Car Rental Feedback..

[ukran1ans]

So I'll be coming down myself in late February for 10 days and I'm thinking of renting a car for the first time for convenience and exploring the island somewhat (also, with a private roundtrip Mobay transfer costing $200 now and taxis, back and forth to the cliffs, during the week costing $30 a trip, it doesn't seem that much more costly than being a pedestrian).

I'm looking thru Expedia at the different prices and rental companies (Europcar, Fox, U-Save, Budget, Ace, Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz) and I'm looking to get some feedback on...

1) Best rental companies for the money you spend (based on their service, quality of car, hidden fees/costs)

2) Pro/Cons of getting a rental that aren't obvious (yeah, I know, left side of road, jamaicans are aggressive drivers... etc)

I appreciate all input!

[johng]

I am very surprised that after the many, many times you have traveled to Jamaica that this is the first time you have entertained or seriously considered renting a car.

First let me start by saying many years ago it was a different experience all together. The cars were manual transmissions and didn't have air conditioning. Furthermore they were beat to hell and in rough shape. Fast forward to 2024 with cars that are much newer with automatic trannies and comfort inside the car. One might say well I've driven a manual all my life so what's the big deal. Well on a drive on the left side of the road vehicle, the gear shift is now in your left hand which when combined with sitting on the other side of the car creates a whole other sense of confusion.

In my opinion, after many times renting in JA Island Rental Car is the best. Their cars seem to be in pretty good condition and they have a presence at both Sangster and Norman Manley. Their rates were reasonable and it was a pretty easy procedure. No hidden costs that I recall.

Pros / Cons could be endless but having a car to go where you want when you want is priceless. Venturing out across the island if you haven't already opens your eyes to a whole different level. Cost of hiring transportation has gotten much more expensive and even a ride from the west end to the beach and back ads up. The biggest Con could be a bad or fatal accident!! Driving on the left poses many dangers. The biggest danger is thinking you can drive after a couple Red Stripes and or smokes!! I have seen many tourists panic in critical driving situations and somehow forget about which side of the road they are on and end up in the hospital or cemetery!!

So that is my input for what it's worth

[fargoman]

The potholes would be my biggest concern...you know how it goes...just one can ruin everything.

[Russ and Subrina]

We have had good luck with Island. We also earned points for discounts when used to rent often. My advice would be to insurance up to the max, which can be as much as the daily rental rate. Peace of mind is priceless. Dealing with damage is a real pain.

[ol'yardie]

I've rented two or three times but not recently. My biggest concern about driving on the "correct" side of the road is negotiating roundabouts. The first time years ago I rented a small Fiat with the stick on the left. That took a little time to get used to. Getting out of the airport, spinning the roundabout a couple of times to get the right lane out toward Negril, dodging pedestrians, goats, donkeys and push carts in heavy traffic. My nerves were so shot by the time things settled down I had to pull over at Old Steamer Landing for a beverage and chill session. Now that I think about it, it was 1989, the year after Gilbert and the young owner of the Old Steamer told me the first of many Gilbert horror stories I heard on that trip. His family lived up the hill in a coconut grove and they had nothing to drink but coconut water for two weeks until the current and piped water were restored. Jeez...that was 35 years ago.

[westy]

I love having a car. Definitely Island car rental. Had a mash up many years back and they were very good and honest to deal with. Make sure you take a video of the whole car when you do the inspection and don't let them Hussle you at drop off about anything. Was worse in the old days before phone video.
I follow the taxis as they know the potholes, but not too close as they stop a lot. I have also been pulled for speeding and got a ticket once so keep an eye when the speed changes. Drivers usually fllash their lights like here but you have to pay attention. I like exploring so enjoy the freedom. And agree with the cost comparison these days. Gas is about $4 a gallon. Also make sure you can open the gas tank. That hung me up for a bit one time��

[Odinson]

I also rented only with Island although it is somewhere (close) off-site now. One of the first times, the car had a hole in the floor on the driver's side - gave me a nice view of the migrating crabs I missed/crushed.

Take a 360 video of the car, including the spare tire, and focus on any body damage. I've had the receivers try to claim I dinged up a rim on the spare! I've found the first day takes a bit getting use to driving on the other side - wake up the next morning and it's all good!