How to Get a Free Rental Car

A complete week of free car rental – does it sound too good to be true? Let me explain what the procedure is:

Of all the many Caribbean islands, St Maarten has the best supply of rental cars. The majority of vehicles on the island are mostly new, these vehicles are usually in very good condition and equipped with essentials, such as air conditioning. The island is ideal to be explored by car – people are generally friendly drivers and extremely tolerant of visitor's who need to find their way. The main attractions are evenly distributed around the small territory. Sure: a vacation just in Maho Village, where everything from restaurants to nightclubs, casino and shopping is within walking distance can be great. But you haven't visited St. Maarten/St. Martin without exploring our other beaches, without at least having lunch on Orient Beach, dinner in Grand Case, a shopping spree in Philipsburg and an afternoon cafe-latte in Marigot. And no one should miss going to visit Loterie Farm, the green soul of the island, located in the central mountain range.

Presently, FreeStMaarten has an arrangement with Thrifty Car Rental and Empress Rent-A-Car: we purchase car rentals in bulk and are able to extend the following offer: Enjoy with your spouse an interesting preview of one of St. Maarten's exciting vacation programs – it will take just about an hour of your time – and you are entitled to a free rental car (or other Vacation Upgrades). What kind of vacation programs are these? If you have never seen a private charter yacht, we will give you access to a non-public, upscale yacht harbor, where you get the grand tour of a wonderful ocean going sailing catamaran. Give the charter operator some feedback on how you like their concept – that's all we ask of you. No obligation attached. If you'd rather stay away from yachts, take a preview of one of the island's luxurious resorts – again, just about an hour of your time without any obligation.

You need to read our 'small print' to find out if you qualify, but its not a big deal: 90% of St. Maarten's visitors meet our guidelines.

From April 15th to December 15th we're able to offer an economy car with automatic and air condition for a complete week free of charge. From December 16th to April 14th, high season rates allow us to 'only' offer 4 days free car rental – still an incredible deal! It is up to you to purchase additional insurance, if you feel that it gives you peace of mind. But check first if your credit card membership includes “Collision Damage Waiver” car rental insurance. Also check your home car insurance policy; you might be covered while traveling. Chances are that you have full coverage without paying extra to the rental agency.

Reserve your car through us. Once you arrive on island, go to the rental car agency at the airport and pick up your vehicle. You still have to sign a contract and leave a credit card print, but no funds will be taken of the card once you tell the agency that you are a FreeStMaarten client. During your vacation, enjoy your preview at the time arranged for you (we will work out an appointment that is convenient for you). Once you've completed the preview, a voucher document will be stamped, which you have to present at the time you return the car.

If you choose not to participate at the preview as arranged and agreed by you, you will be charged the very competitive rates Thrifty Car Rental and Empress offer. There will be no penalty charges at all, it only means you will just be going through the normal process of renting a car for the best price available. The cars provided are up-to-date 4-door economy cars with air conditioning and automatic transmission - perfectly adequate to explore the island.

During high season, we can cover 4 days of rental: Basically, more than half of your weekly bill will be taken care of. Or you pick up a car right after you have completed your short preview and just enjoy it for 4 days.

By the way: in order to get to your preview appointment and in case you don't have transportation or don't know your way around, we will pick you up at your hotel – can't be any easier and more convenient, don't you agree?
- posted by Jan @ 5:16 PM