Weststander
Well-known member
That particular firm is recommended by the Consumers Association, Which?
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Florida - time for an updated thread for 2017
- Thread starter Giraffe
- Start date
That particular firm is recommended by the Consumers Association, Which?
That's cool - you should hear some of the horror stories about people have 20k charged to the credit card! Ouch
McTavish
Well-known member
- Nov 5, 2014
- 1,587
The car hire firm doesn't have to recognise it.
Usually you will only be liable for the insurance excess on any damage to your car, this varies but is not usually more than £5,000. The insurance covers the excess so the car hire company charges you for the damage (up to the excess) and then you claim it back from the insurer. You may have to jump through a few hoops - eg providing police reoports where appropriate - so worth having a look at the ts&cs before you leave but otherwise this is the best way to get complete cover.
Usually you will only be liable for the insurance excess on any damage to your car, this varies but is not usually more than £5,000. The insurance covers the excess so the car hire company charges you for the damage (up to the excess) and then you claim it back from the insurer. You may have to jump through a few hoops - eg providing police reoports where appropriate - so worth having a look at the ts&cs before you leave but otherwise this is the best way to get complete cover.
Weststander
Well-known member
It's true that car hire companies don't accept that you got insured elsewhere, but it's not their prerogative. They're not worried about the car, they're interested in making super profits from those who fall for the manipulation.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/car-hire-scandal-when-will-rental-companies-sort-their-act-out/
"Savvy customers who are aware of these high charges, and who have bought much cheaper stand-alone excess reimbursement policies from insurers, still find themselves being manipulated into paying up for the rental outlet’s insurance. They are told their own insurance does not provide adequate cover, and that they will be on their own if they have an accident or their car breaks down. If that doesn’t work, the agent’s next ruse is to claim that the credit card handed over as security for the €1,200 deposit has been declined. The only solution, the agent will claim, is for the customer to buy their top-up cover after all. Readers who contact their bank in such situations have found that the charge was never presented. Funny that.
Those tenacious enough to overcome these hurdles can find that this battle of wills recommences on returning the car. The agent will ask “Did you buy our insurance?” Say no and you’ll find the car given a bodywork inspection that would earn praise from Sherlock Holmes."
Beach Hut
Brighton Bhuna Boy
Birdie Boy
Well-known member
- Jun 17, 2011
- 4,391
thedonkeycentrehalf
Moved back to wear the gloves (again)
- Jul 7, 2003
- 9,348
If you are building your own holiday, it is worth looking at the BA website for Flight + Car deals. We have done this in the past and found that it is cheaper to buy a flight with a full size car and fully inclusive insurance than it is to buy exactly the same flight on its own.
For those who have kids needing car seats, try not to pay the hire companies as you spend a fortune for a cheap polystyrene seat. It can be cheaper to buy one here, take it out in your luggage and leave it behind - think of the luggage space used on the way out as space for all that shopping on the way back! Either that or go via Walmart or somewhere similar on your way to the hotel and buy one when you get there.
Same applies to pushchairs/strollers. Don't rent them at the theme park - take out a cheap one or buy one out there and then leave it behind on the last day. We did this when the kids were smaller and it usually only took a minute standing near a theme park entrance to find a grateful family to take the unwanted stroller off of your hands for nothing.
For those who have kids needing car seats, try not to pay the hire companies as you spend a fortune for a cheap polystyrene seat. It can be cheaper to buy one here, take it out in your luggage and leave it behind - think of the luggage space used on the way out as space for all that shopping on the way back! Either that or go via Walmart or somewhere similar on your way to the hotel and buy one when you get there.
Same applies to pushchairs/strollers. Don't rent them at the theme park - take out a cheap one or buy one out there and then leave it behind on the last day. We did this when the kids were smaller and it usually only took a minute standing near a theme park entrance to find a grateful family to take the unwanted stroller off of your hands for nothing.
thedonkeycentrehalf
Moved back to wear the gloves (again)
- Jul 7, 2003
- 9,348
Weststander
Well-known member
Shopping Malls in the vicinity of International Drive, giving a break from parks:
Mall at Millenia - was decorated really well for Christmas, with middle to high end shops. Macy's and Bloomingdales.
Premium Outlets on International Drive - all the famous brands in huge stores, all single story bungalows. Loads of Brits there at any one time, buying suitcases, them filling them with newly bought goods.
Mall at Millenia - was decorated really well for Christmas, with middle to high end shops. Macy's and Bloomingdales.
Premium Outlets on International Drive - all the famous brands in huge stores, all single story bungalows. Loads of Brits there at any one time, buying suitcases, them filling them with newly bought goods.
Birdie Boy
Well-known member
- Jun 17, 2011
- 4,391
thedonkeycentrehalf
Moved back to wear the gloves (again)
- Jul 7, 2003
- 9,348
The Spanish
Well-known member
Miami Spice is on through September so some great deals on some great restaurants.
Just don't go early next week by the looks of it.....
http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/special-offers/monthly-deals/miami-spice-month
Exactly that. Checkin at 7am and leave your bag (maybe just an overnight bag) with bell services.
You'll be given your room keys which will enable you to get your express passes from the express pass machines in the hotel lobby.
Go and do a park (or both :depending on your ticket). Go back to your hotel at the end of the day, or even midway through the day for a chill and swim, and return to the parks in the evening.
Go back to the parks on day 2 until you're done and then head back to wherever else you're staying.
We did a last-minute 3 week trip in August including 4 nights at Universal. Volcano Bay is great fun.
Weststander
Well-known member
Bozza, do you still do stuff like Harry Potter, Hogwarts Express and the Islands of Adventure attractions in general?
We barely planned our first visit last December, so got unforgettable surprises as we turned each corner. Magical for both the kids and adults! The investment, scale and detail left nothing to chance .... typically Hollywood.
I agree, we did exactly this a few weeks ago, stayed at the Hard Rock for 1 night, checked in at around 7, got our fast passes sorted and then straight to the park. If you're family are into Harry Potter it's definitely worth getting tickets for the 2 universal parks, which will also enable you to ride the Hogwarts Express.
It's interesting to hear that you enjoyed Volcano Bay Bozza, we read such bad reviews that we gave it a miss and stuck to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon for our water based fun.