I prefer to use Enterprise as well. They are almost NEVER on the airport which is good! Walk straight out to a waiting bus; they drive you away from the heavy traffic and into a quiet office. On the way back, YOU avoid the busy airport and they drop you at the door. They should charge extra, but they are cheaper. Louis

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 05-24-2006, 03:26 PM:

quote: Mike Blakesley
An aside here....a thing to remember for the future - if you find a nail in a tire, LEAVE it there and drive to a service station to get it fixed. Most people will try to pull it out and presto...flat tire.

I carry a tire plug kit with me in a little tool box in my truck. On more than one occasion I've heard a hissing sound after I park and find a nail in one of my tires. I just pull it out, plug the hole and I am good until I can get it patched at the tire shop.