California Travel Answers

Car Rental Companies all differ. Some will charge a drop off fee if not returned to the site of rental. Some don't. Also bring along your Vehicle Insurance papers that you can get from your agent saying that you have coverage on a rental. Check for what your deductible might be if you did damage to the rental vehicle. The vehicle insurance that a car rental company charges can be as much as the rental of the vehicle which would double the rate. Without proof of this coverage, the rental company may charge you the vehicle insurance for the time of rental. To see the rental rates for the time you wish to have the vehicle and compare with most of the rental companies and even reserve on line, see the following website: http://www.rentacarnow.com/ As for the road conditions and the need for traction devices (chains) check with the California Dept. of Transportation for the Highways you may use at website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi Not a sure thing, but it can snow in March in any elevation over 5000 feet. The Grand Canyon sits at the 7000 ft. mark, so snow could, and the word is could fall in March and chains may be needed. You just never know with snow during winter months and March is still considered winter. The area of most concern for need of chains would be in Yosemite National Park and you can reach them for current conditions and also a review of winter travel at website: nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/w...

Most of the rental companies in the USA are very good. Just have to check the differences in the charges, type of vechicle you want and if it includes unlimited miles. No matter what credit card you use, it will not cover 100% of the car if you total it. The only way to be fully covered is to use the rental cars insrance. I used to use my platinum card then i found out it is not 100%. Some companies make you use their insurance. But check carefully. I guarantee your card will not cover 100%. Dont ask your card ask the rental car company. They have a few tricks to get a few more bucks from you. Brian

Here's the deal with chains in Yosemite nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/c... Just so you know, when the Rangers say "No Exceptions," they mean EXACTLY what the words say. If the California Highway Patrol says you can legally drive to the entrance of Yosemite without chains, but the NPS says you can't enter without them, then you will NOT be allowed to enter the Park!! Check with the rental car company about use of chains on their vehicles -- some may charge you for the damage chains do to the tires.

Keep right except to pass

Brian said it in passing, but I'll point it out again. While you are price comparing make sure that the price of the rental includes "Unlimited Miles." Some companies don't and that too can almost double the cost. Another thing about car rentals to consider is that if you rent from a company's more convenient location the price per day may be higher then if you rent from the same company's location that is further out from the "tourist" areas. So, consider this aspect as well.

As to driving the high Sierra's in March, there could be times when the passes are closed even if you have chains. Be sure you have an alternative route, e.g. back to Bakersfield and then over to Lost Wages if you can not get through via Yosemite and over. Also, if it looks like you are going to have need chains, be sure you know how to put them on before you are stretched out under you car in a blizzard or expect a meaningful charge by one of the roadside chain monkeys. Best, Karl

Everyone here is spot on... especially about chains and snow in Yosemite. I cannot remember Tioga Pass ever being opened in March. If you were planning on driving that route to get to your more easterly destinations, you will need to find an alternative route.