Moving journeys with remarkably low-cost rental cars.
Renting a car can be pricey, but it doesn't have to be. With a bit of flexibility, you can find cost-effective options through relocation trips. But how do they work?
During relocation trips, drivers transport nearly new rental cars from one location to another, typically to another city. This saves rental car companies the expense of hiring their own drivers or transporting the vehicles themselves. The advantage for renters: They can use a rental car from various providers for free, subject to the offer. However, there are some regulations regarding distance and time.
Companies like Starcar, Hertz, Europcar, FlipCar, Carl and Carla, Nextmoove, and Movacar offer relocation deals with standard rental cars on their websites and apps. Some providers, such as Movacar, handle rental car transfers for larger companies like Enterprise, Sixt, Avis, Buchbinder, and Volkswagen Rent a Car.
While the conditions vary slightly, they all aim to provide an affordable rental car option for renters.
Planning and flexibility are crucial
It's essential for renters to be flexible and plan wisely. While most relocation trips involve major cities, some may cover smaller cities or remote locations. International trips to countries like Great Britain, Spain, or France are also possible.
"So the offer must match your planned trip, and you must be very flexible," says Constantin Hack from the Auto Club Europa (ACE). "Relocation trips are more suitable for travelers with plenty of time." Because not all cities or municipalities permit picking up and dropping off the vehicles. If you live far away or are heading to a remote destination, you'll need to cover the cost of traveling to the vehicle's pick-up point.
Furthermore, the offers are not always available, and some providers only publicize them shortly beforehand. "Renters cannot always count on this offer at their convenience, which makes trip planning more challenging," says Hack. To find a good deal, you'll need to check the apps and websites of the providers regularly.
Miles, time, and routes are generally limited
Renters also need to be aware of certain restrictions: Rental cars for relocation trips usually have limits on distance, time, and total kilometers. Additionally, the relocation fee typically applies only to a specific route. For the return trip, renters must find an alternative mode of transportation, which could incur additional costs. Some providers only allow a limited number of extra kilometers.
Despite these constraints, Andrea Steinbach, a lawyer at the Consumer Center Rhineland-Palatinate, believes relocation rentals can be an attractive option for travelers looking for a budget-friendly alternative.
Before signing the rental agreement, Constantin Hack recommends that renters carefully review it, including the general terms and conditions. "Even if it's tedious, renters should read the fine print," he says. This helps renters understand what they're signing up for, such as potential high self-liability in case of an accident, exact time windows, and free kilometers during transportation.
"If there's a self-liability of 1,000 or even 2,000 euros, renters should be alarmed or get additional insurance," advises Hack. Age restrictions for renters can range from 21 to 25 years old.
"Be careful about whether tank filling and full coverage insurance are included in the rental," says Steinbach. At least full coverage insurance should be included in the rental agreement. If needed, it can be booked separately. "If someone wants to travel spontaneously with their family, they need a larger car. However, some providers may not specify the vehicle size in advance," she says.
Moreover, some rental car providers also transport tires in their vehicles, often during the tire change season in October and April. The trunk will already be full before the handover, leaving no space for luggage.
When collecting the rental car, it's crucial to inspect it thoroughly for scratches, dents, or dents. This includes checking for spots and stains in the interior and trunk. "This can be done through an app with some providers, where users can upload photos directly," says Hack. Renters who want to be on the safe side should save their photos separately. Otherwise, the seemingly cost-effective ride could turn out to be quite pricey in the end.
