For many, car hire can prove to be a great alternative to car ownership. For those whose car use is only occasional, hiring a vehicle as the need arises is often more cost-effective than outright vehicle ownership. The seemingly endless list of expenses associated with owning a vehicle can be drastically shortened as annual insurance, MOT, road tax, car servicing, car repairs and breakdown cover are replaced with a single rental fee and small insurance payment each time a car is hired.

Car hire is also far more versatile than ownership. The most suitable car for the job can be sourced for any occasion and a two-seater sports car, ideal for a romantic weekend away, can be swapped with ease for a roomy MPV when it is time for the family’s annual camping trip.  When holidaying in distant locations abroad, post-flight car hire becomes a necessity, because of the impracticalities involved in driving/transporting your own vehicle to your holiday destination.

Most hire cars are relatively new, meaning you can enjoy driving an up-to-the-minute model each time you hire, whilst avoiding the considerable cost of depreciation involved in sustaining almost-new car ownership.

In spite of its many advantages, car hire does have some drawbacks and is not the best option for everyone. If a hire car is damaged whilst you are using it, there is usually a hefty excess to pay. Drivers under the age of 25 are excluded from renting certain classes of vehicle and usually have to pay a significant surcharge on any car they are permitted to hire. Hire cars may look good, but their engines have often been ‘thrashed’ by careless former users, marring your driving experience. Should the number of times you hire a car become too frequent, the financial advantage that occasional hiring provides begins to diminish rapidly.

While not for everyone, car hire does provide a versatile and cost-effective solution to the motoring needs of the occasional user.

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