Seeking advice on renting a car. Probably mostly dumb questions.

Ok… so, for those of you who know me, you know that I was long defined as the guy who doesn’t drive… taking Lyfts, transit, and shuttles everywhere. It took me until age 27, but I finally got my "intermediate" license last month... and as fate would have it, the test for my "full" license was scheduled for the exact day all drive testing centres got closed last week. Yeah. According to my instructor I'm more than ready though, so I'm going to go on the assumption that I'll be able to drive the next time I'm in Nevada, or on any trip for that matter.

Now, since I'm brand new to driving, a lot of the nuances of using a car are brand new to me... especially when it comes to renting a car and how that works. So I thought I’d seek some assistance from the board since most people here seem to be experienced with such things. We also don't have much Vegas-related stuff to talk about right now, so I figured this would be as good a time as any to post a thread like this

I've got five "immediate" questions that I feel I would benefit from an experienced perspective on...

1. Will crossing state lines ever be an issue in a rental car? For instance, it’s very possible that my Nevada trips will put me in Arizona, California, or Utah at some point, so I want to prepare in advance for any possible issues with insurance coverage or any other considerations that may be relevant here.

2. Dash cams. I’m paranoid enough to want one in case something happens, but not knowledgeable enough to know what the best approach is. Foreseeably, I will not drive enough to justify investing a lot in one. Is a $50 one from Amazon ok? Can I (reliably) adapt my iPhone to be one?

3. Valet parking. If I rent a car and I’m the only driver on the insurance, wouldn’t that make valet parking effectively “uninsured”? At larger resorts, I’ll obviously want the convenience of valet parking as opposed to self-parking. But not if I’ll invalidate my insurance coverage as a result. As I understand it, you need to pay extra for anyone but the renter to drive the car. Is that something I'd have to pay to safely use valet?

4. How do I choose a car rental company? I've gotten the impression that car rental companies are somewhat like airlines in that they provide a substantially similar product but with minor differences. If this is the case, I don't know how to tell heads from tails with those minor differences any insight on what types of differences there are, and how they would affect an occasional trip driver like myself?

5. Direct vs OTA. I seem to get better prices when I seek rental quotes on OTA websites like Expedia. Does this materially affect any aspect of the renting experience?

 

I will try to address your questions

1. Will crossing state lines ever be an issue in a rental car? For instance, it’s very possible that my Nevada trips will put me in Arizona, California, or Utah at some point, so I want to prepare in advance for any possible issues with insurance coverage or any other considerations that may be relevant here.

If you KNOW that you will be crossing state lines, advise the rental agent at the time of the rental. I have never had a problem crossing state lines

2. Dash cams. I’m paranoid enough to want one in case something happens, but not knowledgeable enough to know what the best approach is. Foreseeably, I will not drive enough to justify investing a lot in one. Is a $50 one from Amazon ok? Can I (reliably) adapt my iPhone to be one?

No comment. I would not use a dashcam

3. Valet parking. If I rent a car and I’m the only driver on the insurance, wouldn’t that make valet parking effectively “uninsured”? At larger resorts, I’ll obviously want the convenience of valet parking as opposed to self-parking. But not if I’ll invalidate my insurance coverage as a result. As I understand it, you need to pay extra for anyone but the renter to drive the car. Is that something I'd have to pay to safely use valet?

I have used a car in Las Vegas over 100 times in the past 4 years and have NEVER had a problem with valet parking. Of course, having said that, you will have a problem.

4. How do I choose a car rental company? I've gotten the impression that car rental companies are somewhat like airlines in that they provide a substantially similar product but with minor differences. If this is the case, I don't know how to tell heads from tails with those minor differences any insight on what types of differences there are, and how they would affect an occasional trip driver like myself?

IMHO, it depends on how often you expect to rent a car. If it's only onsie-twosie, pick the cheapest reliable. There are people here who swear by Fox in Las Vegas, but I would never rent with them. Conversely, I often rent from Payless, and there are people here who would NEVER rent from Payless. I often use Enterprise because when I need a local rental, they are my "go to" car rental agency.

