What to Consider When Deciding to Rent a Vehicle for you Road Trip

Imagine this:

You're standing in your garage, gazing fondly at your beloved vehicle, the smell of fresh air beckoning you to set off on an adventure. Visions of Colorado's majestic mountains, South Carolina's sweeping lowlands, and the serene beauty of upstate New York fill your mind. But just as quickly, those daydreams are clouded by the looming thoughts of car trouble, unpredictable road hazards, and reckless drivers. The question weighs on you — do I want to risk taking my own car on this trip?

Planning for a road trip can be a complex undertaking. Many decisions go into the logistics of the planning. One of the most significant decisions you can make is also the most consequential -- should I risk taking my own car on this trip?

There are so many factors to consider when making this decision. So today, we will break down the reasons for and against renting a vehicle for your next road trip.

Reasons to Rent

Wear and Tear Savings

As a Jeep owner, I am keenly aware of how much it costs to own a vehicle. Not only are vehicles one of the most expensive items individuals can purchase, but the cost of maintaining the vehicle can also be extremely high. On average, motor vehicle owners can expect to pay almost $800 on annual maintenance costs. This number can rise significantly based on how much the vehicle is driven -- a price you should be aware of when weighing whether to rent a car for your next road trip. When you rent, you avoid adding significant mileage to your personal car. This can help reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle. It can also help you preserve your vehicle's resale value since it is typically based on the number of miles driven. By renting a vehicle on your next trip, you will pass the maintenance and devaluation onto the rental company instead of yourself.

Saving Damage on Your Car

Driving on the highways presents a lot of hazards to both yourself and your vehicle. Road debris, blown-out tires, and gravel all present potential damages to your car while traveling on the road. The cost of repair if any of these damage your vehicle can be costly. Again, as a Jeep owner, I can attest to the many replaced windshields and how much they cost. Renting a vehicle can offload the cost of any accidental damage that occurs during the trip, especially if you purchase rental insurance. You won't need to worry about the cost of damage to your personal vehicle.

Convenience

Renting a vehicle can also offer road trippers convenience they might not get with their personal vehicle. One great comfort is that many rental companies offer 24/7 roadside assistance.

If you have a problem, you can rely on your rental company to assist or replace the vehicle. This option may not be available if you decide to take your car. Furthermore, it will likely cost much less than using your coverage.

Choice of Vehicle

You and your friends might be okay with driving around town in your Toyota Corolla, but if you need a little more space, renting will help solve that issue. Renting a vehicle allows you to choose a car more fitting to your road trip's needs. If your vehicle does not have good gas mileage cough Jeep Wrangler cough, the rental company probably has something a little better on fuel economy.

There are also rental companies that specialize in off-road and overland vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts. If you have a need, a rental company is probably ready to satisfy it.

Reason to Avoid Renting

Cost of Rental

When you rent a vehicle, you must be aware of the costs. Refrain from falling for the allure of the daily rate, though, because the advertised rate is usually misleading. Not only will you have to pay the per day amount for renting the vehicle, but there are many additional fees and potential penalties. So, while you can save money in added maintenance and possible damages to your vehicle, you will likely have to pay a pretty high upfront cost when you rent.

Mileage Limitations

Another consideration you'll need to consider is any mileage limitations the rental company or renter might have for their vehicles. These vary from company to company. And peer-to-peer rental apps like Turo add even more variety by allowing vehicle owners to determine mileage restrictions. If you plan to rent, ensure you know if there are any mileage limitations and the cost of exceeding them. It could save you hundreds.

Destination Limitations

Similar to the mileage limitations, rentals can restrict where the vehicle can be driven. Within the United States, it is common for companies to restrict travel to Mexico and have specific conditions for taking the car to Canada.

Similarly, apps like Turo can also impose restrictions based on what the vehicle's owner permits. If you are renting in Arizona but planning to drive to Utah, you must check with the owner to ensure you are not violating their policy.

Another consideration is whether you want to take the vehicle on non-paved roads. Many rental companies and owners will not allow you to drive their vehicle "off-road". You'll need to check with the owner to see if you can drive the car "off-road" and determine what that constitutes to the owner. You may find that driving on a gravel road violates their policy.

Additional Insurance Costs

Another factor to add to the cost of the rental is insurance. Every rental company offers supplementary insurance coverage. The additional coverage is usually a good idea in the event you are involved in an accident and do not want to have your own insurance rates skyrocket due to a claim.

Obtaining supplementary coverage is a good move, but it can significantly raise the cost of your rental experience. While most companies offer various tiers of coverage, they all cost money, which can be significant.

Return Constraints

When you rent a vehicle, you must consider the logistics of returning your rental. This can be affected by the rental agency's business hours, rental locations, and proximity to gas stations for refueling. If you want to return a rental to a different location than you picked up from, it may cost you quite a bit more.

Remember to provide personal anecdotes or user testimonies if possible. They can make your article more relatable and convincing to readers.

Consider Your Options Carefully

So, the next time you find yourself standing in your garage, contemplating your travel options, remember the points laid out here and make the right choice.

Whether you rent or drive your own vehicle depends on your trip priorities: convenience, cost, or the type of road trip experience you are after. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you are well-informed and prepared.