Emergency car hire: how to get a good deal at short notice
Need to rent a car in an emergency? Find out how to get a decent deal on car rental when you're in a hurry.
It's a cliché, but it's true: in most situations, planning can seriously improve your chances of success.
It's equally true that we all find ourselves in situations where planning is impossible. An emergency is an emergency, and all you can do is act.
Perhaps your car has broken down. Perhaps you don't own a car but need one to get somewhere, fast. Either way, you need a set of wheels as soon as possible.
The received wisdom with regard to car hire is that advance booking is always best. Generally speaking, you'll pay less by booking ahead. Plus, you can enjoy the peace of mind that everything has been arranged for your next outing.
But while all this is true, it's simply not possible in an emergency. So, how do you get a rental car at short notice without breaking the bank?
At MVH Rental, we believe an informed customer is a happy customer. We've no interest in misleading drivers with sales speak or hiding behind jargon.
That's why we've put together this guide to getting a good deal on car rental at short notice. We hope it helps.
1. Use a comparison site (carefully)
Chances are that if you're looking for a car rental at short notice, your first port of call will be Google, and the first link you click on will be a comparison site.
Online comparison sites have their benefits. They give you a quick bird's-eye view of the rates you can expect and the availability of providers in your area. They may help you light on the right car rental company for you.
It's worth noting, however, that online comparison sites don't give you a comprehensive view of the market.
Smaller businesses aren't always listed. So, you may miss out on a great deal with a local provider that treats you like a person, not a number.
The second thing to note is that "best price" doesn't always mean "best value", as anyone who's bought a phone cable will tell you. So, whether you're using a comparison site to get the lay of the land or decide on a deal, make sure you look closely before booking.
2. Book for the time you need
Car rentals are measured in days. One day equals 24 hours – not a minute more or less.
This means if you return your car late, you'll have to pay for an extra day. To avoid overcharging, make sure you book for no more than the number of days you need.
3. Keep an eye out for deals that are too good to be true
In an emergency, it's only natural to want to keep prices down to a minimum. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that any deal that looks too good to be true is probably too good to be true.
It may be that the service itself is subpar. Or it could just mean that a parade of hidden fees is hiding behind that attractive price tag. Either way, make sure you scrutinise the small print before committing to a cheap car rental.
4. Look for short-term hire
Some providers offer short-term hire or even hourly hire. This means you're only paying for the time you need. And if the service is good, this means you're getting a good deal. As with all car rentals, however, you need to look for other quality markers for your peace of mind.
5. Look for discounts
Some providers offer last-minute discounts or offers. To find these, it's best to look directly on the websites of smaller local providers, as larger companies are likely to charge more for short-notice bookings.
6. Look for inclusive insurance
There's no single way to sort out insurance. Some people have ongoing vehicle insurance that covers a rental car. Others take out standalone insurance cover for the duration of the car rental. Still others look for insurance included in a car rental agreement.
No single way – and no right way. It all depends on the terms of your vehicle insurance and the terms of the contract you're signing.
If you're renting a car at short notice without your own vehicle insurance, however, you may find it best to take out a policy with inclusive insurance. Depending on the other details of the deal, this can help you make a saving in a tight spot.
7. Go local
When you look for car hire in your area, you'll likely come across large national chains first.
These have their advantages. But if you're looking for a good deal at short notice, a smaller local firm could be the way to go.
Here at MVH Rental, we provide a fast and responsive service with insurance and breakdown cover included. We even have a local price match guarantee, so you know you're getting the best bang for your buck.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hire a car without a credit card?
The short answer is yes – but not always.
Not all providers let you hire a car without a credit card. It's well worth checking at the beginning of the process to avoid disappointment.
What car rental insurance do I need?
When renting a car, you need third-party liability insurance. You can also get a collision damage waiver (CDW), loss damage waiver (LDW) or car hire excess insurance. Many providers will include some form of insurance in their hire contract.
Are you looking for emergency car hire in Tyne and Wear? At MVH Rental, we pride ourselves on offering affordable prices and friendly service – even at short notice. Get in touch today for a quick quote or browse our rental cars online.
