Do you want to go on a trip but got no car, or if you have one, it is damaged? Then worry not, because the simple solution to this is getting a long-term car rental or a monthly car rental. However, when people think about rentals, they think that renting a car is a hectic process. But this is not true.
There are some simple steps you need to follow when renting a car for a month. However, many people are unaware of it. And this is exactly what causes them inconvenience. Therefore, if it is the case with you. Then do not worry. Today, we will discuss how you can rent a car for a month.
But before we tell you about the process, there are things we would like to you give information about. So, let us begin.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Can you rent a car for a month?
Yes, you can rent a car for a month or even months. Renting a car for a month can cost from $1,007 to $7,414 (without insurance) depending on the car size, model, features, and the timing of your rent.
In addition, there are several steps. Or, eligibility conditions that you should comply with to apply for a monthly car rental.
Here is a list of rental car companies and the expected cost per month:
- Avis: starts at $1,098 per month
- Budget: starts at $1,075 per month
- Enterprise: starts at $1,680 per month
- Hertz: starts at $1,007 per month
- Sixt: starts at $1,159 per month
What are the steps you need to follow to rent a car for a month?
Below specified are the steps you need to follow to rent a car for a month.
Step 1: Check your driver’s license
One of the first steps you need to follow is to have a look at your driver’s license. And make sure it is valid. And by valid, we mean it should be authentic, and should not be expired. Otherwise, car rental companies offering monthly car rentals can decline your application. Moreover, in some countries, you are obliged to bring your driver’s license in a hard copy format.
Customers that bring digital driver’s licenses with them are not entertained by the car rental or car leasing companies. Moreover, in some countries such as the United States, you may want to have an Enhanced Driver’s License. However, this is only applicable to people that live outside of the US. But are residents of Canada or the US and want to rent a car in America.
EDL is a validation card that shows you are eligible to drive in the USA. Moreover, EDL also works as your passport up to some extent.
In general, if you want to rent a car for a month, whether it is in the US. Or, in any other country, you should also bring your passport along with your driver’s license. Moreover, if you are considering renting internationally. Then you might also need to show your International Driving Permit.
Some key points to remember here are:
- Your photo on your passport or driver’s license should be clear.
- Your name on your driver’s license or passport should be clearly visible.
- Both your passport and driver’s license should not be expired. If they are, make sure to renew them before considering a monthly car rental.
Step 2: Credit or Debit card
Another step that should be embedded in your mind is to never forget your credit or debit card at home. Most rental companies charge renters through their credit or debit card. So, if you would not take one of these. Then you might not be able to rent a car for a month.
If you are paying for a debit card, make sure that your account has enough balance. Rental costs depend on several factors such as:
- The model of the car you are considering renting
- Currency conversion rates.
- Demand.
- Season, and more.
In addition, paying the rental with your credit card is far the best option when considering renting a car for a month. The reason is quite simple. It is many credit card companies offer car rental insurance, which covers Collision Damage Waiver. CDW is also known as the Loss Damage Waiver.
Credit card companies that cover CDW, cover all the damages done to a rental car, in case of an accident. This involves a credit card company paying the damage recovery fees to the rental service.
However, it is worth noting that CDW or LDW only waives rental damages and not your personal ones.
Therefore, in general, credit card companies do not cover damages done to a third party, which is third-party collision coverage. It is worth mentioning that many rental companies already have some type of insurance, such as:
- Collision damage coverage
- Comprehensive coverage, and
- Third-party coverage.
A rental company offering all these or one of these rental insurances includes these costs in their rental contract. Most rental companies provide third-party coverage, but not the other two. So, make sure to read the rental contract of the company from where you are considering renting.
Step 3: Check the minimum age stated in the rental contract
In some countries, people under the age of 25 cannot rent a car due to government policy. However, in some countries, you can rent a car for a month if you are 18-21 years of age.
Different countries, and states have different age restrictions. So, it is better to check your country, or state’s rental age restrictions by going online.
Another thing worth mentioning is the “Young Driver Fees”. Young Driver Fee is the fee that rental companies take from drivers under the age of 25. This fee varies according to rental companies’ location. Moreover, drivers between 18-21 pay more, as compared to drivers between 22-24.
Some companies require young drivers to have credit cards. Instead of a debit card. Hence, if you are under 25, and want to rent a car for a month. Then make sure to have a credit card, otherwise, you won’t be able to pay the rental fee.
