Is It Better To Rent A Car Or Hire A Transportation Service When Traveling?

Anytime you are planning a trip, there are a lot of important details that need to be taken care of. Not only do you have to buy tickets for your flight but you also have to book a hotel room and figure out who is going to care for your pets while you are away. Additionally, you have to decide how you are going to get around after you arrive at your destination. Typically, that means renting a vehicle.

Although there are a lot of advantages associated with renting a car, there also are some distinct disadvantage, especially when compared to using a chauffeur service. The section below takes a closer look at the pros and cons of each option so that you can decide which choice is best for your situation.

The Advantages Of Renting A Vehicle Over A Transportation Service

1. A Convenient Option

The process of renting a car is extremely easy thanks to the fact that there are so many different companies out there to choose from. This is particularly true in areas where there are major airports. Because there is so much competition, you can usually get an excellent rate on your vehicle.

2. A Relatively Low-Cost Option

Renting a car is a lot more affordable than you might think especially if you go with a standard model. In most areas, there are multiple rental companies competing against one another. This can work to your advantage by driving up the competition and lowering prices as a result. As always, however, you not only need to pay attention to the price but also the quality of the service. An extremely low rental price is only a good deal if you also get a vehicle that you can trust.

3. A Chance To Try Out A Vehicle You Are Considering Buying

Renting a car is a bit like taking an extended test drive. If there is a particular vehicle that you have been thinking about buying, you should consider trying to rent the same model instead. From sports cars to SUVs, most rental companies have a wide selection available. Keep in mind, however, that even if you select the specific car you are looking for when you make your reservation, it may not be guaranteed to be there for you when you arrive. It all depends on whether or not it is available.

The Disadvantages Of Renting A Vehicle Over A Transportation Service

1. Potential Liability Issues

When you rent a vehicle, you may not be able to get the level of insurance coverage that you want. If you happen to get into a wreck while driving the rented car, you could wind up having to pay for any resulting damage. Alternatively, you may have to pay a lot of money for additional insurance that you don’t actually need. To make sure that you are adequately covered without overpaying, take the time to read the documentation provided to you by the rental agency. That way, you can decide whether or not you need additional coverage.

2. You Are In Charge Of Finding Your Own Way around

Anytime you travel to a strange place, it can be a little bit difficult to get around since you don’t know where you are going. Even though GPS technology has made it easier than ever to navigate strange cities, these devices aren’t a perfect solution since they can cause you to take your eyes off of the road. Interestingly, MarketWatch.com has even published information showing that the act of inputting data into GPS devices is the leading cause of distracted driving.

3. You May Have To Pay For Parking

If you are driving a rental car, you usually will wind up having to pay for parking particularly if you go to popular areas or if you attend events. In most cases, you don’t have a lot of options aside from parking your vehicle in paid parking areas, which can wind up costing you a lot of extra money.

4. The Driving Rules May Be Different

If you are traveling to a different country, they may have far different driving rules than you are used to. This is perfectly illustrated by Clark Griswold in the movie National Lampoon’s European Vacation when he gets stuck in the Lambeth Bridge roundabout. Even though that scene is meant to be funny, it is also a bit of a cautionary tale about how important it is to learn the driving rules of the area that you are visiting. Along with trying to find your way around in a strange place, you also have to deal with different driving laws and road signs that are in a different language, which can make the process quite intimidating.

When you are traveling, there a lot of advantages associated with renting a vehicle. At the same time, however, there are some definite disadvantages, as well. Instead of contacting a rental service, you may want to think about hiring a chauffeur. Having someone else drive you around eliminates many of the downsides of renting a vehicle. An experienced chauffeur can help you get around safely while at the same time eliminating extra expenses like parking fees. This can make your trip a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

Don’t hesitate to call or contact us today for your limo, airport, town-car, and other transportation service needs! You may also like to see our rates page to determine what works best for you.