Car hire in California (UK resident)

Question

Hello we are coming to California in July.

Please can you recommend a reliable car hire company where we can hire a car from LA around 14th July and will need it for around 5 to 6 days. Roughly 14th to 18th July.

Recommendations from people who have actually used these companies please.

1. Do we need to book from the UK for insurance purposes as we are just for holiday.

2. We staying at Marina del Ray and don't want to drive around LA so we hoping to pick car up on our final day in LA (after sightseeing there for 3 days/nights) and then drive up the coast so any tips as to where we could pick the car up easily? We don't need the car in LA as will just be sightseeing and happy to get public transport.

3. Which companies do you recommend please?

4. Any tips we need to be aware of? We would like to drop it off in San Francisco (SF) after our coastal road trip so are aware we need to check additional drop off charges etc

Many thanks

Answer

It sounds like you're planning an exciting trip to California, and I’m happy to provide some tips for hiring a car as a UK resident. Here’s a detailed answer to your questions:

1. Do You Need to Book from the UK for Insurance Purposes?

Yes, it's generally a good idea to book your car hire from the UK, as this allows you to arrange any necessary insurance coverage in advance. UK residents typically need to purchase insurance for car hire in the USA, and booking through a UK-based company (or through a global car hire website) can simplify the process. Make sure to check what the insurance policy includes – for instance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection (TP). You may also want to consider additional insurance for personal injury, as this is often not included in the standard rental agreements.

Also, verify whether the rental company provides third-party liability insurance. If not, you may need to purchase it separately through the rental company or a third-party insurer.

2. Picking Up the Car in LA After Sightseeing

Since you don’t need a car during your sightseeing in LA and are staying in Marina del Rey, the best approach is to wait until your last day to pick up the car for your road trip. You can pick up the car from a rental location at or near major transit hubs to avoid driving around LA during your first few days.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX is the most common location for car rentals, and it’s just a short drive from Marina del Rey (about 10–15 minutes). You can use public transport or ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) to get to LAX if you’re staying in Marina del Rey.
Downtown LA: If you prefer not to go to the airport, you could also pick up your car from a rental location in downtown Los Angeles. There are several rental offices at hotels and major transportation hubs, such as Union Station, which might be convenient if you’re using public transport around the city.
Santa Monica: Santa Monica, close to Marina del Rey, is another good area with rental car agencies. This way, you can avoid going to the airport while still having easy access to your rental vehicle when you're ready for your coastal drive.

3. Recommended Car Rental Companies

Here are a few reliable car rental companies that I recommend based on their reputation, service, and availability of vehicles for road trips in California:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Known for excellent customer service and a large selection of vehicles. They also allow one-way rentals (drop-off in a different location) for a reasonable fee, which is useful for your San Francisco drop-off.
Hertz: Another reliable company with good rates and options. Hertz also offers flexible drop-off locations, so you can return your car in San Francisco without much hassle.
Avis: Avis is another trusted rental company with many pick-up and drop-off locations. They also offer an option to book through UK-based websites, which can be useful for securing insurance.
Sixt: Sixt offers competitive rates and provides good customer service, particularly for those looking for mid-range or luxury vehicles. They also have offices in major California cities like LA and San Francisco.

4. Tips for Car Rental in California

Booking in Advance: It’s best to book your car rental in advance, especially in the peak summer months, as availability can be limited and prices can rise closer to your travel dates.
Additional Drop-Off Charges: As you mentioned, you’ll be dropping the car off in San Francisco. Make sure to check with the rental company about any additional one-way drop-off charges. These can range from $50 to $150 depending on the company and distance, but it’s important to clarify before booking.
Fuel Policy: Rental companies usually offer either a “full-to-full” fuel policy, where you return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up, or a pre-purchase fuel option. It’s typically better to go with the full-to-full option to avoid paying inflated fuel prices at the rental agency.
Roadside Assistance: If you're planning a long road trip, it’s worth adding roadside assistance to your rental, just in case of any unforeseen issues. This could save you time and stress during your travels.
Driving License and Requirements: As a UK resident, you’ll need to bring your UK driver’s license and a credit card in your name. Some rental agencies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), but many don't, especially for short-term rentals from UK drivers.

In summary, booking your car hire in advance from the UK for insurance and convenience is highly recommended. You can pick up the car at LAX or in nearby areas like Santa Monica or Downtown LA to avoid driving around during your sightseeing days. Make sure to check one-way drop-off fees if you plan to leave the car in San Francisco, and always confirm insurance and other rental details before booking.

Enjoy your road trip along the California coast – it’s a beautiful drive with plenty of scenic stops!