Car rental in England

Jerry,

I always arrange Car Rentals in the U.K. via my travel agent, as I've found they are often able to get some good deals with their "travel partners". One other reason I prefer to use a T.A. is they are more up-to-date on which firms their customers have had problems with, so I figure it's more likely they will recommend a reputable rental company.

I've used Hertz in the past with no problems, and will be using National / Alamo this year (again, hopefully no problems?).

Cheers!

We used 1car1 for a 28 day rental last fall with no problems. Their driver met us (in "our" car) at Manchester Airport after a call to them via their toll free number after we arrived. They drive you (about 5 minutes) back to their office to do the paper work. We reserved ahead of time by phone with an agent in their New York office, but our credit card was NOT charged until pick-up, as usual. Return is quite easy, too. Take the car back to their office, do paperwork, and they drive you to your terminal. Your luggage always stays in the car! We've used other companies in the UK, but this went so well that we've reserved a car with 1car1 again for a month this fall!

Thank you, both for your replies.

We will be traveling by train to Middlesbrough, so no airport arrangements are necessary. Perhaps the pre-payment applies only to on-line booking. I'll try calling their 800 number in the USA to get more detail.

Also, I have never seen anything about personal injury liability coverage. Here in the USA, that is the greatest financial risk, rather than the vehicle. Any advice?

Jerry,

Regarding the personal injury / liability coverage, I believe you MUST accept that coverage from the rental firm, as this doesn't seem to be covered by "premium" credit cards. They will likely offer a choice of "basic" coverage (ie: £1M) or "extended" coverage (with a higher limit).

Ask the rental firm when you make the reservation.

Cheers!

Jerry, I use my AmEx which has 100% coverage on accidents and stolen items out of the car, but when I got to the UK I had to leave a huge deposit on that card when I declined the CDW extra insurance and they informed me they would charge me for the car if there was an accident until AmEx paid up. I must admit that the $54,000 they told me the van would cost made me hesitate, but I trusted that AmEx would take care of it and so didn't add any extra insurance.

Thanks Ken and Linda.

I'm calling VISA and AMEX today to try to get a straight answer. Unfortunately, with most insurance, of any kind, one never really knows what is covered until to get into the claims process.