We have used AE for years and years. Almost every time we have used the beat rate feature and found them to do what they say--always beating "the other guy." Additionally, they are good to work with.
Today I spent an hour with them for 3 reservations for next summer. The time was well spent. This is the process I used and the results.
1. Last night ran off rates from Economy Car Rental, AE and Holiday Cars. 2. Got a quote e-mailed from Europe by Car. 3. Today called AE. 4. Two rentals in Italy ended like this. A. Started at €1083 inclusive. Ended at €884 inclusive. (27 days) Ended up in dollars at $1299) B. Started at €697 inclusive. Ended at €485 inclusive. (13 days) Ended up in dollars at $719.
The reason the quote is in Euro is because if they use the European charts (which are in euro), they are able to include an "excess refund cover" from AE. This means that AE will pay any deductible charge you pay if you have an accident, etc. I do not know why they can't include that feature in USD. The deductible charges are rather significant if, heaven forbid, you have a problem.
In each of these, the final price in $'s was significantly less than the original $ quote by AE and that of the competing companies.
The third transaction is still with their beat department as it involves Croatia. AE has already beat the competition but they are still working out the deductible reimbursement. Croatia is not on the euro.
An important part of paying in euro is to use a credit card such as Capital One that does not have any conversion fee or at least one that has a minimal conversion fee.
Another thing to know with AE is if you check back and prices have dropped or there are special deals, they will rewrite the contract.
Jane, What are your dates and destinations? Ours are very, very fluid. It seems like we are changing our minds on almost a daily basis. Dates are still 18June - 20July, but destinations....
Deborah Horn In a previous life I was an Umbrian sunflower farmer. I want to do a past life regression and stay there. ----------------------------------- www.petsburg.com My blog: Old Shoes - New Trip
Posts: 5808 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: 04 September 2001
Jane, thank you for a very informative post. I've also used Auto Europe a number of times but never asked them to beat rates. Your big savings on those two rentals has inspired me to try next time! Did you get the word on the Croatia rental price?
Jan, if you need a car for 33 days, have you looked into leasing a car instead?
Auto Europe has a program with Peugeot. Or if you want to compare Peugeot vs. Renault, check with www.ideamerge.com, a broker.
This is how we've done all our long-term "rentals" in Europe-- you get a brand new car and it includes all insurance. I know there are some services in Italy.
Auto Europe has a program with Peugeot. Or if you want to compare Peugeot vs. Renault, check with www.ideamerge.com, a broker.
Kathy, The problem with these programs when originating some place other than France is that there is a substantial fee for picking the car up or returning it in another country. The charge for Rome is particularly heavy. When we traveled in France we did this but have not found it to be economical in Italy unless leasing for several months.
OK--I said I would get back when the Croatia rental was settled--which took some time.
After finally getting the "no deductible" settled for this rental and the beat rate guarantee, I was able to get the Croatia rental which started at €370 with deductible to €250 with no deductible for an 8 day contract. That is a fairly remarkable savings.
What you want to ask for is an "Excess Refund from Auto Europe" clause. Again you need to have them go through an EU site. If the person you are working with doesn't understand this, ask to speak to a supervisor.
Yes. But there are no packages starting from where I live, Rio de Janeiro.
i'm not surprised....I think you will do better looking for a local travel company in Brazil. I don't think AutoEurope gets much call for fly-drive packages from South America.
But you might give them a call and see if they can help you.
I called AutoEurope and asked about having them book through the EU site for the Excess Refund discount. The rep didn't know what I was talking about and checked with someone. He came back and said I would have to book that on-line and it was really only for EU residents which is contrary to your experience. Also, I never realized there was a deductible liability when you rent in Italy which they block on your credit card when you pick-up the car. I guess I should read their contracts more carefully. The theft is $305 deductible and the collision is $125.
He also told me that if you book through the EU site that a higher amount is blocked on your credit card and if you were to have an accident or a theft you would be charged that higher amount and then reimbursed. He said all their contracts need to have the deductible language and you are, in fact, charged even if you have the waiver but later reimbursed.
The fee on my current contract would be around $10 a day to waive both deductibles. Am I correct in assuming that would be the amount I saved by booking through the EU site? This is really confusing.
Carole
Posts: 1447 | Location: Laguna Beach, CA | Registered: 09 February 2006
I can't answer all of this as, as you say, it gets very confusing. I have found that the person you speak with can make a difference in the information.
I did not book on-line. I did it all via phone. When I balked at the deductible, the agent then suggested the EU with the euro alternative. I had started with a beat rate from Economycar rental which has full insurance coverage. Maybe that made the difference--they were trying to compete. You will always (in our experience) do the best when you have a beat rate.
