Sheepdip

Will be returning to the UK in a couple of weeks and wondered if anyone had any tips on hiring a car from Heathrow? The rates look pretty cheap until you take into account all the add-on insurances etc. and charges for additional drivers (only my wife in this case).

Is it best to hire directly with a hire company or through the airline website or Expedia for example?

coastieexpat

I'd take a look at hertz or Avis, also if you join Avis preferred, 2nd driver is free. I would avoid there insurance and use a credit card that covers you.

Peruse this site to get more information , http://millionmilesecrets.com/2013/0...e-rental-cars/

Sheepdip

Thanks. Been trying to find if one of my CC would cover the insurance but can't find that detail anywhere on the websites. Guess it must be in the original agreement blurb?

coastieexpat

Take a look at Rick Steve's take on this subject, http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/carrental_cdw.htm
I have an American Express Platinum Card, for around $20.00 per rental I'm covered for everything, but I have used other cards also. However I have never had to make a claim, the Amex option would be the best though.

notonuksoil

I'd second amex to pay for the car. Our amex gold card covered all the insurance when using hire cars in the UK last year.
Booked online with Budget picked up at Newcastle airport booked a PEUGEOT 308 1.6 5DR/5PSGR automatic for 5 days and actually ended up with a PEUGEOT 508 which was like driving a tank and a nightmare to park

88.00 taxes & fees
car tax 5.24
fees 11.44
taxes 20.94
options

total GBP125.62

robin1234

That link doesn't look right.. is this the one you meant?

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/carrental_cdw.htm

coastieexpat

Ooops ! Thanks, and duly corrected. I just pasted and forgot to copy first

lansbury

I've rented in the UK using my Amex card. $25 per hire period for what I would call the extra cover above what Amex normally provide free. That covered for the full replacement cost of the rented vehicle.

Ash UK/US

Another Amex user here, however Visa also have damage and theft coverage (under UK law rental companies have to provide 3rd party liability) so your bases are covered.

Avoid Hertz like the plague! We have always had great service from Alamo. If you join their loyalty club you get an additional driver free too.

Sheepdip

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Hotwire seems to have good deals with no cancellation penalties and a fully comprehensive insurance (through Allianz Travel - up to $40k) for $135 (but I will check out my Visa cards first!).

I usually use Enterprise (like the pick you up thing) but National have a good rate at the moment. And by joining their Emerald Club (as suggested for other companies) the second driver will be free!

Weeze

Another Amex user here. With our own insurance, the car hire a few months back was laughably cheap.

S Folinsky

BTW, I've used Kemwell and Autoeurope to reserve a car from the United States. You have to pay in advance and then get a voucher via e-mail. It has worked very well.

Scouse Express

Had great service from Hertz, when I rented at Manchester, in August.

I'd rent from them again, without any probs.


Jim.

N1cky

Another Amex vote here, however, I have just received an email from Chase with regards to my BA Visa Card, and they have added cover on there, and that appears to be totally free, as long as you pay for the rental with that card.

tonrob

Ahem.... Stickied thread at the top.... Free next time...