Best time to visit Alaska during the summer (Anchorage, Fairbanks: renter, insurance)

[tigre79]

Originally Posted by trlhiker

warptman, I so want to do that but from what I understand, rental companies will not let you go off the pavement.

Not that I'm advocating anything either way, but they aren't exactly riding around with you. I violated my rental car contract and didn't suffer any negative repercussions, but everyone has to decide these things on their own.

[trlhiker]

Originally Posted by tigre79

Not that I'm advocating anything either way, but they aren't exactly riding around with you. I violated my rental car contract and didn't suffer any negative repercussions, but everyone has to decide these things on their own.

I have heard that some companies have put gps tracking systems in their car to see where you actually go. Anyone know if this is true?

[warptman]

If you feel bad about driving it, just don't do it! You never know these days.

[tigre79]

Originally Posted by trlhiker

I have heard that some companies have put gps tracking systems in their car to see where you actually go. Anyone know if this is true?

I rented from National, and if they had a tracking device of any sort on my car then I guess they didn't care where I went because it definitely would have shown me well off the paved roads. From what I read, it seems like insurance issues are the biggest concern if you violate the contract.

[AlaskaErik]

I always recommend the middle of May to the end of June as the best time to visit. Long days and very little rain. The only exception is if you want to hike in the upper elevations, then the snow might not have all melted by the end of June.

[blackzzz01]

I like mid August to early September. The colors are spectacular, costs are down, less tourists, and would have no problems limiting out on silvers and halibut. The weather can be iffy then but weather is a crapshoot anytime, anywhere. I had great weather this past fall there and have already made reservations for next year.

[Metlakatla]

I would not recommend violating the terms of a rental car agreement. These people are renting you a vehicle in good faith, and if you can't respect their business enough to refrain from ignoring the terms of their contract...well, please do us all a favor and vacation somewhere else.

[tigre79]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

I would not recommend violating the terms of a rental car agreement. These people are renting you a vehicle in good faith, and if you can't respect their business enough to refrain from ignoring the terms of their contract...well, please do us all a favor and vacation somewhere else.

Oh, please. We're talking about gravel roads. There's gravel on the main roads up there anyways, so what damn difference does it make to drive on a road that's all gravel rather than one that's only partly gravel. If you're not a complete moron you can figure out how to drive on a gravel road without damaging the car. It's not hard, and the potential consequences were worth it to me. But I guess I should blindly follow rules meant for stupid people next time instead of thinking for myself.

[rwjoyak]

Originally Posted by tigre79

But I guess I should blindly follow rules meant for stupid people next time instead of thinking for myself.

Let's see - you sign a legal contract to rent a car and then intentionally violate the terms of the contract. And consider those terms rules meant for stupid people. I'll refrain from name calling but I don't have much respect for anyone who does this. No wonder the rental companies are putting gps units on their cars.

[Grannysroost]

Do the rental companies define 'their' definition of a gravel road? We turned off the main highway to our house, but it was 1.5 miles down gravel?