Car rentals in Santiago

[DrNoob]

Hello everyone,

I am planning to rent a car in Santiago for a few days to go to Samana.
I generally have not had to rent a car during my travels as usually I have access to cars from friends/family and I have also avoided driving in the DR but this time I would like to explore more rather than rely on taxis. I am planning to go via Jamao al Norte and then take the scenic route via Route 5.

Please can you recommend any rental place in Santiago and prices to expect ? Alamo gives me about $400 for 5.5 days with collision waiver, theft and third-party liability coverage, for a standard SUV and Budget gives me about $435 for the same, with insurance.

If you have tips on what to watch out for when renting cars in the DR (big companies or local hire places), please do tell me.

Thanks in advance !

 

[keepcoming]

Walk around the car, check for scratches, dents, etc, and take pictures with your phone if you can. Have them document anything wrong (scratches, dents, etc) with the car. Check the tires also. Learned this from experience.

 

[Manuel01]

Hello everyone,

I am planning to rent a car in Santiago for a few days to go to Samana.
I generally have not had to rent a car during my travels as usually I have access to cars from friends/family and I have also avoided driving in the DR but this time I would like to explore more rather than rely on taxis. I am planning to go via Jamao al Norte and then take the scenic route via Route 5.

Please can you recommend any rental place in Santiago and prices to expect ? Alamo gives me about $400 for 5.5 days with collision waiver, theft and third-party liability coverage, for a standard SUV and Budget gives me about $435 for the same, with insurance.

If you have tips on what to watch out for when renting cars in the DR (big companies or local hire places), please do tell me.

Thanks in advance !

No Help or Info about your Car Request. BUT..... if you go to Samana, don't miss a Visit to "El Valle" !!!!

 

[DrNoob]

No Help or Info about your Car Request. BUT..... if you go to Samana, don't miss a Visit to "El Valle" !!!!

Thanks, will keep that in mind

 

[DrNoob]

Walk around the car, check for scratches, dents, etc, and take pictures with your phone if you can. Have them document anything wrong (scratches, dents, etc) with the car. Check the tires also. Learned this from experience.

Thank you

 

[josh2203]

Walk around the car, check for scratches, dents, etc, and take pictures with your phone if you can. Have them document anything wrong (scratches, dents, etc) with the car. Check the tires also. Learned this from experience.

I have rented from 3 different local companies in the past, all local companies, and every single time, they themselves (as it should be) initiated the check up of the car. They had a form for this and all. So if any company is even attempting to rent you a vehicle without being proactive on checking everything on the car before signing anything or paying for anything, I would steer clear from them. Yes, take photos and document everything too, but the initiative should come from the staff, not from the customer.

Outside check, inside check, I would even check oil and coolant and amount of gasoline. At least these three companies rented the vehicle with an empty tank (or not empty, but not full either, in which case the level was documented). Abroad it's easier, they rent with full tank and you simply return it full.

Also check who to call in case of issues. We were stranded with a dead battery, thankfully near the rental place so they brought a new battery.

 

[keepcoming]

I have rented from 3 different local companies in the past, all local companies, and every single time, they themselves (as it should be) initiated the check up of the car. They had a form for this and all. So if any company is even attempting to rent you a vehicle without being proactive on checking everything on the car before signing anything or paying for anything, I would steer clear from them. Yes, take photos and document everything too, but the initiative should come from the staff, not from the customer.

Outside check, inside check, I would even check oil and coolant and amount of gasoline. At least these three companies rented the vehicle with an empty tank (or not empty, but not full either, in which case the level was documented). Abroad it's easier, they rent with full tank and you simply return it full.

Also check who to call in case of issues. We were stranded with a dead battery, thankfully near the rental place so they brought a new battery.

It can also depends on where you rent the car from. I have used Avis several times over the years at SDQ, Ave George Washington and Galleria 360. Each one different. The location on Ave George Washington seemed more attentive as far as checking the car, etc.

 

[livio]

Amex Platinum can be a great option for car rental insurance in the DR, just make sure you're clear on what’s actually covered and whether the rental agency will honor it. Call Amex before your trip and confirm coverage for the Dominican Republic, including what's included and what isn’t.

 

[DrNoob]

Thanks everyone. I have a recommendation from a DR1 member for a local company and I also have the option of renting with Alamo via Amex.
I will keep your advice in mind

 

[JD Jones]

Thanks everyone. I have a recommendation from a DR1 member for a local company and I also have the option of renting with Alamo via Amex.
I will keep your advice in mind

Not a popular opinion, but go with a company name you recognize. Don't cheap out on insurance. Inspect the car with an employee and take lots of pictures when you pick it up in front of the employee.