Hertz - trapped - any advice on negotiating rates?

I came to Florida Nov. 21 to visit my mom who is 85 and has had a couple surgeries this year (i have been here several times this year). Due to her medical condition, my one week trip has now extended to 2 weeks and counting. Taking one day at a time, but looks like I may need to be here until the end of December.

My aaa rate is $230 a week, plus the high daily fees from Tampa airport makes it close to $300 a week. I know this may be inexpensive to many, but i am among the unemployment casualties recently reported in this downward economy and cannot afford this for multiple weeks. I would like to negotiate/request a lower rate.

Any ideas for negotiating a lower rate due to family illness? I do have a weekly rental discount coupon that will help, but i believe they will only apply it to one week.

thanks.

I came to Florida Nov. 21 to visit my mom who is 85 and has had a couple surgeries this year (i have been here several times this year). Due to her medical condition, my one week trip has now extended to 2 weeks and counting. Taking one day at a time, but looks like I may need to be here until the end of December.

My aaa rate is $230 a week, plus the high daily fees from Tampa airport makes it close to $300 a week. I know this may be inexpensive to many, but i am among the unemployment casualties recently reported in this downward economy and cannot afford this for multiple weeks. I would like to negotiate/request a lower rate.

Any ideas for negotiating a lower rate due to family illness? I do have a weekly rental discount coupon that will help, but i believe they will only apply it to one week. thanks.

Welcome to Flyertalk!
Very sorry to hear about your mom's health. I hope she's better soon.
One suggestion would be to call and ask for a monthly rate ... explain your circumstances and see what CS can do. Also check to see if there is a HLE (Hertz Local Edition) nearby ... you can save on the airport fees there.

I wish for a speedy recovery for your Mom's health and the economy.

In the meantime, I'd call Enterprise and check out their rates. But agree with the above poster, use an off airport location to eliminate those costly airport fees.

Hertz does have monthly rates. I used to use them all the time.

I agree with other though that while the service suck, Enterprise is probably going to be hard to beat price wise. And get away from that airport!

Hope things work out OK!

Hotwire offers weekly rentals at TPA <$200 all in and I suspect priceline can make it even lower.

try these codes from Entertainment book


Get $20 Off Weekly Rentals of Mid-Size and Higher Car Classes, plus enjoy a discount on the rental too.

Click on the Get Discount button for low web rates and enter your rental location, date and arrival information. The Discount Plan Number and PC# will automatically populate. For phone reservations, call 1-888-999-7125 or call your travel agent and mention your Discount Plan #205521 and PC#999810.

Advance reservations are required as blackout periods may apply. This offer is redeemable at participating Hertz locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, subject to vehicle availability. This offer has no cash value and may not be used with any other CDP#, coupon, discount, or promotion. Hertz age, driver, credit qualifications and weekly rate restrictions for the renting location apply. The car must be returned to that location. Discounts apply to time and mileage charges only. Discounts in local currency upon redemption.

Offer valid for vehicle pickup on or before 6/30/09.

If there's a Hertz Local Edition® location in your neighborhood, call and ask us to come and get you.


Discount Description

Get $50 Off a Monthly Rental when renting a mid-size or higher class vehicle, plus enjoy a discount on the rental too.

Click on the Get Discount button for low web rates and enter your rental location, date and arrival information. The Discount Plan Number and PC# will automatically populate. For phone reservations, call 1-888-999-7125 or call your travel agent and mention your Discount Plan #205521 and PC#100052.

Advance reservations are required as blackout periods may apply. This offer is redeemable at participating Hertz locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, subject to vehicle availability. This offer has no cash value, and may not be used with any other CDP#, coupon, discount, or promotion. Hertz age, driver, credit qualifications and monthly rate restrictions for the renting location apply. The car must be returned to that location. Discounts apply to time and mileage charges only. Discounts in local currency upon redemption.

Offer valid for vehicle pickup on or before 6/30/09.

If there's a Hertz Local Edition® location in your neighborhood, call and ask us to come and get you.



PM me if you want to explore other options with Enterprise, National.
Specifically free weekend days, 10% off weekly rates. (free wknd days at non airport locations.)