skunker@gmail.com wrote:
> Hi all,
> I am going to fly into LUBBOCK, TEXAS next month and found a good deal
> at southwest.com for an ENTERPRISE rental car for around $32 for 3
> days. I just turned 25 and have never rented a car before. Can someone
> tell me what the process involves? Do I need to have insurance? Do I
> need to purchase insurance? etc?
>
> I am basically just trying to be prepared in case they try to slap on
> all kinds of fees, taxes, etc that I probably should not be paying.
>
Contact your insurance agent and ask if your policy covers rental cars.
If your own insurance covers you in a rental car then you do not need
the extremely expensive insurance from the rental company. If your own
insurance does not cover you then you should purchase at least minimal
coverage.
You will also need a valid credit card. Debit cards can be used for
payment but a regular credit card is required in order to rent.
Make sure you bring a printed copy of your reservation showing the total
price with all taxes. The rental agencies quite often show you a higher
price until you tell them of their mistake. Don't let them slap on any
fees not on your reservation total which should show the taxes etc.
already.
One common charge is prepaid gasoline. You can prepay for a full tank
of gas at a slightly lower rate than gas stations. The problem is that
its only cost effective to do this if you can plan it to return the car
on empty. This is usually difficult to do. Its easier just to top it
off just prior to returning the car. They only look at the gauge. It
can be down a few gallons but as long as the guage reads full when
returning you wont be charged for gas.
Other than that, you just show up, show your reservation and credit card
and get your car. |