Need opinions about renting a car - The Hull Truth

PMaine · 11-10-2009, 05:07 PM

I need to travel for business tomorrow roughly 500 miles one way. I do not have a company car, but asked for one for the trip, I was told that there were none available.

Should I rent one or should I just drive my personal vehicle and bill them? Renting one requires me to use my own credit card and my own time to pickup.

If billing them, is there a standard rate that is recognized?

We have no company policy regarding this and theres no one to talk to at this point.

Thanks for any input.

Menzies · 11-10-2009, 05:35 PM

There is a standard per mileage fee set by the IRS. If I was at work I could look up my last expense report for you.

Try Goggle.

It should be around 50 cents per mile.

You answer depends on age of car. If new it may be best to rent since, while you will make money in hand, the depreciation isn't normally worth it. If mid-age or older take your own car and you'll make some money!

Edit: just looked it up. For 2009 the IRS rate is 55 cents per mile. So the thousand miles roundtrip should get you $550 if your company is willing to pay the allowable rate. They may not so ask. If they are not willing to cover rent.

abeal2 · 11-10-2009, 05:38 PM

55 cents per mile...I drive my car as much as possible for work.

gf · 11-10-2009, 05:42 PM

500 miles one way? Can you fly there?

The current IRS business mileage reimbursement rate is $0.55 per mile, so $550 for your 1000 mile roundtrip.

http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article...178004,00.html

Depending on how many days you will be gone, it's cheaper for the company if you rent a car for the trip.

You don't have a company policy for reimbursing business expenses? I would want to know that I'm going to get paid back before I set out on the trip.

PMaine · 11-10-2009, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the info. I wouldnt charge more then a rental car would cost the company ($150 or so)

I looked into flying there but it wasnt a direct flight, it was a pain in the ass to get there by plane.

I will be gone for one day.

mattmuttsmithx · 11-10-2009, 05:51 PM

Just drive yours. In the long run you will save because you will not have to waste time having someone drive you to get the car then get picked up when you return it.

Honestly they should reimburse you. Now this is all depending on what vehicle you drive. If you have a truck that gets 11mpg then rent the car but other than that just get on the road and watch out for the fuzz!

Menzies · 11-10-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMaine

Thanks for the info. I wouldnt charge more then a rental car would cost the company ($150 or so)

I looked into flying there but it wasnt a direct flight, it was a pain in the ass to get there by plane.

I will be gone for one day.

Then absolutely rent.

monobill · 11-10-2009, 05:56 PM

Rent, for the sole reason, anything happens just call your rental company and tell them to bring another.

Use your own, something breaks down, you pay. Some clown crashes into it, you insurance will not like it being used for work, and you will be without a car, paying the deductable and dealing with all the problems. Someone crashes into your rental, just tell them to bring another.

Sprockets · 11-11-2009, 04:18 AM

If the trip is strictly business I would rent a car. Why put the extra miles on yours even if you are being compensated? Definately figure out your company's expense reimbursement policy first. That's a long drive for a business trip.

PMaine · 11-11-2009, 06:16 AM

Good points, picking up the rental today. It is a long drive for business, typically I only travel 200-300 miles but this is a rare event.

bellsisland · 11-11-2009, 06:54 AM

Enterprise will pick you up? Why go to the rental place?

PMaine · 11-11-2009, 08:58 AM

Because they wont answer the phone here or return my calls.

PMaine · 11-11-2009, 06:41 PM

Well I made it to Buffalo NY. Enterprise gave me a 2008 Chevy Impala, what a junker that thing is.

I got to Rochester and the low tire PSI light came on, I saw that one of the tires was losing air, got down to 15 psi when I hit the hotel. I called enterprise, they told me they would send someone out to change the tire at a cost of $69 - and get this, they would put the donut spare on! I explained how far I had travelled and they said to go buy a new tire and they would reimburse me!

Why is this my problem all of a sudden?

11andy11 · 11-11-2009, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMaine

Well I made it to Buffalo NY. Enterprise gave me a 2008 Chevy Impala, what a junker that thing is.

I got to Rochester and the low tire PSI light came on, I saw that one of the tires was losing air, got down to 15 psi when I hit the hotel. I called enterprise, they told me they would send someone out to change the tire at a cost of $69 - and get this, they would put the donut spare on! I explained how far I had travelled and they said to go buy a new tire and they would reimburse me!

Why is this my problem all of a sudden?

not saying you did, but if you curb check a tire and it starts losing air they are responsible? Why didn't you just change the tire yourself?

PMaine · 11-11-2009, 07:47 PM

Yes, I bought all their insurances.

Sprockets · 11-12-2009, 04:18 AM

I've never had a mechanical problem with a rental. If I were in your position, I'd try to swap it out at another Enterprise location in Buffalo. In our area, Enterprise is mainly in the business of supplying rentals when a car is in the shop as opposed to business travel. Most of the cars I've rented from them have been beaters.

monobill · 11-12-2009, 06:24 AM

Ah, now I feel terrible with my advice. I travel almost weekly and rent car most of the time. One rental company I do not rent from is Enterprise unless it is local and my car is in the shop. Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. Hey, but remember, at least it is not your flat tire to deal with. Your car is at home not getting the abuse. Have a safe travel home.

For me averaged over the years, Avis gives the best customer service; of course they should considering the number of time I rent.

PMaine · 11-13-2009, 10:59 AM

I went out yesterday morning on my way to an 8:00 AM meeting to find the tire totally flat. Thankfully there was a gas station next door and I was able to limp it over there on the rim. After my meeting it had 10 psi in it!

I called and this time they told me to take it to a place in town and get it fixed on their dime.

Turns out I didnt hit anything, the tire had been repaired previously and the repair was too close to the sidewall and never should have been fixed to begin with.

I explained my frustration to the women I rented the vehicle from when I dropped it off this morning, she wanted to see the tire which I didnt have of course.

I will never rent from them again.