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Getting around Bonaire: Need vehicle rental advice
Bonaire Talk: Getting around Bonaire: Archives: Archives 2007- 2008: Archives - 2007-06-01 to 2008-12-31: Need vehicle rental advice
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi everyone. My husband and I just booked a trip to Bonaire May 3-10. First time for both of us. We are staying at the Divi. Do not have any transportation lined up yet to get from airport to resort. Can anyone recommend a good place to rent a vehicle from the airport? Or would we be better off using a taxi until we get settled in? I don't know where to begin.

Just some side notes to provide additional info that might be helpful with advice ... It's just for the 2 of us. My husband will do scuba, I'll do snorkel.

Thanks in advance to all who reply.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #500) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

April
One thing to bear in mind is you can often save significantly by reserving on line. The resort may pick you up and there is a car rental at Divi. I don't remember which one. We always reserve and then pick up and return the car up at the airport. Undoubtedly costs more, but we like the convenience.
Mick

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mick, the resort wants around $16 per person for the 1.5 mile journey from airport to resort, which seems a bit excessive to me when you could possibly rent a small car for almost as much for the entire day. Anyway, who do you rent from?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1315) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 8:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

If you booked a package deal with the Divi they will tell you to take a cab from the airport and they will settle with the cabi at the front desk. If you rent from the airport, simple directions will get you to your resort, and when you leave, the truck will be droped off at the airport...

The divi rents more cars then trucks. If you get a car you will not be allowed to visit the Park, in the north...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #831) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 8:43 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

April, there are many rental agencies on Bonaire. The ones that are not located at the airport will meet you there. Check out www.infobonaire.com for a list and the websites. A truck is easy for divers for shore diving so you may want to think about that.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 8:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'm thinking about this place:
http://www.islandcarrentalsbonaire.com/
Anyone use them?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #832) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 7:27 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

April ... we have used Island Rentals and been very happy with them.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1316) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 10:07 am:     Edit PostPrint Post


April, give this lady a email. Poppy, is a sweetheart! She will meet you at the airport and tell you where to drop off your truck when you leave. She also has the best prices!!!

Telerin Car Rental
P.O.Box 347
Kralendijk
Bonaire Netherlands Antilles
Tel: 599-7174108
Cell: 09-5163001 (24 Hrs)
e-mail: marcolva@hotmail.com
e-mail: telerin@bonairelive.com
Marcolva Maria Henriquez (Poppy)


(Message edited by ronindiana on January 18, 2008)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Judy Workman (BonaireTalker - Post #69) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 4:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron, Quit telling everyone about Poppy! There won't be any trucks when we need them! She truly is a gem. See you and your better-half in May; we'll be back at Divi.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1318) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 6:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Look forward to seeing you Judy, tell Ron I said HI!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 10:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan, Judy, and Ron ... thank you all so much for your guidance. I sent Poppy an email and will wait to hear what she has to offer. And I'm feeling good about Island Rental as a close backup.

Judy and Ron, you'll both be at the Divi in May?

My husband and I are both so excited about this trip, but a little nervous too. It's all so new to us. We were on a southern caribbean cruise in 2005 (Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curacao, St.Maarten, St.Thomas). Aruba was our favorite of the 5. Then we came back and read about Bonaire in a scuba magazine, as one of the top 10 sites in the world. Honestly, we had never heard of it before that magazine article. And anyone who we tell where we are going, says "where? never heard of that". In a way, I think that's a good thing ... that it's a well kept secret! Anyway, we have talked about this trip for almost 3 years now ... just booked it on Tuesday this week ... now we just have to wait 3 months until we get there. Of course, I'm sure 1 week will be entirely too short of a stay, but we had to begin somewhere.

Thanks again everyone. This forum is a wonderful resource. And the people who participate are wonderful, too.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #502) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 11:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

April
The taxi rate page is here. http://www.infobonaire.com/taxirates.html
The Divi for some reason is conspicuous by it's absence. However it's a little bit short of Kralendijk which is $8. The rate should be correct, the page is copyrighted 2008. There are usually enough taxi's at the airport.
Mick

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1321) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 11:49 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

April, we stay north of town(Bonaire Oceanfront Apartments). Judy & Ron have a timeshare at the Divi. We used to stay at the old Dive Inn, when they had apartments by the sea. Bert owns the Dive Inn now, but the apartments are closed. Our first trip this year is May7th-21st. Then we will return for two weeks in October. Have a nice trip! I'll bet not your last!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Judy Workman (BonaireTalker - Post #70) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 2:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

April,
We'll be arriving as you leave. Maybe you can get Poppy to wash the truck in between ; ) Just kidding! The service is top notch. We love the Divi and hope you will too. It's not even necessary to have a vehicle if you're boat diving; it's a comfortable walk to town. Enjoy!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 2:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Another question ... is the rate quoted by the various vehicle rental agencies firm, or does one have the option of bargaining for a better rate?

