Renting a Car for a Road Trip: A Guide

As you plan for a vacation, you might be aiming for ways to save on airfare. Or maybe you’re looking for ways to see the sights of the country. A road trip may be the solution. But should you drive your own car or rent a car for a long road trip? Here are some tips and considerations, as well as how to go about the process of renting a car. 

There are a number of things to consider before deciding if you should drive your own car or rent a car for a road trip. The following are some tips and considerations as you make your decision.

1. One-way or round-trip travel 

Depending on your travel plans, you may start in one location and choose to drive one way. However, you should note that there is usually a higher fee for going one-way and the price goes up the larger the distance is between destinations. Driving round-trip makes renting a car a more affordable option, but depending on your goals for your trip, you may feel that the extra expense is worth it. 

2. The right vehicle  

It is important to evaluate the specific necessities for a car different from your own based on the weather and terrain of your destination. A small compact car in a warm climate may be great for city roads and parking, but a trip to a mountainous snow town will require a larger vehicle that can handle a more rugged terrain and snow tires. Snow tires alone can be a pricey purchase, so opting for a rental car with the benefits of safety features is an optimal choice. 

3. Mileage restrictions 

Typically, rental car companies’ policies are ambiguous when it comes to what is considered normal wear and tear and mileage accumulated during the trip. Most of the time, the mileage is unlimited. However, to avoid any extra fees, be upfront about your travel and destination plans. You also want to make sure that the assigned car has a wide range before you approach the “Next Service Due” mileage. If you feel you may approach that number of miles, ask the company what may happen if you do come near or surpass that mileage number. 

4. Fueling options 

You may have the option to prepay for gas ahead of time with the rental car company. However, this rarely saves any money and at times can cause you to pay more. Unless you are on a tight schedule when traveling to the airport or you’re unsure of the safety of the area you’re in, you may consider it. Otherwise, it’s recommended that you fuel the car yourself. Additionally, if you choose a more eco-friendly car, be sure to familiarize yourself with charging stations along your route and stops. 

5. Insurance 

If you have your own auto insurance with a comprehensive and collision policy, most policies will extend coverage to your rental car in most situations including crashes, car theft, or damage you do to others. However, this is likely if the value of your rental car is similar to the car you own and have insured. If you don’t carry your own auto insurance, you may want to consider the rental car company’s insurance. 

Alternatively, if you opt for a car subscription such as FINN, you would receive the same benefits as a rental car but also have insurance figured into the price, creating a one-stop shop. 

6. 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. Any additional drivers can add an additional cost of around $15/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. 

7. Cost 

When it comes to the cost of renting a car, it feels like it’s obvious that driving your own car would save you money. That may be true for the short term. But consider what the amount of miles you put on your car, plus the wear and tear of the trip will cost you in the long run. The more miles on your odometer, the more your car’s resale value goes down. Conversely, the happy medium could be a car subscription like FINN. When you subscribe to a car, an additional driver is included for free, and your monthly rate includes the cost of insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance. 

8. Cost of Tolls

When renting a car, toll roads are where a car rental company can add extra fees and costs. Some companies will charge you a flat fee for your rental period whether you pass through a toll or not. Others will add an additional fee for each toll you go through in addition to the cost of the toll. Make sure you read the fine print because some companies will require you to opt-in while with others, you’ll need to opt-out depending on your decision. 

With FINN you can go through the tolls as you would with your own car and simply pay for the cost of the toll. You can also utilize your own electronic toll device such as E-ZPass or FasTrak. 

9. Potential Programs or Discounts

Some rental companies in certain states may participate in programs with special rates for government employees. Additionally, certain rental car companies offer discounts to active military members and/or veterans. If you’re eligible for these programs, research their available discounts as this could help you choose a company.

Let’s say you’ve decided to rent a car for your next vacation. Where do you start? What’s the process like? The following illustrates the steps to take when renting a car. 

Preparation 

• Choose the right company - Do some homework and compare various rental companies you’d like to work with. Also, make sure the company is located in the location you plan to start and end your trip, especially if it’s a one-way trip. If you have a specific type of car in mind (sedan, SUV) try comparison shopping.
• Book in advance - Oddly enough, it may save you money to procrastinate a bit when reserving a rental car, but then you also risk not getting the type of car you would like or one at all. You also want to know what special events could be going on (a sporting event, a local university’s family weekend) that would make the demand higher during a certain time range. 
• Budget - The expenses you may incur during your road trip include tolls, gas, food, and potentially any lodging along the way. Make sure you incorporate these when creating your budget. 
• Driver - Decide who will be the assigned driver on the trip. Remember most rental car companies will charge a daily fee for an additional driver. Also, if you can choose a driver over the age of 25, you will avoid fees.
• Documents - Have a credit card and driver’s license ready when you check out while booking your reservation.

Picking up the car 

• Verify the condition - Make sure the car is in good condition. Do a walk around the car and look for any dents or scratches so you can report those and not get charged upon return.
• Take pictures of the car - For extra validation, take photos of the car both inside and out so there is no question regarding when any damage was acquired.
• Check out the features - Familiarize yourself with the basics such as the lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and AC or heat so you’re not flustering with those as you’re driving.
• Arrive at the designated time - Make sure you arrive as close to the designated time as possible. Some companies will void the reservation if it’s past one hour. 
• Insurance - Determine ahead of time if you are going to take the insurance offered by the rental car company or if you will utilize your own insurance.

During the road trip 

• Refueling - Make sure you know what grade of gas the car requires. It doesn’t matter for some cars, while others require a higher grade. 
• Emergencies - If you should encounter an emergency such as an accident or mechanical issues, make sure you know who to call with the rental company to report the incident. If you choose to go with a car subscription service, FINN includes roadside assistance in the monthly fee.  

Returning the rental car 

• Clean the car - Try to leave the car better than the state you acquired it. Make sure all personal items are out of the car and any trash is emptied. 
• Check for damage - Do another walk around the car and make sure there are no damages that you may have made along the way. 
• Handle toll charges - Depending on which decision you made with the rental car company and their policy on tolls, you will need to pay the total fees of the tolls for your trip. 
• Fill the gas tank - Make sure the gas is at or near the level when you received it.

Whether you’re planning a short or cross country road trip, there are a number of items to consider when deciding if you should drive your own car or rent a car. 

While breaking down the cost, consider FINN as a valuable alternative to renting and owning a car. It allows you the option to avoid fees that rental companies typically add such as an extra driver and additional toll road fees. Your car subscription will also provide you with peace of mind as FINN includes insurance and roadside assistance in one monthly rate. Subscribe today.