5. Direct vs OTA. I seem to get better prices when I seek rental quotes on OTA websites like Expedia. Does this materially affect any aspect of the renting experience?

No comment. I always rent through the vendor (car rental agency).

 

So, can answer a couple of these at least. Note: ~90% of my rentals are with National, so this is based on experience with them.

1) No, there are no issues going between states. Many companies also allow travel to/from Canada, although Mexico is usually out, or requires an additional insurance purchase.

Edit to add: the only question I've ever been asked that I thought was odd is if I was going to travel onto a military base. This only happens to me in Jacksonville given the Naval presence there. I realize there is Nellis in Vegas, so not sure if they'd ask the same question there. Apparently if you say yes, it could impact rates for insurance (I got curious one trip and asked).

2) Sorry, never used a dash cam so no help there

3) So, this is interesting and I had to Google it: apparently using valet parking is technically a violation of the rental agreement and may invalidate the insurance in the event that something happens. Had no idea about this, and I have valeted my rentals many, many times. Probably won't change my behaviors going forward, although almost all of my rentals are through work which has it's own insurance thing so I don't generally need to worry.

4) The reason I use national is for their Emerald club. Basically, I don't reserve a specific car, I make an Emerald Club reservation. When I get to the rental agency, I can then walk to the Emerald Club area (or the executive club if I had enough rentals the prior year) and get into any car in that section. Since I strongly dislike driving SUVs, I find this works out well for me as I don't have to worry about getting "stuck" with one if I don't want to (although they are generally available). Let's me look around at what's available and can pick my car. Sometimes you'll get lucky and get a better car than you normally would. You then get into the car and present a slip of paper in the car along with Credit Card and Driver's License at the exit gate.

5) I've only booked direct, so sorry can't help with that one either.

 

I've always gotten great rates from Avis, either with a Costco discount or Amazon.

 

1. Crossing State Lines - I don't cross state lines very often when I rent a car, but when I plan to travel through more than one state, I usually let them know when I book my reservation. A few years ago, when I rented locally from Enterprise, they asked if I planned on driving out of state without my asking. LOL

2. I have a dash cam installed in my personal car, but it's integrated with my radar detector (Escort). I also have a portable Garmin Sat/NAV with a built in dash cam that I use when I rent a car. I've never been in any accidents, but if something happens, they can't dispute what's on video. Personally, I wouldn't use my mobile phone as a substitute, since the videos would consume too much storage space, especially on a long drive.

3. Valet Parking - That's been rather confusing for me too. Technically, the valet driver isn't listed on your rental contract so he/she would be an unauthorized driver. I've also used valet parking in Vegas, but never had any problems (yet). Although, I usually prefer to self-park whenever possible.

4. Rental Car Companies - A lot of folks go by rates and look for the cheapest deals based on the type/size of car they require. It's similar to sifting through airline rates amongst the popular companies. Car rental companies also have frequent rental programs, so you can accrue points toward free rental days. I often rent with Hertz, but I've also used Budget and Enterprise when they've run specials. If you have a membership with some other organizations like Costco, AAA, etc., you can also get additional discounts through them.

5. Direct or OTA - I often book direct with the rental agency via their website, but that's just my preference. LOL

 

Don't drive in Vegas if you just got your permit!

 

I appreciate the caution very much, thank you!

For clarity, I do have some driving experience... I did have an "intermediate" license from the ages of 18 to 21 and did a fair amount of driving my dad's car.

I'll also be doing some roadtrips locally here in Ontario after I get my full license, possibly with a rented car... so that's also part of why I want to better understand the mechanics of renting a car.

I also don't plan to drive much, if at all, in Vegas itself. My primary intention with driving on my Vegas trips is to go to/from Laughlin without having to rely on Greyhound for transport, as well as to visit nearby places like Mesquite, Pahrump, and Primm/Jean... so it would be 90%+ highway driving and driving in those destinations.

Believe me, I've heard quite a bit about how horrible the drivers are in Vegas, and I've witnessed a good deal of it too firsthand as a pedestrian. I can firmly say I could happily go my entire life without ever driving on Las Vegas Boulevard.

