Prices are at record levels and the hesitation to fly driving rental car demand down, travelers are looking for alternative options.
This includes services such as Turo in which car owners are able to offer their vehicles for hire. These platforms typically offer convenient rental services that are one-way and offer a variety of car types.
Nontraditional Car Rental
One of the most popular ways to get around during a rental car shortage has been using non-traditional rental services. These operate much like Airbnb for cars but are managed by third party which manage bookings, payments and delivery/pick-up all handled through the application.
One company that operates in this manner is Transfercar offers automobiles with a specified destination- such as a road trip between Las Vegas to San Francisco and back at a reasonable cost. Only additional costs are insurance and gas. A similar alternative is peer-to -peer services like Avail It is owned by Allstate and boasts an extensive fleet of vehicles in 13 U.S. cities. Prices are generally about 20 percent less than traditional rent-a-car rates. The quality of the vehicle and its cleanliness vary due to hosts being responsible of ensuring that their cars conform to the standards set by their company.
The other new entry into markets is Silvercar, owned by Audi and running an array of high-end vehicles in 31 markets. Reservations and pickup are all handled via an app and Silvercar also provides amenities like child seat along with ski racks as well as concierge service. The service is fully vetted to ensure that it is COVID-19 compliant, with strict sanitation and cleaning protocols. In reality, the firm has formed partnerships with a few rental car firms to provide this service via their mobile apps.
Road Trip Car Rental
Since many are deciding to stay clear from air travel this year’s holidays, renting vehicles are a hot commodity. It has increased rates and often made it difficult to get a car, particularly during popular times like summer travel.
Travel rental rates may not cost as much as you think. They can actually help you save money in the long run, explains Caleb Chen of The Van Life Coach. If you lease a car for your road trip, it is possible to reduce the mileage in your car, which can affect the lease contract or overall resale value. Also, you can stay clear of costly repairs and maintenance that come due to frequent driving. This includes tires, wear and tear, as well as oil changes.
Another benefit is the accessibility to get roadside assistance in the event that you require assistance. If you own any credit card with security for your rental vehicle including The dich vu xe di tinh xeducvinh OneTrip Rental Car Protector, it can cover some or all costs related to car problems while renting a car.
Finally, road trip rentals generally have more room for passengers and luggage than the typical car and make it simpler to move around on long journeys. They’re also generally maintained and have modern amenities that allow for comfort while on the move. You can go on a trip with family members and take pleasure in travel rather than stuck in a cramped car.
Private Car Rental
Numerous online car rental platforms let private car owners advertise their cars for rental. These platforms are comparable to accommodation marketplaces like Airbnb which have car reservation and payment being managed by third party. These companies often have automobiles at cheaper prices as compared to traditional car rental businesses due to the low expenses associated directly car-to-consumer rental.
Most of these sites allow users to hire vehicles on the hour, day or during the week. If you’re a car owner, it’s important to consider how safe it is to let other people drive your vehicle and any additional costs that may come with it. For example, if you own an older vehicle with an the warranty expiring, you might be required to cover additional costs to get roadside assistance.
Another question is whether the credit card covers any fees determined by the rental company for damage to the vehicle or mileage overage. Check the policy of your credit card and call their customer support should you have questions.
Be aware that certain rental companies may add additional drivers to their charges, taxes and GPS usage. Plan ahead and book reservations as soon as you can. This will help you avoid frustration of not having the vehicle that you’ve wanted.