The Real Pros And Cons Of Car Hire

With plane travel becoming increasingly common, even for short distances, many people wonder whether it’s worth hiring a car to travel around their favourite destinations. There’s certainly a lot of misinformation out there – and deceptive rental companies, shady practices, and confusing rental agreements don’t help.

Having said that, there are myriad good reasons to hire a vehicle for your next trip, and freedom, opportunity and luxury options beckon. On balance, it is almost always a prudent decision. Below are a few pros and cons for each side of the argument so that you can make up your own mind.

The Pros

Experience a little luxury on your holiday

After all, what else are holidays for? While it can be prohibitively expensive to buy or lease a luxury vehicle back at home, it’s far more affordable to have one for a short-term holiday. This might just be the perfect time to finally partake in a little adrenaline-fuelled adventure in the car of your dreams. Why not live a little?

Taste true freedom

No more waiting around in airports and cramming overloaded luggage into bloated overhead bins, no more chasing after departing trains with a ticket in your hand...when you rent a car, it’s just you and the open road. A road trip truly is what you make of it, but there really is nothing like it.

Enjoy less hassle

Just plug your destination into your sat-nav, load up your luggage, and go. No timetables, no documents, tickets, or limitations. You can travel in style with a minimum of fuss.

Change of plans? Not to worry

With a rental vehicle you’re the master of your own schedule. Why go on a trip where everything must be planned-out down to the minute? With your own wheels, you’re free to go wherever your inclinations take you – there’s no need to worry about missing your flight or booking the right train connection.

On a budget? That’s cool, too

Car hire can be very cost-effective, which is perfect for the solo traveller or family on a budget. Because you’re renting locally, there are no import costs or hidden fees, just a simple, quick, and easy mode of transportation during your holiday.

The Cons

Rental agreements are often pretty long and confusing, causing unnecessary stress on your holiday. Plus, some companies use deceptive practices and try to trick you into spending more money. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid this hassle and car rental excess insurance is easily the most practical solution to turn these kinds of problems on their head.

Car rental excess insurance is one very good way to avoid hidden fees and protect yourself from having to deal with reluctant insurance companies when something goes wrong. A good policy is simple and easy to purchase and, for those on a budget, it won’t break the bank.

Go on: feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face on your next holiday – you won’t ever regret it.

Author Plate

Sam Walker is a specialist insurance expert at LowerHire, a company that offers low-cost single trip and annual multi-trip car rental excess insurance policies. Travellers can rest easy knowing they will be fully protected against any hidden hire car costs and look forward to a stress-free rental experience.