Car rental in Alaska

Hello all. I%26#39;ve been reading this forum with interest for quite some time (and have found it very helpful), but this is my first post. I am planning to visit Alaska for two weeks in June/July 2007 with my family (wife and 3 kids) and we will likely rent a car for much of the trip. I am aware that most major car rental companies void coverage for travel on unpaved roads. We are nonetheless interested in driving some unpaved roads (the Denali Highway, for example). Can anyone recommend reliable local rental companies in Anchorage and/or Fairbanks that permit driving on gravel/unpaved roads under their rental agreements?

One related question--Do all rental companies up there add significant surcharges for one-way rentals? If not we may consider renting in Fairbanks and dropping off in Anchorage.

Many thanks,

Joe

Car rental in Alaska

Rental cars are not allowed on the Denali Highway. How are you getting to AK? If you are going to Anchorage, consider a RV as some allow travel on the Denali. Price out the car %26amp; hotel roms for the same period vs the RV, you might be surprised.

Car rental in Alaska

Thanks tlbooz. We are flying into and out of Anchorage. I just called ABC Motorhome %26amp; Car Rentals, and was told they did not permit driving on gravel roads for either their RVs or rental cars. Around 12 years ago on a prior visit we rolled the dice and drove on the Denali Hwy with a rental car and did not have any problems, but I%26#39;m not sure I%26#39;m willing to do so again. Appreciate the advice, though.

Joe

Hello Joe,

I live here in Anchorage and I don%26#39;t know of any companies that permit you to drive on unpaved roads here in Alaska. And there are some Independently owned rental car companies that I would not recommend at all. But, years ago a friend and I did rent a car here in Anchorage and drove it all the way to Deadhorse Alaska. All of the rental car companies have signs posted and wording in their contract that say you can%26#39;t drive on certain highway in Alaska (usually unimproved / unpaved roads). But if you want to roll the dice and take the chance, I%26#39;d recommend doing the following when you rent a car here. Buy a FULL size tire as a spare, buy an extra serpentine belt, a gallon of antifreeze and a gas tank. Sounds like alot but it%26#39;s better to be safe other than sorry. Outside of Denali and the major cities travel can be dangerous in Alaska. Our trip was in the winter time and we through in some extra blankets. I usually rent with Hertz and they allow drop off in Fairbanks.