But again, I appreciate your saying that... as it most certainly bears mentioning

 

1) I don't think any rental company has a problem with interstate travel, the US is too homogeneous. You have to check for traveling into Canada and they definitely won't let you go into Mexico without some additional insurance.

2) I don't know anyone that uses a dash cam in the US. If you have insurance coverage it's just not necessary. Most people just use their own insurance from their home vehicle but if you don't own a car with insurance coverage you definitely need to buy it with your rental agreement. As long as you're within the guidelines of your agreement (you're the driver, your blood alcohol limit is within legal standings, you're not high, etc) then your insurance will cover any mishaps.

3) I never valet with a rental car because of this. I believe it does leave an 'out' for the insurance company to not cover you. The parking garages are not far and I enjoy the walks through the properties to check them out. I do have player's cards with CET and MGM that give me free parking.

4) If you aren't a regular car renter, the company doesn't matter too much. One's very similar to the next. All will occasionally put you through hell where you'll say, "What the f*ck! I'll never go near that company again!" All have mostly very nice cars. I've had great cars from even Payless and EZ. If you have a car you think is a bit beat, just go back and ask for a different car. If you rent from a local spot and they say it's the only car they have drive it over to the airport car return and exchange it there. I've done that a couple of times with never a problem.

5) I've never had a difference in service or car whether using the company site or an OTA. Personally, I get great deals with www.autoslash.com and using Dollar rental at Swensen location. From the airport you take the 208 bus one stop. Going back you drop of the car and take the 208 bus one stop back to McCarran. I've also used Enterprise right behind The Flamingo in the Westin, Dollar in the TI and Budget just north of Wynn. You're very experienced at putting this stuff together and the car rental taxes at the airport are half the rental cost. Renting at a local site the following day from getting into town can save you quite a bit of money (on my rentals about $100).

 

Also, definitely join the car rental company's Club. They'll have your license and credit card in the system and you can skip the counter, with the hour wait, and just head straight to the rental area in the parking garage.

 

If you have Costco...Book a rental via them. Never seen anything cheaper.
And now they are giving a $30 cash card for Premium and above rentals.

If not Costso, then AAA, then AARP (well, not for you, too young)

 

A word about insurance. If you don't have auto insurance, you'll have to sign up the rental car company's plan. That goes for $30 a day or more....which has generally been considered a gouge ($10,000 per year).

If you do have auto insurance and decline the rental insurance, there is some still some risk to renting a car. They can hold you liable for their loss of use of the car which most personal insurance plans don't cover. Then there's the deductible which some credit cards will cover as a secondary insurance.

 

I keep hearing about Costco being great for car rentals. Sadly, not a member there. Though for how infrequently I'll be renting cars... I don't anticipate it will amount to a significant cost savings in the long run.

I was considering joining CAA anyway for the roadside assistance... good thought to rent through them though.

Fun fact, anybody 18 or older can join AARP and get a decent amount of benefits. Some benefits are 65+, but I know of many travel bloggers well under 65 who boast about the benefits of AARP and ran into no issues

I didn't even want to get into insurance... lol. That's the #1 thing I'll be researching with an expert I know, to ensure I'm adequately covered. You're correct that I won't have my own auto insurance, so it's a good thing to bring up. I do know I have some form of rental coverage on my main credit card (one of the best ones you can get up here), but this is something I want to get an independent expert's opinion on, since I know there are rules surrounding which coverage you take and which coverage you decline when using credit card insurance.

 

I'll try to answer from my perspective, as a frequent LV visitor for business and pleasure and one who has rented cars regularly since I was in my 30s, which is more decades ago than I want to admit ...

No. Some rental agencies used to (still?) restrict LV rentals to NV/AZ/CA/UT but most just say the lower 48.

Mexico is a no-no. Every rental contract that I've read or skimmed excludes it.

Never considered it. I almost always have some kind of Real Camera (tm) with me, so if anything nasty happens I will document things.

