I need to book a hire car soon for my holiday in San Diego. My question really, is do all US hire cars now come with what we consider to be fully comp insurance with a small excess ?

The basic insurance on a usa hire car is effectively third party only. Personal suggestion, having used them in the states is go to holiday autos, get a price on the website, and then call them and ask for cover for everything! If you buy third party policies beware as you have to claim yourself. Whatever you do, if something goes missing from the car, (my case 4 wheel trims stolen) get a police report, DO NOT drive offroad, if there is mud under the car go through a carwash before returning it. Some companies now digitally photograph the car out and into their car parks, but take a careful look yourself.and take photos yourself, and finally be aware that many of the companies now have trackers in their cars and if you speed THEY will charge you for it! And as I am sure you know if the San Diego finest stop you, be oh so polite! Don't forget to visit croce's and the b street brewery. Have fun, wish i was along for the ride. and dont forget the drive over the coronado bridge.

Edited by OldRoverboy on 15/05/2012 at 00:25

Recently used Dollar @ Phoenix Sky Harbour.

We booked in advance online and the process was completely painless on arrival at the dedicated car hire facility situated a couple of miles away from the airport (free regular courtesy buses) Drivers will lift your luggage on/off for you without question/hesitation/tipping!). America is so much slicker at doing stuff like this than we are. It really puts us to shame.

We were expecting a 4-door, Auto, Air-Con Hyundai Sonato (or similar) but were given a free choice of anything that took our fancy "from the second row over there'. We plumped for a brand-new petrol Chrysler 200 LX on a temporary 'paper plate' – was extremely comfortable at all times during the 1500 miles covered in the 8-days spent there touring Arizon, Nevada and down Mexico-way. Cost for the 8-days was just under £200, including a full tank of gas, so vehicle returned on vapours with no questions!

Unsure exactly what out 'package' was as my buddy booked it but it was fairly comprehensive. The only additional insurance we allowed ourselves to be sold (+$40.00 plus Tax) was for Breakdown/Recovery cover, which when crossing so many long desert(ed) roads we deemed a sensible option.

DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE A SAT-NAV in the deal – it proved to be absolutely invaluable in the depths/back streets of Phoenix, Vegas, Tuscon, etc., particularly at night! Driving in the States in so civilised. I can't wait to return.

Enjoy ...