Embark on an adventure: renting a car for your road trip

Ah, the allure of the road trip. Few travel phrases evoke such vivid imagery as these two simple words. It brings to mind the PCH – deserted coastal highways winding along rugged cliffs beneath impossibly clear skies. With the top down, engine roaring, and the wind rushing through my hair, it’s hard not to smile at the thought or memory.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to own a convertible, classic car, or RV fit for such adventures. However, renting a car for a road trip changes that narrative. It opens up a world of vehicle options and, more importantly, the destinations they can take you. Get ready, because here’s what you need to know for the (road) trip of a lifetime.

Should I use my own car or rent one?

One of the most crucial aspects to nail down when planning a road trip is your transportation. If you already own a car, it seems natural to take it along. However, that might not be the best choice.

Benefits of renting a car for your road trip

The primary advantage of renting a car is the flexibility it offers in choosing the ideal vehicle. Whether you opt for something luxurious or decide to travel in style with an RV, the decision is yours to make.

Renting a car also means you won’t rack up mileage on your own vehicle. This can be particularly significant if you have a leased car with mileage limits, or if your own car is older or less reliable. For long trips, the mileage and wear on your vehicle could lead to expensive maintenance later on.

Rental cars often come equipped with useful extras. If your journey involves crossing borders, securing international insurance is straightforward. Additionally, most rentals include roadside assistance, which is vital for any adventure, regardless of where you're headed.

Advantages of using your own car for a road trip

The primary drawback of renting a car is the expense. Facing potential rental fees that could reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars can be daunting and may quickly influence your choice. Specialty vehicles like RVs or convertibles tend to be particularly pricey.

Convenience is another consideration. Using your own vehicle means no deadlines or hidden fees – something rental companies are notorious for. The comfort of driving your own car can also help alleviate any anxiety about long-distance travel.

Determining the best choice between renting and using your own vehicle can be challenging. My guideline is the thousand-mile threshold. For trips exceeding that distance, I usually lean toward renting. The longer the rental duration, the lower the daily rate tends to be. And any journey over 1,000 miles means considerable wear on your vehicle, making rental often more economical in the long term.

What is the cost of renting a car for a road trip?

The cost of your road trip will certainly vary based on the vehicle you rent and the duration of the rental. It can also be influenced by the timing and location of your rental. If you're weighing the options between renting a car, using public transport, or flying to your destination, keep these factors in mind.

The kind of rental car

It’s no surprise that the more spacious, eye-catching, and luxurious your rental car is, the more it will cost. Unless you need something specific, aim to find the sweet spot between price and comfort.

If you’re investing in a major road trip, don’t squeeze into an uncomfortable vehicle just to save a few dollars. Likewise, there’s no reason to rent a large, gas-hungry SUV for a romantic getaway. Selecting a car from the appropriate category can lead to significant savings.

When you reserve a rental car

Similar to booking airplane tickets, reserving your rental car ahead of time can save you money. Generally, you should begin checking prices about a month before your travel date and aim to finalize your booking two weeks prior. Utilizing a site like Dinogo allows you to compare offers across various platforms, which is usually more cost-effective than booking directly.

The location from which you rent your car

The most affordable way to rent a car for your road trip is to book online in advance. If you wait to reserve at the counter on the day of your trip, you’ll likely pay more.

It's also crucial to consider where you rent your vehicle. Rentals from airports and transport hubs are typically more expensive than those from city center or suburban locations. If you're flying in, you might not have many options other than the airport. However, if possible, going a bit out of your way to pick up your rental can lead to substantial savings.

The location where you return your rental car

If possible, return your rental car to the same location from which you picked it up. One of the joys of road tripping is having a clear destination in mind – I personally prefer coast-to-coast adventures. However, leaving your rental on the opposite side of the country can be extremely costly.

Many rental agencies charge hefty fees for dropping off a car at a different location. During a recent trip from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, I dreaded the return drive. However, the fees from the rental company for leaving the car behind and flying home were enough to convince me to make the drive back.

Prepaying for fuel

Avoid accepting the rental agency’s offer for the prepaid full tank option. Unless you use every last drop of gas, you’ll likely end up paying for fuel you didn’t consume, and they might charge extra for this service. Instead, choose to return the vehicle with a full tank and refuel as close to the drop-off point as possible. Any GPS or mapping application can help you find a nearby gas station.

What type of vehicle should I rent?

The choice of your rental vehicle should align with your travel plans. If you’re tackling dirt roads and rugged terrain on a cross-country journey, a small city car won't suffice. Likewise, if you're venturing into the great outdoors with limited amenities, an RV could be more suitable than a sleek Mustang convertible.

If you’re an advocate for electric vehicles, it’s crucial to check and plan your charging stations along the way. The farther you travel from urban areas, the less likely you are to find charging points.

What type of insurance do I require?

While having insurance is vital for renting a car, selecting the right coverage can be quite confusing. Rentals typically offer various levels of coverage, often with significant price differences. Some may only cover the rental vehicle itself, while others may include protection for injuries or damages you might inflict on yourself, your passengers, or others.

The most practical choice is to opt for comprehensive insurance to safeguard against all possibilities, but it’s not always straightforward. For a complete overview, refer to the Dinogo complete guide to car rental insurance.

If you’re using your own vehicle, make sure to confirm with your insurer that your policy adequately covers your needs. If you plan to add another driver or drive abroad, additional costs may apply.

What is the mileage limit for my rental?

If your journey isn’t brief, make sure to verify that your rental includes unlimited mileage. A relatively new trend, car rental agencies are now extracting additional fees for mileage limits. This can often be as low as 100 miles per day, with per-mile charges that can quickly add up.

Is it permitted to cross borders with a rental car?

Typically, it's not an issue to drive your rental car across borders, but it's essential to confirm with the rental agency first. Some companies may charge a nominal daily fee for international travel. Also, ensure that your roadside assistance remains valid!

What informs the content of this guide by Dinogo?

During my time in the US, I became quite the road trip enthusiast. From coast to coast, traversing the entire PCH, driving along Route 66, and even making it to Burning Man – I've covered it all.

This guide outlines key considerations for your road trip. It combines common sense with insights I've gained, covering everything from international driving to navigating mileage limits. Use it to plan your journey and decide on the right vehicle to rent, or if renting is even necessary. When you do choose to rent, Dinogo is the best place to secure a great deal.

Final Thoughts

The vehicle you choose shapes your road trip experience, so it’s important to ensure you’re in the right one. This applies whether you’re embarking on an adventurous family getaway or a romantic escape for two.

After selecting your route and vehicle, the Dinogo car rental guide will assist you in finding the best deal. Then, all that’s left is to buckle up, turn up the music, and hit the open road. Just remember to bring the snacks!