Hit the Highway: Renting a Car for Your Journey

Ah, the classic road trip. Among all travel phrases, few resonate like these two simple words. It conjures images of the Pacific Coast Highway—empty coastal roads winding around rugged cliffs beneath impossibly clear skies. With the top down, engine roaring, and wind in my hair, it’s hard not to grin at the thought—or memory.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the convertible, vintage car, or RV that dreams are made of. However, renting a car for a road trip can change that. It opens up a world of options for vehicles and, even more crucially, where those wheels can take you. Get ready, because here’s what you need to know for the adventure of a lifetime.

Should I use my own car or opt for a rental?

One of the most crucial decisions when planning a road trip is choosing your vehicle. If you have a car, the easiest choice might be to take it along. However, that might not always be the best option.

Benefits of renting a car for your road trip

The primary advantage of renting a car is the freedom to choose the ideal vehicle. Whether you decide to indulge in something luxurious or go for a mobile home with an RV, the decision is yours.

Renting a car also prevents you from adding extra mileage to your own. This can be particularly significant if you lease your vehicle and have mileage limits, or if your car is older or less dependable. For long trips, the wear and tear on your own car could lead to expensive maintenance issues later on.

Rental cars frequently come with convenient extras. If your journey involves crossing borders, arranging international insurance is a breeze. Plus, most rentals include roadside assistance, which is vital for any adventure, regardless of where you’re headed.

Benefits of using your own car for a road trip

The primary drawback of renting a car is the expense. Facing a potential bill of hundreds or even thousands of dollars can be daunting and quickly influence your choice. Specialty vehicles like RVs or convertibles can be particularly pricey.

Convenience is another consideration. Using your own vehicle means no deadlines and no hidden charges – a common complaint about rental car companies. The comfort of driving your own car can also alleviate any worries you might have about long-distance travel.

Striking the right balance between renting and not can be challenging. My guideline is the one thousand mile threshold. If a trip exceeds that distance, I usually lean towards renting. The longer the rental period, the lower the daily rate becomes. Additionally, anything over 1,000 miles results in notable wear on your vehicle, making renting often more economical in the long haul.

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

The overall expense of your road trip will clearly hinge on the vehicle you choose and the duration of your rental. It can also vary based on when and where you make the reservation. If you’re weighing the costs of renting a car against public transport or flying to your destination, these factors are crucial to consider.

The category of rental car

It’s no surprise that the larger, flashier, and more luxurious your rental car, the steeper the price. Unless you’re after something specialized, aim to find the sweet spot between cost and comfort.

If you’re investing in a major road trip, don’t compromise your comfort by squeezing into the wrong vehicle just to save a few dollars. Conversely, there’s no need to rent an enormous gas-guzzling SUV for a romantic getaway. Selecting a car from the right category can help you save significantly.

When you reserve a rental car

Similar to airline tickets, reserving your rental car early will save you money. Generally, it’s advisable to start comparing prices about a month prior to your trip and aim to finalize your booking two weeks ahead. Using a platform like Dinogo allows you to compare offers from various sites, which is typically cheaper than booking directly.

The location where you rent your car

The most affordable method to rent a car for your road trip is to book online in advance. You'll invariably pay more if you reserve at the counter on the day of rental.

It’s also crucial to consider your rental location. Renting at airports and transport hubs is usually pricier than securing a vehicle from city center or suburban spots. If you're flying in, your options may be limited to the airport. However, if possible, going a bit out of your way to pick up your rental could significantly reduce costs.

Returning your rental car

If possible, return your rental car to the same location where you picked it up. One of my favorite aspects of road trips is having a specific destination in mind – I personally love coast-to-coast adventures. However, the expense of dropping off your rental on the other side of the country can be quite daunting.

Many rental agencies charge hefty fees for this service. During a recent journey from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, I dreaded the drive back. Yet, the fees for leaving the car behind and flying home were enough to persuade me to drive back instead.

Prepaying for fuel

Avoid accepting the rental agency’s prepaid full tank option. Unless you use up every bit of fuel, you'll likely pay for gas you won’t use, and they might charge extra for this service. Instead, just return the car with a full tank and refuel as close to the drop-off point as possible. Any GPS or mapping app can guide you to a nearby gas station.

What type of vehicle should I rent?

Your choice of rental vehicle should align with your travel plans. If you're tackling off-road trails and rugged terrain on a cross-country adventure, a compact city car won't suffice. Likewise, if you're venturing into remote areas with limited amenities, an RV may be a smarter choice than a sporty Mustang convertible.

If you're a fan of electric vehicles, be sure to map out your charging stations along the way. The farther you venture from urban areas, the harder it may be to find charging points.

What type of insurance do I need?

Insurance is crucial when renting a vehicle, but selecting the right coverage can be tricky. Rentals typically offer various levels of coverage at significantly different prices. Some policies only protect your rental car, while others extend to cover injuries or damages to yourself, your passengers, or third parties.

The best approach is to opt for comprehensive insurance to cover all bases, although it can get complicated. For detailed information, check out Dinogo’s complete guide to car rental insurance.

If you're using your own vehicle, make sure to consult with your insurer to ensure your policy meets your requirements. Adding an additional driver or driving abroad may incur extra charges.

How many miles am I allowed to drive?

For longer trips, ensure that your rental includes unlimited mileage. This relatively new trend sees car rental companies adding mileage limits to boost profits. Often, you might find a cap of just 100 miles per day, with hefty charges for any additional miles you drive.

Is crossing borders allowed with a rental car?

Generally, it’s fine to drive across borders in your rental car, 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 is still applicable!

What gives Dinogo the expertise to create this guide?

During my time in the US, I became quite the road trip enthusiast. From coast to coast, the scenic PCH, Route 66, to Burning Man—if it was a road, I was on it.

This guide outlines key considerations to keep in mind before embarking on your road trip. It combines practical advice and insights I gained, covering everything from international driving to avoiding mileage pitfalls. Use it to strategize your trip, decide on the right vehicle to rent, or determine if renting is necessary at all. If you choose to rent, you’ll find the best options on Dinogo.

Final Thoughts

The foundation of your road trip lies in the vehicle you choose, so it’s essential to ensure you’re driving the right one. This holds true whether you’re embarking on an epic family adventure or enjoying a romantic getaway.

After selecting your route and vehicle, the Dinogo car rental guide will assist you in securing the best deal. Then, it’s simply a matter of fastening your seatbelt, turning up the music, and hitting the open road. Just remember to bring snacks!