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Rental Car questions (Azores)

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I read Carl's free excerpt section on rental cars in Azores posted above (thank you!!!) but just have a few remaining questions - as situation seems to be different from what I expect in US.

Does buying the "full" CDW from rental co. eliminate bogus or questionable charges, more like turn your keys in and go?  Im kinda coming around to thinking it might be worth it even though I have good CDW coverage on my Visa.

By "zero deductible" does that mean I choose the option which does not pay a deposit?   Does paying a deposit increase the likelihood they will look for a reason to keep part of it?

Any benefit to booking directly with Autatlantis, Ilha Verde (or other?)  vs booking.com?  Booking has "cancellable" or refundable with 48 hour notice, Im not seeing that on the co's websites... but then again there could be translation issues going on. 

Will definitely be taking the photos upon pickup, as was suggested. tia

Posted by
526 posts

Per my experience in the Azores only...

Full CDW may or may not be Zero deductible. "Super CDW" should be the same as Zero deductible. Know what your credit card will and will not cover if you

Whatever the insurance...zero deductible, Super CDW, or similar (not CDW) bought from the car agency, not a third party, means turn in the keys and go. That is why this insurance policy is costlier than any other type.

I have rented so many times from different agencies, and purchased different insurance policies from third parties and directly from the agencies, that I forget precisely which come with a deductible or not. I have had deductibles well over a thousand euros and had the charges removed after returning the car. I believe with a zero deductible policy there should not be a deductible added to the credit card when picking up the car. My memory could be wrong with this. There should not be any reason for the agent to somehow "find damage" with the zero deductible policy. Any and all damage should be covered.

Many times, but not always, the price will be cheaper using a third party than with the rental agency. I always make sure to get the free cancellation/refundable, normally up to 48 hours before the rental, so I can monitor prices and cancel/rebook when I see a price drop. I do not mind being charged the full cost immediately with the free cancellation reservation. It might take a week or so to get the credit if I cancel, and I have never had a problem with any third party company.

Always read the fine print when you make a reservation, always take photos or a video of the exterior and interior when picking up the car and dropping the car off, and always know before you show up at the counter what options (especially the insurance coverage) you will be paying for.

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