[Rabies]

I am heading to the States at the end of September for a two month road trip.  Flying into Salt Lake City and flying back from San Francisco.  Can anyone offer any advice for booking a hire car over there? Any companies to stay away from, or any people would recommend? As it is a one way trip and I will be travelling across 3 or 4 states I am vulnerable to ridiculous one way charges and other taxes.  From a quick browse on the internet there does seem to be a fair bit of variation though.

Any advice would be great.

Cheers.

[stom]

I've spent alot of time working in the states and thus alot of time in rental cars.  I've found you don't tend to get stung for one way trips(picking up and dropping off in differant states)  people do this all the time and the companies are quite used to it.

 What does make a difference though is making sure you drop the car off at the agreed time and place.  If you change destination or time without telling the rental company you tend to get stung with a large bill.  I've tended to use Hertz alot after having 2 bad experiences with Avis (waiting an hour and 20 Min's for your car after an 11hour flight isn't fun) but just shop around and get a good price!  Budget and National have also been good

You can rent a sat nav from most companies over there when you rent a car for not much extra and it makes one hell of a difference for getting about worry free and on time.  Oh and make sure they include insurance when you pick up the car - just ask the booking clerk to make sure its included in the rental agreement.  Nearly all bookings made on the internet quote you without (I've been rearended twice in 3 years and both times been glad of full insurance)

If i think of anything else I'll post it up for you.

Enjoy your trip!

[lagerstarfish]

Worth thinking about sorting the insurance out yourself - can cost a lot less (and cover yourself for the excess)
http://www.insurance4carhire.com

[cofe]

Worth thinking about sorting the insurance out yourself - can cost a lot less (and cover yourself for the excess)
http://www.insurance4carhire.com

amen to that.

plus, don't get yourself a shit car. get a mustang or summert.

[Rabies]

Cheers guys.  A Mustang GT I reckon, be rude not to!

http://www.hyts.hu/hke.php?l=autok/ford/=mustang-gt-r/ford_=mustang-gt-r_x14.jpg

[lagerstarfish]

Given the low speed limits and the long distances...get yourself an Astro



 

[SA Chris]

Your first stop should be the nearest Wal-Mart for their good cheap road atlases. Very useful.

[Darren S]

Given the low speed limits and the long distances...get yourself an Astro



 

Defo the way forward, maybe because I have one.

how about this one: