Long Term Car Rental: What, why, and how?

There are many reasons why people opt for long term car rentals. From extended business trips to vacation travels, a long term car rental can help you avoid adding additional mileage on your personal vehicle, and thus reduce wear and tear.

Perhaps your personal car is in the shop after an accident, or for major repairs. A long term car rental can help you remain on the move during the ordeal. 

Whether you’re starting your own business or doing a project at home, renting a vehicle by the month can be a handy way to get the job done without having to buy a van or truck.

Although some dealerships allow people to lease cars for several months at a time, the terms are usually limited. In most cases, there’s a minimum number of days, and the mileage is often restricted. 

Long term car rentals can be expensive, but car rental companies usually offer discounted rates on those packages. Thankfully, it is generally a relatively risk-free and straightforward transaction and there are some advantages to the actual packages:

long term car rental

As with standard short term options, long term car rental from airport locations will cost significantly more than at a downtown location of the same company. However, it will be worth your while to request quotes and see for yourself. Airports tend to have more rental offices, so you could end up saving money if you rent from one of the others.

What You Need to Know About Long Term Car Rentals

When a car rental company trusts you with their car, they want to know that you’ll take care of it. You, on the other hand, want the best possible deal and no complications. The best way to make that happen, is to follow the company’s prescribed processes, which may relate to the following:

Most car rental companies will expect you to check into the rental office every thirty days to sign a new contract. Basically, you’re renting the car in one-month increments. If you’re renting from one of the bigger companies with locations across the country, it is more convenient, as they usually have in excess of 2,000 locations across the country. Chances are there’s one nearby. 

If your personal auto insurance covers rental cars, be sure to check that this applies to long-term car rentals, too. As such, you will probably have to take the collision damage waiver. 

When it comes to collision damage, you will need liability cover. Most credit cards offer this, but it only covers the passengers. You will probably have to buy this separately from your preferred car rental company, or you can get it cheaper through companies such as Sure for less than $10 a day.

Where to find a long term car rental (and what to expect!)

Most major car rental companies have long-term programs that tend to work out much cheaper when compared to daily or weekly rentals. You can often get unlimited miles on the long-term rentals. The minimum long term car rental is the biggest difference.