When does long-term car rental pay off?

Important facts described briefly below:

Cars, vans, and trucks can also be rented over a longer period of time. Besides flexibility, the lower personal responsibility is often seen as an advantage.  With a rental car, you do not have to worry about repairs. On a sabbatical? Living abroad for a year? Finances are tight? Long-term car rental may be the right choice for you.

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You can also rent a car for long periods. Extended renting often has considerable advantages and gives you a lot of flexibility. Below, we answer frequently asked questions about long-term rentals. Since special conditions apply to long-term car rental, you will want to read the terms.

What does long-term car rental mean?

Long-term rental usually means that a rental car is rented for more than one month. The maximum time a vehicle can be booked at a time depends on the country and the local car rental company. Usually, the periods for long-term rental range from four weeks up to 24 months.

When is a long-term rental useful?

Long-term rental of a rental vehicle is very practical, for example, when traveling. When traveling by plane or train, your own car is not available at the destination. A rental car can help you remain flexible and independent. This is especially important for longer trips. Thanks to long-term car rental, you can book a suitable rental car for the entire period in advance. This option is also practical if you are taking a sabbatical year or working abroad for several months.

A rental car can also be used for a longer period of time in everyday life. This is the case, for example, if your car suddenly breaks down and cannot be repaired. A long-term rental car can, therefore, also serve as an interim solution until a new vehicle is purchased. Depending on your financial and personal situation, long-term car rental can even make more economic sense than buying a vehicle.

What is the difference between long-term rental and leasing?

A leasing contract is made with a car dealership. You pay a monthly installment and are provided with a car for a certain period of time. Depending on the contract, you then have the option of buying the vehicle. The term is usually two to five years. If you lease a car, you are responsible for repairs and changing the tires yourself.

The long-term rental of a rental car is shorter - usually up to 24 months. Another difference is that personal responsibility is less. You are responsible for refueling and are obliged to treat the car well. For tire changes and repairs, however, the car rental company is responsible.

Advantages of long-term car rental:

• With this rental option, you are flexible over a longer period of time without having to buy a car.
• You can choose how long you want to use the rental car and then simply return it afterward.
• From the available vehicles, you can choose the model that suits your preferences.
• A big advantage is the low personal responsibility. You do not have to worry about insurance or repairs.
• You do not have high acquisition costs. You pay the monthly rent, which usually includes everything.

Is it also possible to rent a van or truck for a long period?  

Of course, long-term rental also applies to larger vehicles. This is practical for companies that only need a large vehicle for seasonal reasons. The rental period depends on the vehicle model, the country, and the car rental company.

Can the rental period be shortened or extended?

If the rental period has already started, it is not so easy to change. You can, of course, return the rental car earlier, but usually, you will not get any money back from the rental company. Whether an extension is possible depends on the conditions of the rental company. Often the same vehicle is rented out again immediately afterward. The prices for an extension can be higher. Therefore, it is often more reasonable to book a new rental car for another long-term rental.