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One-Way Car Rentals: 5 Questions Answered
If this is your first time renting a car one-way, then you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. First-time renters typically tend to ask the same kinds of questions, so to save time, here are five of the most common questions that are asked about one-way rentals.
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What Is A One-Way Car Rental?
A one-way car rental is also known as a one-way offer. This is where you pick up a rental car from one location and drop it off at another. The easiest way to explain this is if you’re traveling for work: you rent a car from one location, drive it to another city, and then drop it off at a location in that city instead of returning it to the original lender. It’s a good way to get around, but most rental companies do charge an additional fee for this convenience.
How Do I Book A One-Way Rental?
When you’re booking a rental car, there are likely going to be some options. One of them is “return to the same location.” If you don’t check that option, then you are choosing to return it to a different location. It’s really just that simple. You’ll still be able to choose the kind of car you want to drive and contact customer service if you have any further questions.
Why Is A One-Way Rental More Expensive?
The reason that there is a fee for this additional option is all about logistics. When you drop off a vehicle at a different location, then the rental company has to incur some fees to have it returned to the original location. The extra fee covers these expenses as well as the loss of income while the vehicle is in transit to the original location.
How Much Is The Fee Usually?
There is no right answer for this, as it is entirely dependent on the rental company. This fee is based on the country where the rental is taking place, how long the vehicle is being rented for, the route between the locations, the distance between them, and the specific terms of the rental company’s policies. Routes that are busy tend to have lower fees since it’s much easier for companies to recover the vehicle. In the event that you’re following a commonly used route, then in some cases, you might not incur a one-way fee at all.
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When Is One-Way Rental Worth It?
Despite the incurred fee, one-way car rentals could be worth it in several scenarios. For example, if you’re going on an extended vacation or you’re located far from the airport, then it could be worth it to have a one-way rental. It costs less than leaving your car in the airport parking lot. One-way rentals are also perfect for road trips, as you don’t have to drive all the way back to return the vehicle to its original location.
If you’re in the market for a one-way rental car for your next trip, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest rental company to see what might be available for your needs.
