UK rental car companies for multiple countries

[swilshire Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close swilshire]

The latest crisis in my very late trip planning. :wall:

Can anyone recommend a car rental company in the UK that doesn't charge huge extra fees for going from England into Wales and Scotland? I learned this morning that National Car Rental considers that "going abroad" and charges a very hefty fee, on top of the expensive rental rate for a vehicle big enough for our family of six.

I really didn't anticipate this, since the country on the rental sites is always just listed as "United Kingdom". I really thought it would be just like going from state to state in the US, with all the better companies allowing it.

If there were just a couple of us, I'm sure taking trains from place to place and doing a new car rental each time would be the answer. We plan two nights in Wales, one in Liverpool, six or seven in Scotland, five - seven in London (where we don't really need a car) and the last week in Devon England.

Trying to organize all those trains and rentals and getting luggage for six people from place to place scares me senseless. My youngest son uses a wheelchair and we've learned he's three inches too short to ride in cars without his booster seat. We could get one from the rental companies, but the ones they have available seem to be more for the babies and toddlers. Getting one big enough for an 8yo might be tough, plus they are expensive. I'd rather just bring his from home.

But you can see why we'd prefer to just drive from place to place, even with the scary gas prices. We also like the freedom of stopping wherever we like along the way.

Hope someone can point me to a good solution. I'm getting a little desperate here! :doh:

Thanks for all your help!

Sheila

[Carolinian Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Carolinian]

That is a new one on me. I have rented quite a number of times in London and driven into Scotland, Wales, or both, and never been charged an extra fee.

I always go through Europe by Car – Rentals & Tax-Free Leasing or Auto Europe Discount Car Rentals, Airfare, and Hotels

[I-DE-HO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close I-DE-HO]

Try KEMWEL too.
They also have a Price Match deal.
Phil

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

I've just looked on the National Car Rental site and can see nothing to suggest any restriction on taking the vehicle between England, Scotland and Wales. I have never heard of such a restriction and can't imagine it being practical to enforce. National don't even charge for taking the car into Ireland apart from International Roadside Assistance in the Republic of Ireland.
Are you sure you aren't looking at additional costs for returning to a location other than the original pick up point.
I wouldn't worry too much about the height requirement for a child to use a booster seat. The police in most areas have said the law is unworkable. They can't stop a vehicle to check for use of booster seats and they don't have the authority to request either the age or height of a child.

[swilshire Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close swilshire]

Thanks for all the reassurances. Apparently I just got a "bum" agent at National the first three times I emailed.

I suggested she ask a supervisor for clarification after I saw your responses. A different agent responded that there is no charge, just as you say.

I may still have some insurance issues, but no daily fee for going "abroad".

Thanks again,

Sheila

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

As long as you are driving in England, Scotland and Wales the insurance cost will be no different to if you rented in England and remained in England. Some companies do have additional charges for Northern Ireland for example.