I was wondering what people's experience is with various car rental companies.

Which would you recommend, best rates, best service, etc. I guess it doesn't have to be specific to Hamilton, as the same company will be essentially the same anywhere.

I picked up a car a few times this summer to go on trips to various places, visit some friends, etc, as I don't own my own car. Made for some fun road trips. Its a bit of a waste of money, but I'd recommend it if none of you or your close pals currently have a ride. I used Budget and the service was great, so I never bothered to try anywhere else, but I can't help but feel maybe I'm missing out on somewhere even better. I'm planning on renting again for the long weekend and figured it would be a good time to ask!

The Enterprise on Cootes Drive is fantastic. They're the cheapest that I've found in the area, and their staff are great. They pick you up and bring you home for free as well. I'd really recommend them.

Originally Posted by michelle

The Enterprise on Cootes Drive is fantastic. They're the cheapest that I've found in the area, and their staff are great. They pick you up and bring you home for free as well. I'd really recommend them.

A guy at the office I work at during the summer suggested that exact same Enterprise as well. Unfortunately they won't rent to you if you're under 25 unless you have your own car insurance policy.

Awwww, I didn't realize that.

I'd recommend the Enterprise on Cootes as well. I've rented 4 times with those guys and no problems. Friendly staff and they have unlimited mileage within Ontario. And they will definitely rent you a car if you are under 25. Can't speak for the insurance though.

If you have a Visa Gold card, Visa will cover the insurance for you..which makes it really cheap. I've rented a car for 4 days and it costed me 96 dollars including tax. Its usually cheaper than taking the bus for me.

Originally Posted by Lifejacket

If you have a Visa Gold card, Visa will cover the insurance for you..which makes it really cheap. I've rented a car for 4 days and it costed me 96 dollars including tax. Its usually cheaper than taking the bus for me.

Aaah yeah, I just discovered that I could use my credit card for rental collision/theft insurance a few days ago. Had I known, I would have saved myself a huge $20 per day every time I rented. I'm hitting myself now.

I wonder if enterprise will accept that. I think they were looking for liability insurance though. Well based on the good feedback, I'm going to give them another call and find out. Thanks both for the input!

Originally Posted by ViktorVaughn

I think they were looking for liability insurance though.

I'm not sure about car rental companies requirements, but you might want to think about getting a Personal Liability Umbrella policy. I've had one from State Farm for years...

It should cover you if you get into an accident when renting a car (I'm pretty sure most gold/platinum credit card collision damage policies do not). It also is useful if you accidentally cause damage to something or injure somebody outside of driving.

One example is you cause damage to a rental property you are living in while attending school, and the landlord decides to sue you for damages. If its something serious like a flood or fire you could be on the hook for many thousands of dollars.

It also means that if you do buy a vehicle in the future the amount of liability your policy needs to cover is less so your rate is reduced.

Hey, since Coach Canada has been cutting service, I've been looking into renting a car.

I'm 20 years old....how can I rent a car from the enterprise on Cootes?

Originally Posted by plutoz

I'm not sure about car rental companies requirements, but you might want to think about getting a Personal Liability Umbrella policy. I've had one from State Farm for years...

Thats probably not a bad idea, but somehow I know I'm never going to be responsible enough to buy insurance until after I graduate, heh

Originally Posted by samtheman89

Hey, since Coach Canada has been cutting service, I've been looking into renting a car.

I'm 20 years old....how can I rent a car from the enterprise on Cootes?

I think you have to be 21 to rent a car