Poppy was quoting me $380 for a double cab pickup. On Island Rental's webpage I'm seeing double cab pickups advertised for $277 & $322. Supposedly, both places quotes include all tax and insurance, as well as free additional driver.

One plus with Poppy so far is that she was very quick to answer my email. I'm still waiting to hear back from Island Rental.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By blue mcright (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #139) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 5:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

April, We used Bencho Car Rental when we were there for three weeks in August. They don't have an office at the airport but will bring the vehicle (we had a pickup) there for you. Really nice people, competitive pricing, great service.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1322) on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 5:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

April, You have to spell out what you want to all of the companies. If you want A/C, Power/Sterring, you have to tell them and the charges will change. Also CDW insurance, and taxes are added on to the bill. Poppy gives you a ALL-IN price, many don't...

PS: A working tailgate is a must! A place to set down on to dawn your gear. You have to stress that point when renting...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:59 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I am so confused on the insurance issue. CDW vs credit card insurance programs. Is renting a vehicle even worth the potential hassle should an accident occur? I'm hung up on this issue of insurance. :-(

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1325) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 12:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Your credit card's will not cover CDW on trucks. Call your C/C companies and ask for explanation. If you use American Express card you can call the company and request the "Preimium Car Rental Protection Plan". There is a one time charge for the truck on your card if you rent the vehical with that card. If you get CDW from the rental company it is between $11-15 a day! If you wish to drive without insurance, well, that is not recomended. The words "All-In" means all taxes, insurance, and extra charges are included...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sparty (BonaireTalker - Post #84) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 12:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I understand your concern. For me, renting a car is always the most stressfull part of traveling out of the US. I always have a sigh of relief once the vehicle has been returned.

It's important that you research your specific credit card coverage. Not all Mastercards, Visas, etc. are alike. Different issuers(banks) may have different coverage for say, Mastercard. You should be familiar with their requirements in case you have an accident. They require police reports, estimates, and in my case, that you pay for any damages with your credit card. Make sure you have their 800 number in case you have an accident.

Other things to consider:

1. Most credit cards do not cover pickups and some do not cover 4 wheel drives such as a jeep.

2. Amex does cover pickups but it is a special rider that you sign up for and they charge you something like $19 - $25 per rental period, depending on the type of Amex you have. I believe their coverage is for 30 days or maybe a few days longer. Make sure you are familiar with their specific requirements for coverage.

3.If you elect to use the rental agency's CDW coverage, in addition to being rather expensive, you will be subject to a deductible, ususally at least $500. If you are covered by your credit card, you normally do not have a deductible.

4. Make sure who is an authorized driver. If you only list yourself on the rental agreement and someone else drives and has an accident, the credit card will not provide coverage.

5. The credit card insurance only covers the rental car. I believe the rental company provides liability coverage for any other car or property you may hit, but to be safe, it is adviseable to have an umbrella policy that covers you world wide for all sorts of liability issues.

I always decline the rental company coverage and rely on my credit card insurance.

On one of our first trips to Bonaire, we were the victims of a hit and run accident while we were parked downtown for dinner. There was significant damage to our rental car and even though it was at a very busy time, no one could/would identify the perp., and other than provide a police report, nothing else was done.

The body shop that "Netty" took us to was quite ethical because the estimate for repair was very reasonable, much less than my fears. Also, much to my surprise, Netty did not charge me anything for the "loss of use" she incurred while the car was being repaired.

I called Mastercard and they told me what documentation I needed. When I returned home, my claim form was waiting for me. I had to wait a couple weeks for my next credit card statement to show that I had charged the rental and repairs. Within two weeks of submitting the claim, I had a check for the total amount of damages. Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the service.

You might also consider doing a search on Bonaire Talk because this subject has been discussed numerous times.






 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 12:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron, which method do you use ... AE? I'm likely going to go with Poppy. Is she ok with the AE arrangement, that I'd deny the insurance she offers?

