Car Rental in USA (FL)

Although I am a regular traveller to ths US (Florida area), I have never rented a car there (have relied on family living there ferrying me around). Considering going this year and renting a car to get about for myself.

What costs should I look out for?

I got a quote from Budget for an airport pick-up and drop-off (figured the big names would be the best in terms of risk) and it included the following:

- Local Tax
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Vehicle Registration Fee
- Airport/City/Other Surcharge
- Supplementary Liability Insurance (SLI)
- Unlimited Mileage

Are there any other things they will try and sell me, and if so which would actually be a good idea to get?

Is CDW the one where I don't get stuck with the excess in the event of a claim? Basically I want a solution where I don't get held financially liable for anything in the event of an accident/damage etc.

Thanks

[Scrooge]

They will also ask you if you want the prepaid gas option,never take this unless you know you are going to return the car empty.

[preiffer]

Check out these guys - http://www.simplycarhire.co.uk

They piggy-back onto transhire, but offer cheaper deals. They offer all-inclusive packages, so they won't sell you anything over the top when you arrive.

You might find this (US) guide helpful, as it breaks down the terms. Alamo's guide goes into a lot of detail too (select CDW on the left hand side for starters ).

[preiffer]

On Daves point, yes - always tell them you'll bring it back full (unless your prepaid rate includes a stonking deal on the gas).

It's impossible (for normal people) to bring the car back absolutely empty. You'd be amazed how much money the car rental companies make on top of the rental charges when you add up all those 1/10-1/4 tanks of FREE gas that are brought back for them. (Gas that YOU'VE already paid for, that they're going to re-sell to the next customer... [:(][n])

Keith,
I recommend booking the car before you go. Pay a fully inclusive price, this will include all insurances, taxes, surcharges etc.

I've always found that it is cheaper to book via a third party rather than direct with the Car Hire Company

Try http://carhire.airline-network.co.uk/carhire/.

They use Dollar, you can pick up at the airport and they are presently offering a free upgrade.
I've just booked a fullsize for £18 a day. This price includes all taxes, insurances etc.
If you have extra drivers then you can include them for just over £1 a day.

try http://www.netflights.com

[honey lamb]

Ah yes, CDW

The first time I ever rented a car in the USA was in HNL. Not having driven an automatic for years I bounced the car from the parking lot to where Aer John was waiting with a most alarmed look on his face. I managed to get used to it very quickly but somehow I managed to scrape the side in Pearl Harbor [:w]

A couple of days later we were in Kona and the car I was given was an upgrade. Do not, I repeat, NOT take an upgrade if you are unhappy with the car. I had taken Aer John out to play golf and was returning to collect him. Don't ask me what happened but along Alii Drive the passenger window suddenly caved in. I had just overtaken a bus which was parked but other than that......

I was passing the airport and so turned it in to Hertz who were absolutely sweet about it but, of course that was the end of my contract with them. They drove me over to Dollar (I still had to collect Aer John who was 20 miles away!) This is a transcript of the conversation:

Me: I'll take CDW
Agent: Good choice. You'd be surprised at the number of people who return cars after wrecks.
Me: Oh really? [:w] [:w] [:w] [:w]

I had left Aer John driving a white car. I collected him in a maroon one. His first words to me? "What have you done?"

give http://www.yescarhire.com a look they use ether Alamo or dollar as there partners all quotes are with insurance as well they even waived my $100 :san francisco airport: to :las vegas airport: transfer fee for one way drop off

Try these guys:

http://www.uscarhire.co.uk/

They were very competitive and it has to be the quickest I've evr gone from desk to in the car and out of the airport

Jacq