Yes, you do pay upfront if you have an accident. AE then reimburses whatever out of pocket expense is incurred. It didn't used to be this way.
As far as blocking money on a card, yes, they do that. We just use a card that isn't the one we will use during our travels--or one we won't use too much.
We did not pay more for the rental by booking in euro. Our $ figure was good.
I ended up talking with a supervisor on one of the transactions who was apologetic for the lack of knowledge of the first person. This year they seem to have some newer employees.
Also, if you are going for more than 3 weeks, you get a different level person who seems to know more.
Yes, it is confusing. But, if you muddle through, money is saved.
Originally posted by LoveItaly: I'll call back again and see what I can get but we only have a five day rental so if it becomes too much of a hassle I won't persist.
Carole
Carole, I agree--5 days may not be worth the energy. If you are going to do that check this site first Economy Car Rental
Jane, I checked Economy Car Rental and their price was around $120 less which is significant. We will be picking up the car in Milan but dropping it off in Rapallo. Economy Car doesn't have a Rapallo drop-off. Do you need to present a quote to AutoEurope from the exact pick-up and drop-off locations?
Carole
Posts: 1447 | Location: Laguna Beach, CA | Registered: 09 February 2006
I just contacted economycarrentals.com online and they gave me a very good price for a Mercedes E Class at 427.63 Euro or $633.875 US Dollar.
I then contacte Auto Europe... and talked to a supervisor for "beat rate" ... they said that they would not "beat" or "meet" the rate that I was given with economycarrentals.com
They said that they contacted their CEO and he refused to "meet/beat" the price b/c economycarrentals.com would not actually book the car ... if I can prove that they would book the car they will match the price.
I can go through economycarrentals.com all the way until I have to give them my credit card info ... but am scared to actually give them my credit card number b/c you all are so taken w/ Auto Europe ... and if they say this is bad... I am scared.
Auto Europe said that their service is better ... and that in the end I will not get what I want w/ economycarrentals.com ...
Jane... did they make you actually book w/ this company before they would "beat their price"?
They are telling me that I actually have to prove that I am booked w/ them before they will honor their "beat the rate" ...
Am confused... troubled... and scared.... PLEASE HELP
Karen
Posts: 386 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 26 January 2005
Karen, no, I did not book with them before getting the beat rate. In fact, over the years, I have never had to book--just show the offer. However, a concern that I had with Economycar Rental is that their rate is in euro and you don't pay up front. So it is possible, with what the $ is doing, that the cost for those of us using the $ could fluctuate and not to our advantage by the time of payment. Did I say that clearly?
With AE, you pay up front so you know exactly what you pay. If you cancel there is a full refund.
In the past I have used beat rate with companies such as Europecar and others where it was $ to $ which was easier to work with.
Reputation for me is most important and it seems AutoEurope has earned a good reputation. I would rather not save a few dollars with some fly by night outfit and risk ruining my trip or be faced with some bogus drummed up charges after I get back.
I got a quote from AE for a Opel Corsa 22 day rental, basic liability (my CC covers the rest), unlimited km, with West/Eastern Europe for $840 or so which I find a terrific deal.
Posts: 190 | Location: Irvine, CA | Registered: 13 February 2008
k03740 I think you've missed the point of this thread. AE is the preferred agency--all we ever use. This thread is focused on the beat rate aspect of AE which often can lead to additional savings. They stand behind this offer and deliver as they say. You are right--AE has for many years offered great service. We have been using them for over 20 years and all, without exception, experiences have been positive.
they are able to include an "excess refund cover" from AE. This means that AE will pay any deductible charge you pay if you have an accident, etc.
I feel silly asking this, but isn't this the same as the collision damage waiver (CDW) in the US? If I use my credit card to charge the rental that is covered by my card (agreed it is a US card in a foreign environment).
Great information - next trip to Europe I'm checking them out.
they are able to include an "excess refund cover" from AE. This means that AE will pay any deductible charge you pay if you have an accident, etc.
I feel silly asking this, but isn't this the same as the collision damage waiver (CDW) in the US? If I use my credit card to charge the rental that is covered by my card (agreed it is a US card in a foreign environment).
Great information - next trip to Europe I'm checking them out.
Tom, not a silly question. AE's Italy insurance (which is mandatory in Italy) used to be no-deductible. In recent years they have added deductible amounts--the total depending on the what agency provides the car. The excess refund is that AE will reimburse whatever deductible amount the agency that supplied the car charges. So, it is different than CDW.f
Topic Closed
The theft is $305 deductible and the collision is $125.