Our resident TA has told us that this is pretty much a don't ask, don't tell situation. Technically it's a violation of the rental agreement. IANAL, but there are lawyers in my immediate family who regularly valet park their rental cars.

For business, most of the time our travel department will do the booking, and lately, 9 times out of 8 it's been Enterprise. The other -1 times it's usually Hertz.

For pleasure, as I grow older I find that I'm much more willing to pay for convenience than to seek the absolute bottom dollar price.

What I dislike and consider annoying and inconvenient are such things as line waits, hard sell at the counter and the one deal-breaker for me is having to ride TWO shuttles! Making a connection from one flight to another can be a pain. Making a connection on a rental car shuttle is totally unacceptable!

Lately in Las Vegas, Enterprise, Hertz and Avis seem to all have tolerable lines and a minimum of annoying upselling. I do have Enterprise Plus and Hertz #1, and I think both of those have separate lines in LV but I've almost never had to use them. With Enterprise, I've used (or tried to) the machines at times when it was busy, and they seem to work for me about 50% of the time.

One note about Enterprise in Las Vegas (and elsewhere), there may be a second line at the busy times up in the lot, as they always personally escort to your vehicle and inspect it with you and do the final signing there.

My experience is a coin flip. Travelocity always seems to have lower rates, except when they don't.

 

With regard to the restriction on driving to different states, I will say that most companies have no restriction. With that said, I know when renting locally with Enterprise, you are required to let them know which states you'll be visiting and will be restricted to just those states. They are explicitly listed on the contract.

 

Check your credit cards to see if any have discount codes available for some of the companies. I used to always use AAA Travel for rental cars, but now just use my AMEX code and book directly. I still use AAA for comparison shopping, and also compare the companies directly. Even though I still do a price comparison, I stick with Hertz 99% of the time.

 

INSURANCE

Most folks rely on their personal auto insurance policy and do not buy the insurance from the rental company.

If you do not have a car, this is NOT an option.

Some credit card companies provide some insurance via their card. Since you live in Canada - you might not have that.

Consider buying insurance unless you can cover SIGNIFICANT charges from the rental car company. They not only charge to repair the car, but charge you the entire time they are unable to rent the car, even if THEY delay getting it fixed.

 

My only comment is on insurance -- as noted above, since you don't have a car you need to make sure you have your bases covered.

Even if you want to run the risk on collision insurance (because you think the risk is low and/or you think you can afford the out-of-pocket if something happens), I would advise purchasing liability insurance. Risking a few grand on avoiding a collision is one thing, but risking bankruptcy over a personal injury or death lawsuit should not be taken lightly.

 

The gang's tagged the structural matters quite well, I just want to chime in on the driving-experience angle. I have no idea what "Intermediate" means in your province's licensing and training hierarch. Obviously you are not a rank beginner. I would assume you're comfortable navigating about urban Toronto? If not reconsider driving in Vegas until you get more wheel time in traffic and congestion. I know you know the town, the layout, you've seen the traffic flow and patterns from being hauled all about, but it's different on the ground. It's LA with more geographically focused frenzy and more crazies; we just drive FAST, we're not crazy. Now if you want to run out to one of the scenic spots in the valley, up to Zion, wherever, things change on the open road. However it comes down good luck, be safe and have fun.

 

Hey, NFC - as a fellow Canadian, on the insurance subject ... if Ont is similar to BC, there's no need to buy any extra insurance from the rental company. ICBC covers everything. It's worth checking with whomever you get your local insurance from.

Re companies - sign up for their (free) member club. That gives you access to better rates (usually). Often, you can also bypass the line at the counter in the rental car centre and go straight out to the cars. Can save lots of time.

DM me if you want anything else from a CDN perspective.

GG

 

I’ve been fortunate never to have to use insurance with a rental car. As far as I know of you have a decent car insurance policy and a premium credit card, you should be covered with little to no deductible. I always decline the insurance, I’ve had some of them lie to me and say your car insurance won’t cover the car, when I tell them it will, they say you should double check. I just tell them I’ve had my insurance for years, I know what coverages I have. Whatever car insurance may not cover the credit card should.