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We are spending a night in St Thomas this May before heading to St John for nine days. We have bravely decided to rent a jeep on St Thomas, so as to explore and grocery shop before heading to St John. I have read that Thrifty and Dependable are good choices and that they will pick us up at the airport. I called Dependable and got their pricing and was told that a drivers license (we're from Canada) was all we needed (well and to pay of course). When I look at Thrifty's web site, I see a number of terms and conditions. This is what I'd like some help with. We have previously only rented on St John and all we did was give our drivers license and credit card.
Thrifty's terms say that you must show proof of insurance. How do you do that? We have car insurance at home and our credit card also carries insurance. The terms also say that they want a $750 - $1000 deposit and that you have to pay a 8% airport access fee. Is this all real or just something that all rental companies put in their terms but don't really enforce? I thought that since Thrifty wasn't at the airport you didn't have to pay airport fees? Dependable didn't say anything about any requirements, but they are more expensive than Thrifty.
For those of you that have rented with Thrifty, have you used the web site or called the St Thomas office. I can't seem to find a local number. Any help with this would be appreciated!
I just reserved a car from Thrifty. We are renting at St. Thomas when we get off the plane and taking the car to St. John. I read the part about the proof of insurance on the terms on the Web site and am planning to call my insurance agent, who has verbally assured me in the past of our coverage in the USVI, to get some sort of written proof, although I doubt anyone is going to ask for it (I like to be prepared!). I did not see the part about the deposit, so I am going to look into that. If you want to call the St. Thomas Thrifty directly, the number I was given is: 340-776-1500. If you get any more info, please post!
I just rented from Thrifty in Dec. I read those conditions also. I called my credit card ( Mastercard ) and they said we were covered. Didn't bring any proof & wasn't asked for anything except cc & dl. Like most of the island, Daniel was pretty laid back and upgraded us to a jeep, no additional cost. The lady before us was nasty because she had to wait 10 minutes... we were patient & chatty & he rewarded us.
I just went online to "chat with an agent" and they confirmed the $750 to $1,000 deposit required at rental, which would be returned to us once we return the car "after all the charges are setlled." I've never heard of such a thing! We just rented from Hertz at STT in Dec. and no deposit was required. Cocosmom (or anyone else), did you have to pay this deposit, and what was the process for return of the deposit?
Here's what they said about insurance proof: "If you are using your personal insurance, you will need to get a letter from your insurance company stating your personal coverage will extend to the USVI. No, the insurance card they will not accept."
I seem to remember when renting from Dependable a few years back they charged my credit card $800 at the time of rental. They refunded the difference when we returned the jeep.
I'd ask them what their policy is.
http://www.dependablecar.com/
Bill
No, I did not get charged that whopping fee and /or asked for any insurance letter for Thrifty. I never called anyone there. Call the Thrifty in STT and ask for Daniel to get the lowdown if you want to be more certain. Like I said, I had called my mastercard # and was told I was covered as long as I charged it to that card. I brought the 1-800 # from my mastercard in case so I could have them confirm. No one asked. Remember, Hertz does not let cars go over to STJ! Good luck.
Cocosmom, what you describe is what we are used to when renting a jeep. My husband thinks I'm nuts to worry about this. Maybe I am, I just don't want any surprises when we get there. I think that I will give Daniel a call.
Thanks all!
KPlumm,
I was like you & just called the 800 # on my master card. Listened to the menu & was forwarded to a recorded rental car info. They said as long as you do NOT sign for their insurance & you use the MC to pay you are covered. I wrote the # down & planned on calling if proof was required. Believe me, you will see that they are a little too laid back for all that effort. 🙂 Just be nice & they may even upgrade you. Actually, I would ask Daniel if he can give you a deal. Tell him he was recommended by a previous customer. Worth a shot. He gave me a jeep for $189 for a week and I didn't even ask for one. Sounds like they can deal.
