My wife and I will be flying into Heathrow in late September and will be renting a car for around 10 days. Would prefer an automatic since this will be the first time driving in England. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with Easirent rental company. They are the only company that offers a reasonable rate. If I have to go with a manual transmission, which I always rent when in Europe and saves big bucks, I am finding a good price with Firefly Rental at Heathrow. Does anyone have experience with this company? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
Don't touch Easirent with a bargepole, plenty of complaints about them on TripAdvisor, Green Motion are just as bad if not worse...... They're cheap for a reason.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7209 posts
I can’t believe a vehicle from one of the major companies would cost so much more that it would be a budget buster or deal breaker. You get what you pay for, penny wise, pound foolish. I always rent an automatic from Avis. There are times when it doesn’t make sense to penny pinch.
Posted by
4 posts
We always rent from Sixt. They have a range of vehicle sizes with automatic transmission and provide good friendly service.
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
"Would prefer an automatic since this will be the first time driving in England."
Please read the relevant sections of the Highway Code before you drive:
http://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/uploads/3/2/9/2/3292309/the-official-highway-code-with-annexes-uk-en-12-04.pdf (downloadable PDF)
It's not just driving on the other side of the road that's different to what you're used to.
Posted by
OP
California
20 posts
I think I am convinced to go with the automatic. Thanks for all the advice on this. One more question that I am sure has has been covered many times before. What are your thoughts on the CDW coverage the rental agency offers? Almost doubles the cost and my insurance offers the same coverage. Of course I do realize I would have to pay upfront if there was any damage. Thoughts?
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
Bumping up as you haven't had a reply.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4168 posts
I'll begin with full disclosure - I always rent from a major company and buy full CDW ( no excess , or as we say in the states ; deductible ) full glass and tire coverage . Indeed , the insurance can dramatically increase your out of pocket cost . BUT - the peace of mind is worth it for me . If you use a third party underwriter , i.e. credit card insurance , and have an incident , it will be incumbent on you to provide the insurance company with any and all documents to support a claim . If you don't know exactly what that will entail , or fail to dot your i's and cross your t's , your claim can easily be refused . The splitting of the insurance cost from the rental fee is a cute trick the insurance companies have employed over the years , to their advantage. Your final decision is based on the adage " How lucky do you feel ? " I am returning to England and Scotland this Autumn , and have a booking with Avis for four weeks of my ten week stay , all additional insurance purchased directly from them . Any problem , and I just walk away .
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7209 posts
If you’re referring to your stateside insurance, it won’t cover you overseas. If all you’re getting is CDW, companies like Allianz offer CDW for $9 a day. There are other coverages you may want to get from the rental company like, windshield damage, damage to tires because of damage caused by you, theft, or zero deductibles. Each company is a little different, but ultimately it’s your decision.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
No experience with Easirent but plenty of experience of renting and driving cars in the U.K. and Ireland.
I’ve always rented with Hertz ( Gold Member) and get as much insurance as I can for peace of mind.
Take pictures of your rental with your phone before you leave the lot and do the same when you return.
Proper insurance coverage, and before and after photos and a good sense of direction will help put your mind at ease.