The concept of getting a car for lease came around in the early 1900s, with a German company being one of the first movers to offer this service on a large scale. Now, more than a hundred years later, the growing number of apps in the online car rental sphere speaks volumes of how openly people have appreciated the usefulness of this concept.
Yet, this revolution has prompted a dilemma in the population, leaving many clueless about what company or app to rely on for renting cars. To shake off this confusion, we’ve come up with a list of factors that you should consider if you want to find your go-to car rental app.
Geographical availability:
Check for the coverage area of the app that you’re thinking to book rental car from, spanning both national and local availability. While most companies are concentrated on cities, finding an app that also serves smaller towns can enhance convenience. Broader and deeper coverage ensures that you have access to a vehicle whether you’re going on a business trip in the cities or a retreat in the hills. Many companies would have such information listed on their website or within the app.
Pricing and terms:
Prices should be set in a way that is more economical than booking a cab. Furthermore, the app should tell you upfront about the expenses that you’ll be incurring other than the renting fee. For instance, an app that provides you with a car on lease with a full fuel tank may also expect the fuel tank to be full when you return it. This means you’ll be liable to pay from your pocket to refill the tank during the journey. Likewise, there would be many other terms set by an app. What’s important is that you’re made aware of everything before you begin your journey.
Vehicle range:
Not all types of cars provide the same driving experience, space, or comfort. Thus, it’s important to check out the app’s range of vehicles. You may prefer an SUV on rent over a sedan if you’re more comfortable with SUVs. Similarly, you may like a car with a higher seating capacity if you’re travelling in a group.
Customer service:
Road trips have inherent risks like accidents, breakdowns or other emergencies. If you encounter such problems, you would want to inform the car app rental service immediately. However, this will only be possible if the app’s customer service department is proactive. Search for reviews and explore online forums to understand how others rate the customer service of the app you’re thinking of using. Evaluate customer service using metrics like response time, helpfulness, and communication.
The Bottom Line:
Renting a car can save some bucks that would otherwise be paid as taxi fares. But affordability must not mean compromising on comfort. Which is why, it’s important to evaluate car rental apps based on the factors listed above. Evaluate each factor based on how closely it matches your comfort level, needs, and preferences. Additionally, insurance options should always be compared between different services.