The AE plan sounds like the most economical plan and I do have an AE card. Although from what I've read on other posts here, it does not cover damage you may cause to other vehicles, which is my major concern with the AE coverage. But the concern I have with the CDW coverage is the large deductible should an accident occur ... $572? My husband and I are responsible drivers, but we know things do happen.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (BonaireTalker - Post #14) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 12:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sparty, thank you for your very informative reply. I have read as many of the older posts on this topic as I could find, but still find it confusing. But from what it sounds like now, the AE coverage is something I need to call my card issuer about. $25/onetime w/ no deductible versus $10-15/day w/ $500+ deductible. I know the final decision is up to me and each option has its pros/cons. But it's nice to know how others have handled this very difficult decision. Anyway, thanks to everyone for being so helpful.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1362) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 1:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

and, as was stated above, if you are not going to be the only one driving the vehicle, tell the rental company that when you get the vehicle. there is an extra cost, but usually only about a $5 one time charge, for extra drivers, regardless of the length of the rental.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1326) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 2:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

April, Poppy, is ok with Amex. I use mine every trip to Bonaire. You MUST call Amex and add the Preimium Car Rental Protection Plan to the card number that you use. There is no deductable and a $2500 personal property benifit for property in the vehical... Have fun on your holiday, don't worry about the small stuff...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #504) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 9:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Lest anyone should misunderstand. None of the AE insurance covers damage to other cars or property. Only the car or truck you are renting is covered. The gal at Budget said there was liability in their provided coverage, Hmm Maybe $25,000 but truthfully I'm still not sure. I know that Vince has said that your umbrella policy covers you. However I checked with my agent (State Farm) and he said no coverage and State Farm does not write it for overseas rentals.
Mick

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By marge karalis (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #626) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 9:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'm using Poppy in two weeks. Our first time using them and we'll let you know how it goes.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (BonaireTalker - Post #16) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 9:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Marge, I look forward to hearing back about your experience. How are you handling insurance?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By marge karalis (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #627) on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 9:59 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I waive the coverage and use the AMEX card

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ron DeMink (BonaireTalker - Post #47) on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 3:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

CDW is just what it says collision damage waiver, damage to YOUR rental is covered...I'm not sure you can get any coverage for damage to another vehicle. I am sure thaat there arent any USA companies that cover you in a foreign country. If there are I havent found them.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George Blanchard (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #289) on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 5:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi April, we just returned from Bonaire after a 2 week trip. We stayed at the Divi, our 15th visit. We rented from Hertz on the Divi property after we checked in. It is easier for us to get our bags and get to the property by taxi. It is $9 US from the airport and there are always taxis available.

Hertz honors AAA discounts so you get 15% off the top. They have cars, mini-vans and pick-ups available. We chose a mini-van this trip and it was an almost new Suzuki, only 8000 kilometers on it. The collision insurance is $11 per day as I recall and there is a $500 deductible. Also, it is easy to return the car at the airport when you leave.

By the way our friend rented from Poppy and was equally pleased and had the same vehicle, however, no AAA discount.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Armour (BonaireTalker - Post #54) on Sunday, February 24, 2008 - 11:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

April, We have used AB Car Rental and they are very easy to work with. We get a Group 2 pick-up. We usually get the CDW insurance but this last time we opted for full insurance. Good thing we did, we hit 1 dog and damaged the front bumper. I'm sure there are many good rental companies, just wanted to let you know about AB.
P.S. If anyone had a dog that was hit around Feb. 3, 2008 we are very sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1413) on Monday, February 25, 2008 - 11:00 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

If you hit an animal in the States, It is law in my city, to call the police. The body gets disposed of properly, and the owner of the animal gets notified. Maybe if someone in Bonaire, missing a pet dog, can finally explain to their kids, that their dog isn't coming home. 21 days later the truth comes out!

(Message edited by ronindiana on February 25, 2008)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By April (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Monday, February 25, 2008 - 9:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The part about hitting the dog was better left unsaid. As an avid animal lover, now I cannot get that thought out of my head. :-(

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By YucatanPat (Sand$-A3) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #128) on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 3:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Terry, my wife and I am a very strong supporters of the NGO Bonaire Animal Shelter, and these would have been the people to contact with regard to your unfortunate incident with a dog. With all the advice you have provided over the last 5 days, 65 posts by my count, I thought you would have known this.

Patrick

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Armour (BonaireTalker - Post #97) on Monday, March 3, 2008 - 12:15 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Nice trucks...AB Carrental

 


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