Home . Car Options . Car Types . Locations . Driving Tips . Terms . FAQ . Cheap Flights . Contact Us . Site Map

Hire Types - Florida and US Car Hire FAQ

return to main FAQ page

1. What is the difference between the 'Silver Inclusive' and 'Gold Inclusive' options for car hire?
2. On the Silver Option, what is the approx cost of a tank of fuel?
3. How many drivers are allowed on the Silver option?

What is the difference between the 'Silver Inclusive' and 'Gold Inclusive' options for car hire?

• Both options include ALL tax and ALL insurance. There are no extras to pay. Silver Inclusive includes 2 drivers (Dollar, Alamo, Budget), and 1 driver with Thrifty, where as Gold Inclusive allows unlimited drivers with Dollar and Thrifty and up to a maximum of 4 drivers with Alamo and Budget.

  With both options the fuel tank will be full on collection. With the Gold Inclusive option the initial tank of fuel cost is included in the rental and you return the car with an empty tank. With the Silver Inclusive option you will need to pre-pay for the tank of fuel at the time you collect the car (at at inflated fuel price compared to the pump, often over double the pump price) and can then return the car with an empty tank (with Dollar and Alamo). On the Silver option with Budget, you collect with a full tank and return with a full tank to avoid the local fuel charge.

On the Silver Option, what is the approx cost of a tank of fuel?

• This can vary depending on the size of car, and the current national average cost of fuel on the day. In general the rental companies will charge quite a lot more for the tank of fuel compared to if you were to fill up at a gas station yourself (likely to be around double the pump price or more in some cases). The number of gallons charged is based on the manufacturers stated tank size. As a general rule, we recommend you book the Gold option if you are to be renting for less than 3-4 weeks in a larger vehicle (2 weeks in a smaller vehicle), even if you do not need the additional drivers. Although the Gold option is a higher up-front cost than the Silver, you will normally save overall by not having to pay the rental company for the tank of fuel.

How many drivers are allowed on the Silver option?

• Alamo: For bookings made from 26th July 2008 onwards there are 2 drivers included on the Silver option. Bookings made prior to 26th July 2008 have 1 driver on the Silver option.

  Dollar and Budget: 2 Drivers are allowed on the Silver option as standard

  Thrifty: 1 Driver on Silver option