Never rented car before... rental advice needed

[cokezero]

What are your thoughts regarding renting a car using coupon codes (such as those provided on this site) or using something like hotwire? Right now I can get a car rental via hotwire (economy vehicle) for $165 for Feb 7th to Feb 13th. Is this a good rate? Can you get better rates via coupon codes? Any general thoughts on using hotwire to rent a vehicle, good or bad?

[yaldaren]

Before anyone can answer your questions you need to give some extra information.

1) Are you 25 or older?
2) Where do you want to rent the car?
3) Are you going to be staying in Canada?

I can give some advice if you happen to be renting a car in Vegas. If that is where you want it then you should try and get a rate of about $10 a day (without taxes). Sign up for the car rental club of wherever you end up getting the car from because that can save you some time if you are arriving at an airport.

Again for Vegas, I would recommend booking directly with the rental company and keep checking daily on the majors to see if the rate goes down. If you book direct then you can cancel or modify your reservation up until 24 or 48 hours before the start. I have found the best rates at Dollar/Thrifty.

Re: Coupon codes - Try it without them first and then try it with them. Sometimes they raise the rental price but you might find that gem that gets you a great rate.

[ygtgxi]

it would be best if you have a gold card that provides CDW too

[pt78dragon]

i have a rbc avion card that says covers the rental insurance. but when i call in for a quote they claim credit card insurance is not enough and try to sell me it....

are they trying to squeeze a few more bucks from me?

[ChopSuey]

i have a rbc avion card that says covers the rental insurance. but when i call in for a quote they claim credit card insurance is not enough and try to sell me it....

are they trying to squeeze a few more bucks from me?

In most cases, rental insurance included with your gold or platinum card is enough to cover CDW/LDW. The only problem you may have is that most credit card companies won't cover tire or windshield damage (as these are the most common type of damage out there). My credit card covers windshield damage, but not tire damage. But my credit card also covers everything else (theft, accident, etc.).

Rental car companies will always try to sell CDW/LDW as they make commission off these upsells.

Also, if you are using Hotwire or Priceline for car rentals, make sure to check with your credit card company to see if you are still covered as some credit card companies will only cover you for CDW/LDW only if you make the reservation with the car company directly, and not through a third party.

[cokezero]

Before anyone can answer your questions you need to give some extra information.

1) Are you 25 or older?
2) Where do you want to rent the car?
3) Are you going to be staying in Canada?


Here's some additional info. I'm older than 25 years, and the quote was for a rental at the Vancouver airport.

[AmberMoon]

I always search online between like budget and national to name a couple. I also search to see if its cheaper to pick it up at the airport ( which usually is) Last time i rented a car it was a PT Cruiser and i rented it Friday to Monday with unlimited KM and it was $60 total ( give or a take a few bucks) I drove from Toronto to Buffalo and shopped all day and then played around town with it.

I never used priceline or anything as i find its cheaper to go to the source and play with the system for the best deals ( different locations/dates different costs)

[Slapshot747]

Here's some additional info. I'm older than 25 years, and the quote was for a rental at the Vancouver airport.

www.carrentals.com

Lowest price on this site for your dates are...125.99...with all the extra taxes your total would be...186.82....

was your quote before taxes??