Originally Posted by
forextrader
Planning a trip from England to Miami Beach for 17 days in August - this will be my first time needing to rent a car in USA in over 20 years, so looking for some advice from the kind folks here on FT.
As we will be 6 people, I dont have much choice but to rent a minivan. I know there are some deals that offer free upgrades, but not really sure what car I would need to book to get an upgrade to a minivan (class V).
I have 2 discount codes CDP584332 (GOLF SPECIAL) and CDP541670 (Morgan Stanley Credit Card). For some odd reason, rather than booking one reservation for 17 days it is cheaper to book say 7 days and a 2nd reservation for 10 days - is this normal ???
Seems rates from Engalnd are "all inclusive" and seem better value than using some of the USA discount codes but then having to pay for LDW and SLI (something like $35 a day).
So this is my quote:
1 week rental from MIA - returning to a local Hertz $307
10 day rental from local Hertx - returning to MIA $409
Total $716, all taxes, surcharges, LDW and SLI included, or about $42 a day all in.
Could any of you advise me if this is a reasonable cost for a minivan?
One more thing (sorry its a long post):
How much time should I allow to get the car at MIA - I realise one needs to take a shuttle - but no idea how far off airport Hertz is located.
And on the return (which will be Labor Day morning) - how much time should I allow to drop off the car and take the shuttle back to the Terminal.
Many thanks for your help
First let me say that $42.00/day with insurance for a minivan is a very good price. I rent regularly from Hertz and my company covers the insurance and I still pay more than $42.00.
As for the timing the car rental is about 10 minutes maximum, but if you have no Hertz status and have to sign forms etc, it may take quite a while. Remember your passport will be required. Also Hertz will not check around the car like they do in the UK, but a good idea to do it yourself.
Labour Day should be fairly quite (everyone is camping
) but Miami can be a zoo with all the cruise ship passengers so give yourself lots of time. A good idea is to drop off your people at the terminal first with all the luggage, then drop off the car. They can check their luggage.
Good luck and have great time in Miami and remember to drive on the right side of the road