Rental Car Care

Some people are reluctant to rent a car because they are unaware of the kind of care that has gone into the vehicle before the rental. They're apprehensive because they don't know how the car has been treated, who's driven the car, whether the car's been taken care of, and if the vehicle is generally safe. Let's take a look at some of the basic rental car care strategies for rental companies and grantees, as well as from the insurance perspective.

First of all, car rental companies maintain their vehicles regularly. Each vehicle undergoes regular oil change, regular tire rotation and replacement when needed, regular fluid level checks, regular belt changes, regular spark plug changes, general engine maintenance, and are most likely cleaned, vacuumed, washed, and waxed more often than the standard privately owned vehicle. Because rental cars are used by a wide variety of people, rental companies develop a strict regimen for care and maintenance of these vehicles. In fact, chances are that the car you rent will have been taken better care of than the car you own.

The care provided rental cars by grantees is another story. Most renters approach rental car care with an avant-garde attitude. Because they do not own the vehicles, they believe that it is their right to drive them hard, let them get messy, and treat them generally poorly. For this reason, most rental companies compensate by taking extra-special care of their vehicles upon return. To the contrary, there are some individuals who take better care of their rental cars than they do their own because they maintain the viewpoint that, if they damage the vehicle, they're damaging property that is not their own.

Of course, the ideal situation for car rental would be that both the car rental company and the grantees take equally good care of property. If both parties maintain high level of care for the vehicles themselves, they will last longer and provide benefit for both parties for a greater period of time.

The good news is that, as long as the vehicle is covered by adequate insurance, any damage that is incurred will be covered in an insurance claim. Most renters find that paying a little extra for extended insurance coverage when they rent a car is beneficial in the long run. While it may not seem something that's needed in the beginning, should the vehicle be involved in an accident, all damages, whether the driver’s at fault or not, will be covered. Most car rental companies carry high-quality insurance on their vehicles for just this reason.

The Number One Reasons to Rent a Car

Chances are, you or someone you know, has driven a rental car at least once. And while the main catalyst for car rental is business travel, there are lots of other reasons people rent cars. In fact, some people use rental cars simply to make their daily commute. Let's examine some of the most popular reasons people may choose to rent a car.

First of all, some people just enjoy the simple pleasure of driving something new. If you feel as though you are in a vehicle rut, renting a car simply for a change of pace may be enjoyable. You may also consider car rental just to save the wear and tear on your personal vehicle. If you're in doubt as to the durability of your own vehicle, especially when traveling far distances, car rental is a viable choice.

In addition to these two practical reasons, many people rent a car when their own vehicles do not boast enough passenger space. If you're planning to travel with a large group of people, in order to comfortably accommodate everyone, you may consider renting a larger car or SUV. Some people even elect to rent full-size vans so that each passenger can comfortably stretch out.

Conversely, some people elect to rent cars that are smaller than their current vehicle. Most people do so in order to increase fuel efficiency over long distances. For example, if you're planning a business trip but you'll be driving a personal vehicle, downsizing to a fuel-efficient four cylinder can save a substantial amount of money in gasoline.

Another major reason for car rental is the “impress” factor. If you're a young executive seeking to impress out-of-town clients during dinner meeting, your 1988 rabbit may not do the trick. If your existing vehicle is less than impressive, consider renting a car that will both make an impact on and accommodate your clients comfortably.

And finally, the number one reason most people rent a car is because otherwise they would be without. If you don’t own a car, or you’re traveling by plane and need to get around, car rental is the best way to ensure you have reliable transportation. Car rental is cheaper than taking taxis and, if you have a meeting outside walking distance, renting a car is the most practical form of transportation.

So, the next time you find yourself in a transportation pinch, or you’re simply itching to break the monotony of your daily routine by driving something different, consider car rental. There’s no better way to sample everything the auto industry as to offer!