Has anyone used Zest Car Hire in USA

[lastdayatschool]

Just saw Zest Car Hire mentioned in Sunday Times as being a cheaper alternative to booking direct from Alamo, National etc.

Did a quote for a USA trip this Autumn and they are indeed - £900 for an Alamo car vs £1350 booking direct.

So just wondering if anyone has ever used Zest in the US and, if so, what have they been like - good, bad, ugly etc

Not in the USA but we used them for Mexico and all was good.

Also, they are very highly rated by Which?

I don't see any issue with going through a broker, but ultimately your experience is going to with whoever they book you with.

I'd be a little suspicious that there was something essential missing you might be asked to pay at the desk if it's significantly cheaper. It's typical for US customers to use their credit card for rental cover. Without that, you might find you're paying on arrival to reduce a large excess. Basic collision damage waivers don't cover an excess. But I'm just speculating here.

I’ve used Zest in Europe a couple of times and it’s all been good - I like the included excess cover although it’s probably slightly more expensive than going with a cheaper broker and having a separate excess policy.

We had a poor Europcar pick up last time (purely down to the staff member) and fed that back to Zest via their customer survey, and immediately got a reply email and a discount against our next booking

Last time we were In the US I used RentalCars - there was a zero CDW or theft excess, so that’s worth checking (not sure if it varies by state)

Years ago (pre internet) we just used to arrive and head to the car hire desk, and CDW/LDW, SLI etc would be extra. It’s different if you’re a US citizen as you’d most likely be covered by your own car insurance policy (assuming you have a car).

Going through a UK broker makes it simple, you’re still dealing with Thrifty, Alamo etc but it’s paid upfront and you know your insurances are covered.

Thanks to all who responded.

On revisting the Zest quotes again, they were offering Alamo (who we've always used in the US previously) and Enterprise.

In both cases, the Zest price didn't include the supplement to return the car to a different location than the pick-up, this being quoted as an additional option, payable locally, of $300.

Once this was added to the price, Zest were less than £75 cheaper than Alamo, so think we'll just stick with what we know.

Also omitted to say you also have to pay a supplement for the extended breakdown cover which we always take from Alamo

It’s been 7 years now but we always booked USA car hire using Virgin Holidays even though we never booked anything else with Virgin.
I liked that you paid in £ and could choose what level of insurance you wanted in the comfort of your own home rather than upselling in the car hire office after a long flight.

Also back then, the car hire firm had a dedicated desk for VH rentals so no waiting in the queue.
Might have all changed in the interim but worth a look?