In addition, drivers under 25 years can only rent a limited model of cars. For example, if you are under 25, you can only book SUVs, compact cars, and not exotic ones.
Step 4: Have a clean driving record
Last but not the least, make sure to have a clean driving record before considering renting a car. And that too for a month. In some cases, car rental companies can investigate your driving record by contacting the authorities.
And, if they found out that you do not have a clean driving record. Such ab being involved in a hit and run incident; your application for a long-term rental would be denied.
Step 5: Know about your rental location
Different rental locations have different sets of rules. Some require fewer documents, and some require more. A few accept credit cards, while some accept debit cards. Some can even ask you for your birth certificate, or health care identification card. Some can even have you fill numerous forms as well.
Without knowing what your rental location asks of renters, you can miss getting a rental car for a month. Hence, to avoid this, make sure to check the requirements for your rental location. You can do this by going
- Online
- Or contact them via phone
- Mail, or even chat services
These are some of the steps that you should follow to rent a car for a month. In addition to these steps, some rental companies also look at your:
- Credit score.
- Travel Visa.
- Military identification (if you are in the military).
- Personal car insurance card, and more.
What are some additional things you can do when renting a car for a month?
There are numerous things you can do when considering a monthly car rental. Some of the most popular ones are specified below.
Check the rental car
Before renting a car for a month, make sure to inspect it. Inspecting would allow you to know what defaults the car you are considering renting already has if any. And, also make sure to let the company know about those defaults.
Without you knowing the condition of a rental car, rental companies can blame you for the existing scratches once you return it. And take your money.
So, to avoid this, and pay for someone else’s mistakes, make sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle.
· Do not accept the pre-paid fuel policy
While a majority of the rental companies do not have fuel costs in the rental cost, some companies do so. Renting a car with pre-paid fuel policy can cost you too much, and this is not what you want. Moreover, the cost of fuel in the pre-paid fuel policy is not justified as well.
Hence, to avoid this, and save some extra bucks, make sure to turn down these types of offers.
· Be at the rental location on time
This is the most crucial thing you can do when considering renting a car for a month. Picking your rental car after the assigned time can cause you to pay more. On the other hand, picking up early can sometimes be in your favor.
What are the advantages of renting a car for a month?
As specified earlier, there are numerous advantages of renting a car for a month. Some of the most popular ones are specified below.
Less costly as compared to leasing
One of the primary advantages of a monthly car rental is it is less costly than leasing a car. The main difference between leasing vs renting is the period. Not many companies offer short-term leases, which can cause you more money.
Hence, if you want to avoid spending too much money on a car that is not even yours. Then make sure to rent a car, preferably for a month.
Helps you try numerous cars
With monthly car rental, you can drive numerous cars from month to month. Therefore, if you want to buy a car. But first want to test it, you can first rent it for a month.
Availability
Another added benefit of renting a car for a month is the availability of rental companies that provide this. Almost every car rental company allows you to rent a car for a month. On the other hand, there are not many companies that offer short-term leases. So, finding these companies is time-consuming, and strenuous.
Hence, if you want to save your time, and quickly get a car, try renting a car for a month.
Flexibility
Monthly car rental is also flexible. With rental, you only have to pay the rent from month to month without any inflexible start and end dates. Hence, all this makes you worry-free and allows you to enjoy.
Better deals and variety
There are a lot more rental cars in the market as compared to the cars that you can lease. Hence, there is a lot of options that you can choose from. Moreover, with rental cars fluctuating over time, such as days, weeks, and months, you can get better deals.
Hence, if you are looking for more car options while remaining within your budget. Then make sure to consider getting a monthly car rental.
No ownership fees
With renting, you do not have to pay an ownership fee, which saves you a few extra bucks. On the other hand, leasing a car involves you paying a small ownership fee, plus that of a down payment. Hence, renting a car for a month is more pocket-friendly.
No credit checks
Monthly car rental does not frequently involve a credit score check, which is the case in leasing. Hence, anyone with a bad credit score, or no credit score can also rent a car for a month. However, sometimes rental companies can ask for a credit score when renting out a car. So, therefore, it is always better to improve your credit score.
Conclusion
We have covered everything you need to know about monthly car rental. When renting a car, try to pay with a credit card, as it can get you discounts, and coverage(s). Also, make sure to have an internationally accessible credit card, like VISA when considering renting a car.
