|||||Edit Posts|Comments|Settings| Design

Saturday, September 17, 2011

6 Foreign Car Rental Fees to Watch for on Vacation

6 Foreign Car Rental Fees to Watch for on Vacation news from Foxnews.com

THE CHARGE: PREMIUM STATION FEE

The Lowdown: A tax on cars picked up at an airport or a major train station.
The Damage: It could range from 15 percent (Italy) to 20 percent (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), or else it's a flat fee, such as in the U.K. (about $30), Spain (about $57), and France (about $56).
The Fix: After your flight or train arrives, hop a taxi to an off-airport rental-car
location (sometimes as close as five miles away). Note: The fee only applies to the pickup; you can return your car at the airport or train station without charge.

THE CHARGE: BORDER CROSSING
The Lowdown: One-way rentals within any given Western European country are generally free, such as if you picked up a car in Rome and dropped it off in Florence. But drop the car off in another country, and you'll be hit with this penalty.
The Damage: From $70 to $4,000, depending on how far from home the car is returned.
The Fix: Comparison shopping is a must; fees vary by company and country.

THE CHARGE: ROAD TAX, OR VEHICLE LICENSING FEE (VLF)

The Lowdown: Most European car companies sneakily pass along the cost of necessary vehicle permits and licenses as a "tax" or fee.
The Damage: As much as $5 per day.
The Fix: You won't be able to avoid paying it, but if you book through a European agency, such as Auto Europe, Gemut, or Europe by Car, you'll be quoted all taxes and fees along with the rate, so you won't get a misleadingly low-priced number.

THE CHARGE: LATE RETURN

The Lowdown: The traditional hour-long grace period is disappearing. If you're more than 29 minutes late returning a car in many Western European locations, you'll be charged for a full day extra.
The Damage: Cost of one day's rental.
The Fix: Return the car before the time stamped on your contract. Period.

THE CHARGE: WINTER TIRES

The Lowdown: Driving somewhere with icy roads, such as a mountain resort? You'll need winter tires, which you should request in advance.
The Damage: From about $3.50 per day in Austria to about $21 per day in Germany; maximum charge is about $170.
The Fix: The fee is mandatory in some countries (such as Germany) in cold weather, so your only option is to see if the total cost of the rental--including the fee--is still worth it. You might do better taking another method of transportation.

THE CHARGE: UNFILLED TANK

The Lowdown: If you said you would fill up the tank yourself before you returned your car but then forgot to do it, you may be socked with an additional fee on top of the inflated per-liter rate that the car company will charge. In the U.S., you'd only be hit with the extortionate cost of the gas.
The Damage: In France, for instance, Avis charges about $12 as a penalty.
The Fix: Not much to it. Fill 'er up before you drop your car off (and keep your receipt as proof that you did).
SEE MORE CONTENT:

>

Car Rental Insurance Guide

Car Rental Insurance Guide Car rental companies offer such a wide variety of insurance policies it can be difficult to decide what coverage is really necessary from what is not. Some of the rental company's insurance policy may be necessary while other coverage may be extended through your own auto insurance premium. It's important to know what rental car charges you are responsible for before accepting your car.

Coverage Against Acts of Nature

According to Hertz, a leading provider of rental cars, most major rental companies are not paying for costs associated with acts of nature. It's important for drivers to know that most major car rental companies no longer provide coverage for cars damaged by acts of nature like hail storms, earthquakes and floods.


Read Your Agreement Terms Carefully

It's very important to thoroughly read your rental agreement before taking the keys to your rental car or you could end up paying dearly. However, acts of nature may be covered under your auto insurance policy's comprehensive coverage. It's important for anyone planning to rent a car to check with your own auto insurance policy to find out what it covers when you rent a car. You should also make sure that you have any protection that you are questioning written clearly into your car rental agreement.
Consider who else will be driving the car, and know who your policy covers. Will it extend to family, business associates or friends? You'll probably want to tell you eager teen driver that the rental vehicle is off limits.

Making Sense of the Agreement

Car rental agreements can be very long and complicated documents. They do not contain very many layman terms. Still you should take the time to read through the contract thoroughly before signing. Ask the representative to explain any concepts, phrasing or terminology that you don't understand.


Collision Damage Waiver 

Car rental companies offer all types of coverage options to you before you receive your vehicle. These charges can really begin to add up, increasing your rental cost. But a lot of the coverage they sell is the same coverage you are already paying for under your auto insurance policy. This coverage automatically extends to your rental car.
One exception to this is a daily charge that covers the cost of damages to the rental car if you are involved in an accident. It also covers the "loss of use" charge the rental company will end up charging you. "Loss of use" refers to the time and money the rental car company has lost since they can no longer rent the vehicle. If you refuse this coverage, you should be aware that most car rental companies expect to be paid immediately. Deciding not to purchase the Collision Damage Waiver means you'll be expected to pay for the rental on your own. If you rent a car in another country your insurance coverage will not likely extend to your rental.


Keep Asking Questions About Rental Car Insurance Policies

If you have a loss in your rental car that isn't covered under your auto insurance policy, try checking your other insurance policies. For example, personal property that gets stolen from your rental car just may be covered by your rental or homeowners policy. Don't assume that because no one has mentioned it that it doesn't exist. The bottom line is that you are responsible for knowing what coverage you do and don't have.
Be sure that you shop around to find the best auto insurance policy. Compare quotes from at least 5 different insurance companies in order to find the best deal.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_McKnight

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1489512

>

The Best 7 Wagons Refinance Your Car,Coupons and Offers

I receive this e-mail so i think the best action is share the content on blog for later

Back to School in Style: The Best 7 Wagons

Whatever its image problems, the wagon remains one of the most practical vehicle types on the market, a family-friendly confluence of ample cargo space, car-like fuel economy, and secure handling. Here are our favorites.
Back to School in Style: The Best 7 Wagons


Need Extra Cash? Maybe It’s Time to Refinance Your Car

Refinancing your vehicle can reduce your monthly payment and improve your credit. It's not for everyone, but for many of us, it can ease the burden of owning a car.
Need Extra Cash? Maybe It’s Time to Refinance Your Car

Don't forget to check your latest coupons

Before your next service be sure to check for discounts. The coupons in your online garage cover everything from oil changes to mechanical repairs. We can even save you money on a car wash!
Coupons and Offers

Car reviews:
2011 BMW 1 M Coupe
In the face of big, heavy sports cars powered by gas-guzzling engines, we found ourselves refreshed to climb into the BMW 1 M Coupe's compact cabin, and even more thrilled to drive it.
2011 BMW 1 M Coupe






The Best Warranties in America

Your car is probably the most complicated machine you own. Frankly, it's a small miracle that these Rube Goldbergian contraptions manage to start every day. When they don't though, you'd better have a good warranty.
The Best Warranties in America
Keep up with the latest automotive news; visit DriverSide's blog, BackseatDriver
Best regards,

Automotive Forums and DriverSide

You are receiving this notification because of Automotive Forums' partnership with DriverSide. For more information, see our terms and conditions and privacy policy. If you'd prefer not to get these emails from DriverSide, click here to be taken off our email list.

Sign in to your garage.

Your :
Your Vehicle Image



DriverSide, Inc., 639 Front Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111. © 2011 DriverSide, Inc. All rights reserved.

>
PROTON