San Francisco, in Northern California, is known for its rich cultural history, spectacular geography, and innovative technology industries. From the Gold Rush of the 18th century, to the free culture of the 1960's, to the rise of Silicon Valley in the 20th century, it's an American city that many are attracted to. Whether it's to experience famous attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, or Lombard Street, or to seek business partnerships, market research, or to dive into the latest technology, the city is a place to visit. Or if you're looking for business partnerships, market research, or insight into the latest technology, you'll want to know the best way to rent a car and get around downtown San Francisco.
Highlight the finishing touches:
Where can I rent a car in downtown San Francisco?
There are many options for renting a car in downtown San Francisco, with the main rental locations centered around the airport, downtown and popular tourist areas.
The most common rental car locations include:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) The Rental Car Center outside the San Francisco International Airport has counters for all major car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget. The Rental Car Center outside the San Francisco International Airport has counters for all the major car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget, offering a wide selection of car models.Airport Car RentalThe advantage is that there are more vehicles to choose from, but the price may be a bit higher than in the city due to higher demand, and travelers will need to carry their own luggage and take the airport MRT to get there.
> If you choose to rent a car from Sky Horse, it is much more convenient and time-saving to get out of the car directly from the terminal with a professional!
- Downtown (Union Square / Financial District) Ideal for travelers heading directly to downtown San Francisco without going through the San Francisco International Airport, as well as for business travelers. There are a number of rental car chains in the area, close to hotels and businesses, making it convenient for travelers on the move in the city and for short-term rental needs. However, these downtown rental agencies are located very close to or in the Tenderloin, a high-crime area with a high concentration of tourists, so be careful when walking around.
> If you choose to rent a car from Sky Horse, you can make an appointment with a professional to pick up or return the car at a fixed location, such as a hotel or a commercial building, which saves you the time of traveling to the rental location and avoids passing through or going to areas with poor security.
- Fisherman's Wharf area Although there are fewer rental car companies, it is also a convenient choice for travelers who want to go to the Golden Gate Bridge or other attractions around Northern California. The downside is that the Fisherman's Wharf area is a popular tourist spot, and you will have to share the road with a lot of local public transportation, such as trolleys and buses, which can cause serious traffic jams on holidays and weekends.
Before choosing a car rental location or company, it is recommended that you use Google Maps to confirm the location's rating, hours of operation, and location. Some companies will add items to the bill without telling you, charging more hidden fees, and some companies will charge extra for picking up a car at night after business hours, so doing your homework beforehand will prevent you from getting screwed out of a large sum of money on the spot, which will affect your traveling mood.
Rental car insurance is especially important for driving in downtown San Francisco!
beforeRental Car InsuranceIn the article, we explained that different types of insurance are essential to protect expatriate travelers, and that choosing an adequate insurance plan is even more indispensable when driving in downtown San Francisco. Since San Francisco's roads are mostly steep, with some grades exceeding 30 degrees, it can be slightly challenging for travelers who are not familiar with driving on steep grades. Traffic in the downtown area is complicated, with many one-way streets and pedestrians and bicyclists weaving in and out, which can lead to accidents if you're not careful.
The most important issue that should not be overlooked is the frequency of car thefts, especially in the vicinity of tourist attractions, where theft syndicates are agile and have no specific target, so you need to be especially vigilant. Other minor driving incidents, such as some parking lot space is relatively small, resulting in vehicle scratches; to the national park, encountered a small falling rocks hit the windshield; driving on the way to a sudden flat tire ... ... and so on, if you do not have the appropriate rental car insurance, once the damage occurs, the cost of repair will have to be borne by the travelers themselves.
Although these are all situations that you may have to face when renting a car, the "Self-Driving Partner Manual" provided by Sky Horse before the trip contains suggestions for the safety of travelers' belongings, and so far, in hundreds of trips, there have only been five cases of knocking on the window due to inadvertent leaving of belongings. In addition, as long as you have a comprehensive insurance plan when renting a car, you don't have to worry too much about having to pay high compensation fees even if something unexpected happens.
What options should I choose for my rental car insurance?
Depending on your travel needs, the following are recommended insurance packages:
- Short-term rentals in urban areas, transportation for business visits: CDW (collision insurance)
This is the most basic car rental insurance. If you are only traveling a short distance in the city, you can park your car with a caretaker or in a company or hotel parking lot, so you won't be going to an area that is too risky. cdw does not cover theft, and most of the time it doesn't cover damage to tires or windshields/windows, so if you are involved in an accident such as a car theft or a window break-in, the insurance won't cover the damage.
