To ditch or not to ditch “free” car hire through TUI

[Guest]

I am after some advice re “free” car hire for my tui package holiday. We land in Sanford so have a car reserved at Alamo. I understand that we need to get extra insurance if we do, indeed collect this “free” car and I have priced up what this will be and it’s coming our about £434 to pay on collection (could be way off though)

My question is we did the same holiday back in 2013 and naively we took the “free” car and only paid to rent a Sat Nav and pay the local charges. Were we driving around barely insured? The thought of it now is terrifying and we don’t want to be anxious or worried about driving as we plan on going to KSC, Tampa etc. I have looked at renting our own car with various car hire company’s at Sanford and tbh they are not coming out any cheaper than if we pay the insurance at the Alamo desk... please advise 2 obviously clueless Orlando lovers lol.

Some important info-
We are a family of 4, 2 daughters ages 13 and 17 and me and hubby 36 and 38. Hubby will be driving so I will not be wanting to go on insurance! We will have 4 large suitcases and 4 backpacks.

TIA

[BevS97]

I very much doubt they would have let you drive away without at least the basic insurance and they usually lay it in thick if you haven’t bought sufficient insurance.

If an alternative car is more than £434 then take the TUI deal but I’d be surprised

I like USrentacar and always find it cheaper than the free car for the same size.

[JessBlu]

If it’s cheaper to take the insurance than a whole new car hire them do that.

You can often add the insurance to your package before you go then you will know the price you are paying.

[BevS97]

What do you mean?

d I have priced up what this will be and it’s coming our about £434 to pay on collection

TUI should give you a price to upgrade your insurance before you travel. Do not arrive at the airport with anything to pay. Make sure you have a fully prepaid deal beforehand.

[bilbous]

Worth getting in touch with TUI for a price on fully inclusive insurance. Then just work out the difference if you hire elsewhere.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

OP. The first time you took the car out you had the State minimum insurance which is $30 or $35K I think

As you say massive risk as one big bump and you will be bankrupt. I'm amazed they let you have it mind.

However moving on. What are your dates please? Standard SUV I assume or full size saloon?

Every few months I see a thread on here where people have got a very good insurance quote with Tui that is unbeatable. Always worth asking them first but dont hold your breath

[filharmonic]

just checked ours instead of taking a tui free car we have hired a mid size suv through expedia for 14 nights starting june 10th for £310 and as far as i can see this includes full insurance see below for details
Additional information
Collision damage waiver details
• Collision damage waiver (CDW) includes excess of £0.00
• CDW excludes damage or loss to tyres, windscreen, glass and undercarriage
Not included in price
• Credit card deposit
________________________________________
Damage protection
You have not purchased any insurance or damage protection plan.
i would be interested in your opinion mr morrow

[99plums]

Originally Posted by Maep

I am after some advice re “free” car hire for my tui package holiday. We land in Sanford so have a car reserved at Alamo. I understand that we need to get extra insurance if we do, indeed collect this “free” car and I have priced up what this will be and it’s coming our about £434 to pay on collection (could be way off though)

My question is we did the same holiday back in 2013 and naively we took the “free” car and only paid to rent a Sat Nav and pay the local charges. Were we driving around barely insured? The thought of it now is terrifying and we don’t want to be anxious or worried about driving as we plan on going to KSC, Tampa etc. I have looked at renting our own car with various car hire company’s at Sanford and tbh they are not coming out any cheaper than if we pay the insurance at the Alamo desk... please advise 2 obviously clueless Orlando lovers lol.

Some important info-
We are a family of 4, 2 daughters ages 13 and 17 and me and hubby 36 and 38. Hubby will be driving so I will not be wanting to go on insurance! We will have 4 large suitcases and 4 backpacks.

TIA

See more...

I suggest you clarify your position with TUI first.

Find out what you have got and what you haven't got.

Then find out exactly how much it would cost with TUI to get what you haven't got.

Once you know that, you can then go and search the alternative suppliers and be able to make an informed decision.

[JanetteP]

Following - my brother and his family think they have a free car, I've priced up a 7 seater with Alamo Brits at £436.50 (there are 4 adults and 3 children), which I think will be cheaper for him that taking the insurance with Tui (18th October - 1st November). I'll follow the advice above, and ask him to check with Tui.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Janette. I would book that 7 seater now. Prices with Brits for Oct are back on the rise. Up £2 already for the price you had.
Virgin is £555!