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bethalize
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« on: September 14, 2001, 11:43:06 am » |
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Now, I understand that this may not be the best time in the world to hire a car in Albany, NY, but I need to hire something between 30 Sept and 8 October, from somewhere near the railway station. All the sites that I have previously visited for quotes have upped their rates - by $150 (which I think is just wicked).
I am extremly frustrated today: I could really do without this. Are any of you able to do any of the following:
1. Tell me the address or zipcode of the railway station in Albany so that I can look it up
2. Provide me with a telephone number or a website address of a local company who will not try to rip me off in the same way expedia.co.uk appears to be doing
3. Confirm for me that car hire prices have gone waaay up.
Yours, in gratitude,
Liz
Who doesn't understand how this all works
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elleny
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« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2001, 01:25:13 pm » |
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Prices have gone up. It could be considered price gouging, but since it is in NY, it might just be that their insurance rates went up or "hazard pay". You may report price gouging to the Attorney General here. I'll make some calls and let you know what the prices are with my contacts.
Ellen in Tx
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countrigal
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« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2001, 01:38:49 pm » |
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Liz, you might look into renting a car from another location near Albany. Sometimes the price difference could save you money even if you pay a taxi to get you there and back (after returning the car if needed). Also, some car rentals will pick you up if you ask them, so even if it's not the same city, you might be able to get someone who hasn't raised their prices from outside the area to come in and rent you a car.
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chris68
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« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2001, 02:54:27 pm » |
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Liz,
Also keep in mind that some rental car companies, especially now, are waving the drop off fee to a different location. Say you got a car from Saratoga and went to Albany and wanted to leave the car in Albany, they will wave the fee. Don't know for how long but worth asking.
What cities were you looking for, try Saratoga, Schenectady, Ballston Spa, just to name a few out that way.
Need any other help in that area let me know.
Chris
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bethalize
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« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2001, 04:52:44 pm » |
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What about car insurance? Do you have to pay extra? If they say the cost is $250 will there be extras when you go to pick it up?
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chris68
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« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2001, 05:23:46 pm » |
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Correct me if I am wrong but I don't believe you have to pay the extra coverage as most rental agencies provide coverage in the basic plans and prices. But that may also depend upon your company, so if you are using a rental company that your company does not have an agreement with it may be different.
However, there are always fees attached and they usually will give those to you over the phone before giving you a total, and if they don't you can ask them upfront.
Hope that helps.
Chris
PS....Another thought if you have your own insurance it should be covered in that policy as well. When I went to TX last Nov. I did not pay the coverage as I called my agent and asked if I needed to and he said no.
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goldenearring
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« Reply #6 on: September 15, 2001, 01:05:28 pm » |
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Liz - if you have a driver from outside the U.S., you would be well advised to get extra coverage. Check with your company's policy on exactly what they do cover and get their advice. Better out $250 than out $25,000 for a car. Definitely, I would think you'd want the liability insurance at a minimum.
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bethalize
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« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2001, 05:11:34 pm » |
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Thanks, guys. My mother got in a strop and has done it herself over the telephone.
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phoenix55
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« Reply #8 on: September 15, 2001, 09:24:54 pm » |
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Liz,
The railway station isn't in Albany (I work there), but Rensselaer, New York (forgot the zip code). I wish I had seen this yesterday at work so I could give you some suggestions, but I think off the top of my head, Enterprise in Albany may give you the best deal.
Sorry to say, anything associated with transportation (air fares, train fares, rental cars, etc.) are very high in Albany. On the other hand, hotel rates aren't that bad!
Hope this is some help. Please let me know if you need anything else, and I mean ANYTHING else. As I said, I work right in downtown Albany, so I'm here for you!
By the way, Chris is absolutely right. Renting in one city and dropping off in another is by far the best way to go. (Also, try Troy, NY.)
Karen
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bethalize
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« Reply #9 on: September 16, 2001, 07:29:20 am » |
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Thanks, Phoenix. That makes a lot of sense.
My aged parents have been planning a US holiday for over a year, and are due to leave next week. I really want this to be good for them, as it has taken a lot of penny pinching. I wanted to ask all of you in the US what reactions to tourists are likely to be at the moment, especially in NY state. Have tourist attractions closed down? On one hand, it really isn't the time to be expecting a warm welcome. On the other hand, if there is anything the local economy needs now it will be money. My mother is very concerned about not causing offence.
My trip to New York has been cancelled, or rather, postponed indefinitely.
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phoenix55
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« Reply #10 on: September 16, 2001, 09:44:47 am » |
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Actually, I'm sure your parents will receive as warm a welcome as they always would in New York. We're hurting, but I'm sure I can speak for all New Yorkers in saying we've been touched by the outpouring of sympathy and good will expressed to us by folks from all over. I don't know about the tourist attractions downstate--I'm sure they're either closed or on high alert. I can check probably tomorrow. Up around this way, everything is open, but in a state of red alert. Not so bad, really. I don't know if they're making their way to Washington, but I do know down there most of the monuments have been closed at least most of the week.
New York and the surrounding areas are wonderful places to visit. As Chris can verify, upstate is definitely not what a visitor would expect of New York. The surrounding states of Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Pennsylvania are all wonderful as well.
If they need some suggestions for their itinerary in this area (Albany/Saratoga), please let me know, I can help. If you prefer to correspond by e-mail, I can do that, too.
I'm always proud to show off this area. I hope your parents have a wonderful, wonderful time.
Karen
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bethalize
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« Reply #11 on: September 16, 2001, 09:56:14 am » |
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Karen, That is a very generous offer, thank you. I would love to hear the suggestions. Would you like to e-mail me on ehb102@hotmail.com? It would perhaps save fillling up the boards with a personal discussion. Looking forward to hearing from you, Liz |
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msmarieh
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« Reply #12 on: September 17, 2001, 06:53:42 am » |
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If you'd like to doublecheck the rates your parents got, I just did a quick check on TheTrip.com and they show rates for Albany at $39.49-$48.99/day for that time period which isn't too bad.
Marie
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chris68
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« Reply #13 on: September 17, 2001, 09:04:26 am » |
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Liz,
If you need anything on Upstate NY let me know, and I will do what I can for you.
Sent you an email, hope you got it. I have access to travel agencies, etc. here that I am sure I can get some sight seeing info. if you need it, and prices on car rentals too if you provide city and dates for me, I'd be happy to call.
Chris
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