- City sightseeing, parking in various places: LDW (collision and theft insurance) + SLI (third party liability insurance) + tire and window coverage.
Accidents in urban areas are most likely to include minor collisions, theft, window breakage, and minor scrapes with pedestrians or bicyclists. Therefore, if you have comprehensive coverage, you can travel with greater peace of mind and do not have to worry about stopping the car. However, it is still recommended that you do not leave anything in the car when you stop to minimize the risk of window breakage.
- Road trips to other areas, national parks:LDW (Collision & Theft) + SLI (Third Party Liability) + Tire & Window Coverage + Roadside Assistance
The United States is a vast country, and having roadside assistance will make it much easier for any minor accidents to occur on the way to a destination. Other coverages will also add to the safety of your trip and ensure a smooth ride.
Other additional insurances include PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) and PEC (Personal Effects Coverage), which can be added depending on your situation.
Warm reminder: Sky Horse provides three clear and transparent plans for the convenience of travelers, listing the coverage items of each plan, so that travelers do not have to worry about paying unnecessary fees because of unfamiliarity with U.S. car rental insurance. Take Sky Horse's Enhanced B plan as an example, it covers collision and theft, tire and window (windshield) damage, and roadside assistance.
Credit Card Car Rental Insurance vs. Travelers Insurance: Can it Replace the Insurance Plan When Renting a Car?
Some of the top credit cards offer overseas car rental insurance, but the coverage is usually limited. Most credit card car rental insurance policies only include CDW (collision coverage), do not include third-party liability insurance (SLI), and do not cover specific parts (e.g., tires, windows), or have a limit on the amount of money that can be claimed. For example, a credit card with a claim limit of $$20,000 may require the traveler to pay the remaining cost in the event of theft or collision if they rent a more expensive car. In addition, this type of insurance usually requires that the traveler pay the full amount of the rental fee with the credit card in order for the insurance to be valid, so it is best to check with the credit card company before using the insurance.
In contrast, Traveler's Compensation Insurance or Travel Inconvenience Insurance can cover part of the medical and personal property losses, so for PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) and PEC (Personal Effects Insurance), you can decide whether you need them or not.
Suggested ways to get around downtown San Francisco without renting a car
andPublic Transportation in Los AngelesSan Francisco is a much more convenient city, and while driving is still more convenient and easy in many places, we do offer some non-rental transportation options that you may be able to alternate with renting a car when you're exploring the city.
- Muni (San Francisco Mass Transit) The main form of public transportation in San Francisco is the bus, trolley and the famous Cable Car, which can reach most of the scenic spots. It's worth experiencing the historic Cable Car, especially if it's your first time in San Francisco.
- BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Connects the airport, downtown and other Bay Area cities for long-distance moves, such as to Oakland or the East Bay.
- Uber/Lyft ride-hailing service: A convenient way to move around the city in a short distance, for business travelers who don't want to wait for a bus or tram.
- Shared Bicycle / Scooter: Ideal for short distances in the city and short periods of time to enjoy the different cityscapes of San Francisco.
- Driverless TaxiThe company has a small business area, but it's a great option for those who want to experience a ride in a unmanned vehicle. (However, there have been reports of accidents involving unmanned vehicles in the U.S., so travelers should make their own assessment.)
Finally, a few notes on renting a car in San Francisco to ensure a smooth ride...
To make the trip smoother, travelers are advised to plan ahead and pay attention to the following:
First.untimelyReserve a CarGetting reviews of car rental companies and checking insurance coverage.It is crucial not only to make sure that the car is not affected by any unforeseen circumstances that may occur while you are away from home, but also to make sure that you are not charged for any additional damage to the car when you return it. When picking up the car, you should carefully inspect the condition of the car and take photos or video recordings to ensure that you will not be charged for any additional damages when returning the car.
Secondly, refer to thisSan Francisco Driving TipsIf you are traveling in San Francisco, it is important to familiarize yourself with San Francisco's traffic rules, parking regulations, and local driving habits, such as the "first-come, first-served" principle at intersections where there are stop signs. Choosing a safe place to park is also important. It is recommended that you park your car in a monitored or manned parking lot, and avoid parking in areas with poor security (e.g. Tenderloin). Finally, whether you choose to rent a car or use the public transportation system, this article will help you feel more comfortable and secure when learning more about San Francisco's transportation environment and insurance options. If you have any questions about renting a car in San Francisco, or if you need to rent a car for a long period of time, please feel free to contact us directly at LINE Contact Sky HorseLet us help you create an exciting and safe driving tour of San Francisco!
