Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [254]
• Are weekend rates lower than weekday rates? Ask if the rate is the same for pickup Friday morning, for instance, as it is for Thursday night. Reservations agents won’t volunteer this information, so don’t be shy about asking.
• Does the agency assess a drop-off charge if you don’t return the car to the same location where you picked it up?
• Are special promotional rates available? If you see an advertised price in your local newspaper, be sure to ask for that specific rate; otherwise, you could be charged the standard rate. Terms change constantly.
• Are discounts available for members of AARP, AAA, frequent-flier programs, or trade unions? If you belong to any of these organizations, you may be entitled to discounts of up to 30%.
• How much tax will be added to the rental bill? Will there be local tax and state tax?
• How much does the rental company charge to refill your gas tank if you return with the tank less than full? Most rental companies claim their prices are “competitive,” but fuel is almost always cheaper in town, so you should try to allow enough time to refuel the car before returning it.
Some companies offer “refueling packages,” in which you pay for an entire tank of gas upfront. The cost is usually fairly competitive with local prices, but you don’t get credit for any gas remaining in the tank. If a stop at a gas station on the way to the airport will make you miss your plane, then by all means take advantage of the fuel purchase option. Otherwise, skip it.
Most agencies enforce a minimum-age requirement—usually 25. Some also have a maximum-age limit. If you’re concerned that these limits might affect you, ask about rental requirements at the time of booking to avoid problems later.
Make sure you’re insured. Hasty assumptions about your personal auto insurance or a rental agency’s additional coverage could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars, even if you are involved in an accident that is clearly the fault of another driver.
If you already have your own car insurance, you are most likely covered in the United States for loss of or damage to a rental car and liability in case of injury to any other party involved in an accident. Be sure to check your policy before you spend extra money (around $10 or more per day) on the collision damage waiver (CDW) offered by all agencies.
Most major credit cards (especially gold and platinum cards) provide some degree of coverage as well—if they were used to pay for the rental. Terms vary widely, however, so be sure to call your credit card company directly before you rent and rely on the card for coverage. If you are uninsured, your credit card may provide primary coverage as long as you decline the rental agency’s insurance. If you already have insurance, your credit card may provide secondary coverage, which basically covers your deductible. However, note that credit cards will not cover liability, which is the cost of injury to an outside party and/or damage to an outside party’s vehicle. If you do not hold an insurance policy, you should seriously consider buying additional liability insurance from your rental company, even if you decline the CDW.
If you’re visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver’s licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you may want to consider obtaining an international driver’s license.
PARKING If you want to have a relaxing vacation, don’t even attempt to find street parking on Nob Hill, in North Beach, in Chinatown, by Fisherman’s Wharf, or on Telegraph Hill. Park in a garage or take a cab or a bus. If you do find street parking, pay attention to street signs that explain