Rental Car Tips

[kyle0629]

I am looking to rent a vehicle in Vancouver for June 20-26 and I'm wondering what the best sites would be to go through to get the cheapest rates. I am 23 but there are others that are 25 and older going with me.

What kind of insurance should I get on the vehicle (collision/liability)? Does the rental company supply it with the vehicle?

Is it possible for others to drive the vehicle if it's under one person's name?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated as this is my 1st time renting.

Thanks!

[Wingding]

All this information is readily available directly from the car rental companies. Policies vary from company to company and location to location. Read the info on the company's website, then call their local office where you plan to rent with any additional questions pertaining to insurance and such.

[Pete_Coach]

I am looking to rent a vehicle in Vancouver for June 20-26 and I'm wondering what the best sites would be to go through to get the cheapest rates. I am 23 but there are others that are 25 and older going with me.

What kind of insurance should I get on the vehicle (collision/liability)? Does the rental company supply it with the vehicle?

Is it possible for others to drive the vehicle if it's under one person's name?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated as this is my 1st time renting.

Thanks!
I have rented many times. To be honest, the cheapest I have found (at Vancouver airport for sure) has been Hotwire.
Insurance does not come with the car. Your credit card company may cover some insurances. Call them and ask which ones.
The type of insurance is up to you. Vancouver has some pretty "unaware" drivers. Richmond is a particularly hazardous area to drive in. Many of the drivers can barely see above the steering wheel let alone their rear view or side mirrors. The insurances you take (or don't take) is up too you. You may wish to supplement to zero deductible and collision insurances.
Someone else can drive the car but they must be registered at the time of rental and you need to provide the drivers license number. Sometimes they want ID as well to ensure the person is over 25 etc.

[n3o321]

get the person over 25 to be the primary driver and put yourself under the primary diver if you're going to do the driving.

or just ask what the price difference would be if you're the primary driver compared to the other.

"Is it possible for others to drive the vehicle if it's under one person's name?"
What do you think? lol

[HandsomeRob]

See your current insurance provider about rental car insurance.

I get rental car insurance through ICBC when I travel, less than half of what the rental car insurance will cost and probably cover double. I pity the US insurance company that would have to go up against ICBC too.

[TrevorK]

There are many discounts available in the main "Hot Deals" forum for various companies. I have found the prices with those discount codes to be as good as any third party site for my needs. Costco Travel also offers some great deals if you're a member.

Make sure when you do your walk around to take your time and note all the damage. I have personally never had a problem but I know some agents have warned me about specific locations (as I often return to a different location).


If the person renting the car does not have coverage through the credit card and does not want to use their personal car insurance I would highly recommend purchasing the insurance. You should not drive the car around hoping no one hits you because you could be liable for a lot of money.


As others have mentioned you can add additional drivers. You will want to make sure whatever insurance you are using (credit card, personal car insurance, etc) covers the additional named drivers.

[JWL]

Perhaps check out and contribute this thread: http://forums.redflagdeals.com/renting-car-tips-tricks-1149270/ rather than starting a new one?