Complicated in California

[dcs]

Hi All,

I've spoken to Hertz and done a bit of internet research which is reassuring, but I'd love to hear any personal experiences you or people you know may have had hiring cars in California on an Australian Provisional License.

I'm nearly 30, which pushes me well past the 25 year old youth bracket. A number of websites suggest this age factor is the main issue for US providers). I've also hired a number of cars in Australia through Hertz and have been able to work through it with the concession staff.

On the insurance front, I've ensured LDW is included, and I've boosted my travel insurance to cover any shortfall - so I can't see there being grounds for an insurance issue either.

However since I'm hiring the car for a bit over a week and also booking accomodation for those evenings in the US I'm keen to double and trip check what experiences others may have had in similar circumstances. I am not seeking a risk assessment from those who aren't familiar with someone who has been in a similar circumstance.

Thanks for all your help! I really appreciate it.

 

[UP4014]

Where are you picking up the car, LAX will be off airport so limits options.

SFO all the rental car desks are in the one room so if one won't do it walk along to the next. So if you are pre booking use one where you don't need to provide cc details such as Alamo.

Also, in SFO I hired a car for a month without having my licence on me (left it behind), they did it on a passport but the big guys won't do that.

I first hired a car at LAX Avis and didn't even need a cc, $100 deposit and I was on my way, I was 25. But that was a while back now !

I think you will be ok, but be prepared to change rental companies if they start stalling while you're at the desk.

Matt

 

[DeKa]

On the insurance front, I've ensured LDW is included, and I've boosted my travel insurance to cover any shortfall - so I can't see there being grounds for an insurance issue either.

Just be aware that Australian-issued travel insurance provides cover for rental car excess, but US rental cars don't have the concept of an excess, so I am not sure what shortfall you'll cover.
Take all the insurance. You are generally better off with an aggregator like Argus or similar as they price it as an all-inclusive rate.

 

[dfcatch]

What's the actual question??

I assume you mean that you're on a "PROBATIONARY" licence? As in... you're "on your P's"..??

In that case - I'm not sure at all as to whether or not you can rent a car - period.

Perhaps it's not an issue, perhaps it is.

Seeing as most P-plate drivers are under 25 and therefore caught in the "under-25 rule" - it probably doesn't get tested all that often.


As to the excess/insurance question - as pointed out - "excess" doesn't exist as a concept in the US, so you need to take "full insurance" with your rentals.

 

[DAC1]

After spending time in California this year I had at least a dozen car rentals through Alamo. Most of these were rentals split with a friend who was 21 but had a provisional licence. We had no issues picking up cars from SAN, LAX and San Francisco Union Square. We obviously had to pay the underage charge which you won't have, but nothing raised about the provisional license. I also remember Thrifty in LAS allowed us to hire a car on a provisional license.

I highly recommend Alamo for rentals. They had CDW included in all online rates booked on their site and I never had a bad experience, especially with the provisional licence.

 

[Pleb Status]

A tip if renting a car from SFO airport, make sure you take your passport with you when you pick up the vehicle. I was staying at an off airport hotel for a few days and then used the hotel shuttle to pick up a rental car at the airport to drive down to LAX the next day.

Avis SFO would not let me pick up my pre booked vehicle without my passport (my licence was not good enough). I then walked over to the Hertz counter and they let me rent a vehicle then and there without my passport. I would have had to go back to the hotel otherwise. Never encountered this passport issue elsewhere in the US.