booking through dollar.com when not US resident
Jan 20, 15, 3:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: BG
Programs: BAEC Silver, TK Elite, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 824
booking through dollar.com when not US resident
I need to hire a car for 10 days at the end of July (19-29 July) from EWR and the prices are really high (in my opinion). Ive looked at several UK sites and cant find anything below $650, with the included surcharges and insurances.
However, on dollar.com the price comes to only $300 for the same itinerary (170 plus 130 in compulsory extras).
I know that this is partly down to the UK prices having all insurances included, but can I book this as a non US resident? Ive checked everywhere and I cant find any reference to having to be a US resident. Do most US citizens have their own insurance in such cases or take it through dollar?
Sorry for my ignorance in this case, any advice would be appreciated!
However, on dollar.com the price comes to only $300 for the same itinerary (170 plus 130 in compulsory extras).
I know that this is partly down to the UK prices having all insurances included, but can I book this as a non US resident? Ive checked everywhere and I cant find any reference to having to be a US resident. Do most US citizens have their own insurance in such cases or take it through dollar?
Sorry for my ignorance in this case, any advice would be appreciated!
Jan 20, 15, 4:47 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York suburbs
Posts: 4,190
There are 2 reasons for the difference:
1) Most Americans have their own insurance. Their credit card covers damage to the rental car, secondary to any collision policies the renter has for their own car. Their own car insurance, or employer-provided liability insurance, covers damage to other people or property involved in the accident.
2) Customer segment expectations.
* My understanding is that in Europe, it's illegal to offer cars for rent without insurance. It may also be illegal to offer people making reservations in Europe cars for rent anywhere in the world without insurance.
* Possible alternative expectation: When someone from abroad wants to reserve here, they may still expect to see the statement of charges in their home country format. The same is likely true when American customers rent a car overseas.
1) Most Americans have their own insurance. Their credit card covers damage to the rental car, secondary to any collision policies the renter has for their own car. Their own car insurance, or employer-provided liability insurance, covers damage to other people or property involved in the accident.
2) Customer segment expectations.
* My understanding is that in Europe, it's illegal to offer cars for rent without insurance. It may also be illegal to offer people making reservations in Europe cars for rent anywhere in the world without insurance.
* Possible alternative expectation: When someone from abroad wants to reserve here, they may still expect to see the statement of charges in their home country format. The same is likely true when American customers rent a car overseas.
Jan 20, 15, 4:49 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: BG
Programs: BAEC Silver, TK Elite, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 824
After much searching, managed to find it through atlaschoice.com for 267 GBP/ 404 USD with all insurances included/0 excess and for UK residents so decided this was the best choice for me as id worry too much about both cover and getting ripped off at the rental desk.
