Does anyone have any experience with double cabin truck rental from Rento Fun? Their "all in" price (including $3.50/day government tax, $10/day insurance, and 5% sales tax) seems to be $169.50 per week, vs. $288 at AB. That seems like a big difference to me. (Rento Fun $145 base rate + $70 insurance + $24.50 Government tax + $10.75 sales tax = $169.50)

In addition, Rento Fun's $10/day optional insurance covers ALL damage to the vehicle, with a $572 deductible. (This seems to be standard among Bonaire car rental agencies except at AB.)

AB's $11/day CDW covers only collision (same $572 deductible), but completely excludes theft/vandalism/flood/fire/act of God coverage, leaving the renter completely exposed for these losses. (AB's so-called "Full Insurance", for an additional $8/day, actually provides full coverage only for the theft/vandalism hazards; it covers all other vehicle damage with a reduced $169 deductible.)

Someone please correct me if if I've miscalculated or misinterpreted and, please, don't forget to comment on experiences with Rento Fun.

Many thanks in advance.

David

Ahhh, it's been pointed out to me that my arithmetic is faulty - no big surprise to those who know me - and that the "all-in" cost of a truck from Rento Fun would be $251, not $170 as I stated above. Still less than the $288 from AB and, without the additional $8/day "Full Insurance" from AB, better coverage.

David

David,

if you pay for your rental car with AMEX and buy the insurance from AMEX for ~$24, you can forego all the insurance from AB or others.... AB still accepts AMEX...some car rentals do not accept AMEX... there is quite an extensive discussion on this option if you check the archives

Gregg:

Yes, I'm aware of the AMEX insurance discussion, but I don't wish to pay for an AMEX card. I carry only no-fee, rebate-offering VISA and MasterCards.
I always try to use my limited funds wisely and pay as little as possible for what I want, while being fair to vendors, especially those vendors who are fair to me and transparent about their policies (for example, really meaning "full" when they say "full").

David

David,

As you've discovered thru your research, the policies of the rental companies in Bonaire are not always transparent...I usually go to Bonaire several times per year...the savings in rental car insurance fees pays the annual fee...AMEX is the only card that will cover pick up trucks...if you get any other vehicle (car or van), a gold card will cover the insurance....except for trips to the park, a mini van is functional for shore diving

David,

I have an American Express Blue Card with no annual fee and was able to get the deluxe rental car insurance on it. $24 for full coverage on any rental vehicle is worth keeping the Blue Card even if that is the only thing I use it for.

Belinda

Belinda Z:

Thanks for the tip about AmEx Blue. I wasn't aware of a free AmEx card - and now, thanks to you and to online application with instant approval, I have one already! I can't seem to find anything on the AmEx website about the deluxe vehicle insurance, but there's an 800 number to call.

Thanks again,

David

David,

You are very welcome :-)

I never could find any information about the deluxe vehicle insurance online either, but was able to easily sign up when I called the 800 number. Good luck.

Belinda

The above sounds as though the AMEX insurance could be a total of ~$24 for a period of time, not a daily fee. Correct?

If correct, for what period?

Glen,

I don't have my agreement in front of me but I believe it is for a period of up to 42 days.

Check out this thread: http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/32/184087.html?1105767306

Belinda

TKS, Belinda.

depending on the time of year (dry vs rainy)a van would work in the park...that is to say you could get in and out of the park in one piece. it would not, however, be a very comfortable way to do it. you would be sitting directly over the front wheels and would feel every rock. i've done it before but wouldn't do it again.

what is the annual fee on amex? i agree that the savings in insurance would make up for the fee.

Pat,

Get an AMEX Blue and there is no annual fee.

Belinda

Pat,

I agree with you about a van in Washington Slagbaai. At the moment, I believe, the north road isn't even open because of its condition, which suggests that even the open roads are in rough shape.

The last time we drove in the park, we switched to a RAV4. Kind of expensive, but not uncomfortable and it seemed completely capable of tackling any road in the park, including badly rutted upgrades.

David

Just a reminder that I'm still hoping for opinions on Rento Fun and, possibly, comparisons with AB.

David