8 thoughts on “Are Craigslist Hawaii Rental Cars A Scam or Legit?”
Michael S.
Aloha, did you ever receive a response from Liberty Mutual on a private car rental agreement? There seems to be quite a few private rentals offered but my impression is that it would be considered a commercial transaction and that would void the private “rental” car’s personal auto policy and the big question is if my personal policy would cover a private rental agreement vs an official/permitted car rental company or car-sharing platform (Turo). The answer is not clear and seems to be a risk lots of people are taking and could be essentially driving around uninsured
We booked a car on the BI last summer through Craigslist. We had a signed contract for the rental. However, 1 month before we arrived the Craigslist owner said she was cancelling our contract because she could get more $$$ for the rental then she ghosted us. We even agreed to pay a higher rate but no reply emails or phone calls. Fortunately, we were able to find a minivan for rent for $60/day which we thought was a good deal. Fortunately, we didn’t have any car insurance needs for it while we were there but the person we rented from agreed to extend his auto coverage for us. I don’t know how effective that was or was not as we didn’t have to use it.
This whole fallacy of a rental car shortage was a complete scam! Since the beginning of the pandemic, hundreds of rental cars were parked at the airport not shipped back to the mainland. Just another way to gouge tourists coming to The Islands. Why wasn’t there an investigation into this matter? Oh, that’s right. I forgot this is Hawaii!
We use Lucky Owl on Oahu.
We pay $35 per day and unlimited mileage.
We have our own AAA insurance in Hawaii that covers us nicely.lucky Owl is super nice and friendly. The car is in good shape but older. Never any problems.
Every island has these local rental car companies. I suggest keeping the money in Hawaii and shop local.
Excellent Article, an enjoyable read with great Information. The first several vacations to Oahu we rented vehicles from typical airport agencies and were satisfied. Unfortunately the sudden increases in prices became unreasonable, unrealistic. We then chose an agency not based at the airport and were satisfied for a few more years, then the prices became too much. We have turned to Turo, so far with great results and no plan to return to regular rentals. We always keep our options open and look into different rentals but Turo keeps being our best option so far. It’s something to consider when renting a vehicle anywhere. Scams are out there so using due diligence is always advisable to avoid problems.
Aloha, did you ever receive a response from Liberty Mutual on a private car rental agreement? There seems to be quite a few private rentals offered but my impression is that it would be considered a commercial transaction and that would void the private “rental” car’s personal auto policy and the big question is if my personal policy would cover a private rental agreement vs an official/permitted car rental company or car-sharing platform (Turo). The answer is not clear and seems to be a risk lots of people are taking and could be essentially driving around uninsured
Hi Michael.
We’re we’re told Turo – yes, but Craigslist – no.
Aloha.
We booked a car on the BI last summer through Craigslist. We had a signed contract for the rental. However, 1 month before we arrived the Craigslist owner said she was cancelling our contract because she could get more $$$ for the rental then she ghosted us. We even agreed to pay a higher rate but no reply emails or phone calls. Fortunately, we were able to find a minivan for rent for $60/day which we thought was a good deal. Fortunately, we didn’t have any car insurance needs for it while we were there but the person we rented from agreed to extend his auto coverage for us. I don’t know how effective that was or was not as we didn’t have to use it.
This whole fallacy of a rental car shortage was a complete scam! Since the beginning of the pandemic, hundreds of rental cars were parked at the airport not shipped back to the mainland. Just another way to gouge tourists coming to The Islands. Why wasn’t there an investigation into this matter? Oh, that’s right. I forgot this is Hawaii!
We use Lucky Owl on Oahu.
We pay $35 per day and unlimited mileage.
We have our own AAA insurance in Hawaii that covers us nicely.lucky Owl is super nice and friendly. The car is in good shape but older. Never any problems.
Every island has these local rental car companies. I suggest keeping the money in Hawaii and shop local.
I was actually about to book Lucky Owl for a last minute trip by my daughter. A week is only $500, $200 less than most other places
Excellent Article, an enjoyable read with great Information. The first several vacations to Oahu we rented vehicles from typical airport agencies and were satisfied. Unfortunately the sudden increases in prices became unreasonable, unrealistic. We then chose an agency not based at the airport and were satisfied for a few more years, then the prices became too much. We have turned to Turo, so far with great results and no plan to return to regular rentals. We always keep our options open and look into different rentals but Turo keeps being our best option so far. It’s something to consider when renting a vehicle anywhere. Scams are out there so using due diligence is always advisable to avoid problems.
Hi Ernie.
Thanks for that input and for your more than 100 comments!
Aloha.