Things to Consider When Renting a Car for a Road Trip

Planning a road trip can be exciting, but renting the right vehicle is key. In order to have a smooth road trip, there are several things for you to consider before renting a car.

1. Book early

Booking your getaway, including your rental car far in advance, ideally a few months, can help you save money and will ensure the availability of your preferred car. As the trip gets closer, inventory can be limited and rental rates will increase. With some car rental companies, you can even benefit from early booking discounts. 

2. Potential upgrades

Consider investing in upgrades like more horsepower, all-wheel drive, navigation systems, or specialty features like bike racks. Upgrades can make your overall road trip more comfortable and convenient.

3. One-way rental

If your road trip involves traveling, for example, from New York City to Washington DC without returning to the starting rental location, a one-way car rental could be your best option. But keep in mind that there are additional costs associated since the pick-up and drop-off locations are different. 

4. Mileage restrictions

Pay attention to unlimited vs. limited mileage policies. Unlimited mileage will always be the best choice for road trips spanning hundreds or thousands of miles. If your rental car has a certain limit, be careful not to exceed limits because the rental company will charge you for any additional mile. 

5. Choice of car

Choose the right car class for passengers, gear, terrain, and driving preference. Economy cars, compacts, and standard cars are affordable but can feel cramped. SUVs, premium cars, and minivans provide space and comfort if you're traveling in a large group.

6. Electric cars

If you're environmentally conscious, you may want to explore the option of renting an electric vehicle, taking into consideration the availability of charging stations along your planned route and distance. 

7. Refueling policy

Opt for the full upfront gas purchase option if possible to avoid higher per-gallon gas prices, and be sure to fill up before returning the rental again. You'll also want to map out gas stations or EV charging stations along your route to plan out ideal places to refuel. Trying to find stations on the fly can lead to bigger detours and, of course, can even lead to running out of gas in remote areas.

8. Insurance

Carefully review insurance options from the rental company. Whether to purchase extra coverage depends on what's included with the base rental rate and what your existing auto insurance or credit card covers. Make sure to read the fine print to avoid any surprises at the end.

9. Roadside assistance

Research the availability of roadside assistance for extra coverage for your rental car to ensure you're well protected during your trip

10. Additional drivers

When renting a car, one must typically be at least 25 years of age and have one registered driver assigned to the car. Additional drivers can add a cost of around /day. It may be beneficial to do so if your trip is long and you want to take turns with your other passengers. However, consider that if you choose FINN, you are allowed one additional driver free of charge. 

Instead of using your own vehicle, here are some reasons to consider renting a car for a road trip:

• Freedom to rack up miles: Road trips inevitably add significant mileage quickly. The wear and tear and depreciation can take its toll on your own car over time. Renting a car can prevent your personal vehicle from the wear and tear of a long road trip, ultimately reducing maintenance costs.
• Latest model and features: Renting allows you to road trip in style with the latest make and model, packed with up-to-date technology and features your own car might not have. Enjoy those comforts and safety innovations on the long haul.  
• Reliability and roadside assistance: Breaking down in the middle of nowhere is a possibility that can be dangerous, expensive, and overwhelming. Rental companies generally provide well-maintained and new cars as well as roadside assistance if trouble strikes. You'll be thankful for that extra peace of mind. 
• Ideal vehicle for a specific trip: You can pick the ideal set of wheels based on passengers, gear, terrain, and driving style for that particular adventure versus just going with what's parked in your garage at home.
• Convenience of one way trips: No need to worry about point-to-point journeys, dropping off the rental nearby your final destination beats retracing steps door-to-door. One way flexible policies will make your travel planning easier.
• Insurance protection from damage: Damage or accident risks can increase with extended or cross-country road trips. Rental insurance picks up the tab for any mishaps instead of filing a claim against your policy or paying for repairs out-of-pocket.

Whether you need rental car insurance for a road trip depends on your existing car insurance policy. Make sure to review your current policies and consider any additional coverage options to ensure you are well protected during your road trip. The following list can help you in your planning: 

1. Existing coverage: In most cases, your existing car insurance policy will cover you for a rental car, providing the same coverage limits as for your own vehicle. 
2. Verification: It's important to verify with your insurer that your policy extends to a rental vehicle before your trip.
3. Additional protection: If you don't own a car with insurance, rental companies typically provide the minimum coverage required by the state for your rental. However, you can opt for additional protection beyond the minimum requirements through the rental car company. 
4. Travel insurance: Some travel insurance plans may include coverage for rental cars, so if you have a travel insurance plan, check whether it provides any coverage for rental vehicles.
5. Considerations for non-owners: If you don't own a car and do not have your own car insurance policy, you will need to purchase rental car insurance.

If you’re wondering if you can simply apply for a short-term rental insurance policy for your road trip, then you should check out this comprehensive overview. 

Picture a 4-day weekend road trip from Maryland to New Jersey. Renting a Buick Envision through Enterprise for the weekend would run approximately $100 per day before taxes and fees. For the 4 days, estimate a 10% combined tax/fee rate, bringing the total rental cost to $440.

The Envision's 17-gallon tank and 22 MPG combined fuel efficiency means that the 450-mile journey would require about 20 gallons of gas. At New Jersey’s current approximate $3.25/gallon rate, gas would cost $65. In total, renting the Envision is estimated at $505 for the weekend escape, including taxes and gas.

By comparison, Kelley Blue Book figures a mid-sized crossover like the Envision has an overall average per-mile operating cost of $0.60, including longer term depreciation. At $0.60 per mile x 450 miles = $270. Plus the $65 fuel dollars. That puts driving your own Envision crossover at $335 compared to $505 for the rental alternative over the course of the 4-day East Coast road trip. 

Strictly comparing basic transportation expenses using industry assumptions shows that bringing your personal car, like your Nissan Altima, could be more affordable than procuring a rental.

The ideal road trip rental car varies based on factors like passengers, budget, terrain, and driving preferences. However, a few models provide an excellent combination of space, efficiency, features, and value across common road trip scenarios.

For a fuel-efficient option, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid balances 51 MPG city fuel economy with comfort at an affordable rate. The compact Hyundai Tucson also wins praise for road trip versatility, packing ample tech in a smaller, nimble package.

Seeking more space and power? Step up to a midsize like the Nissan Altima, topping crossover rental popularity charts for good reason. It’s refined and rugged in one adventure-ready package. For a splurge, the sleek Audi A5 Sportback premium liftback coddles passengers with luxury accommodations.

On the larger end, the GMC Yukon provides three rows of seats for big groups, just watch highway fuel economy. Top-rated luxury options like the elegant Jeep Wagoneer or stately Ford Explorer pamper passengers across the miles as well.

Test drive a few rental options before an extended trip to decide which best suits your road adventure needs. And consider splurging on upgrades — extra features or capacity could make long-distance travel days more enjoyable.