Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by Nico
Do you need a rental car for a month or more? Landing a cheap long-term car rental can be easier said than done. While a rental car company may provide a quote on a months-long rental, your personal car insurance may not cover you for more than 31 days.
But fear not. Our handy guide will help you find both the car—and affordable insurance—you need.
3 Options for Long-Term Car Rentals
When it comes to renting a car for more than a month, your options generally fall into four categories. You can rent from a traditional rental car company. Next, you could try a ride-sharing company like Turo. Finally, you can pick up an unwanted car lease.
Long-Term Rental from a Car Rental Company
Renting a car long-term from the major rental companies can be more expensive than other options. Importantly, most rental companies offer discounted long-term rates that are lower than their weekly rates. The rate may also include discounted insurance, but the overall price will likely be high.
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Pros:
- Large selection
- Well-maintained vehicles
- 24/7 customer support
- Plenty of options for add-ons. For instance, insurance and roadside assistance are typically offered.
Cons:
- Lots of fine print with potential for gotcha charges
- Often more expensive than other options, especially if you purchase add-ons
Long-Term Car Rental from Turo
In addition, you can opt to go with a peer-to-peer marketplace. Turo is the Airbnb of car sharing where anyone aged 21 or older can rent out his own car for a day to up to a year.
Pros:
- Huge selection
- Feels more personal and less corporate, like borrowing a car from a friend
- Significantly less fine print than a traditional car rental company
- Comprehensive collision and liability insurance are available
- If you are under age 25, it can be easier to rent a vehicle
- Personal insurance is not a requirement, but Turo insurance might be required for a high-end car
- Some owners offer long-term discounts
Cons:
- Not necessarily cheaper than rental car companies
- Banned in some states, including New York
- Inconsistent car quality and degree of maintenance
- Does not allow credit card insurance coverage and Turo insurance can be pricey
- Only available in the U.S., Canada and Germany
Long-Term Car Lease Transfer
If you’re looking for a car for just a few months, it might be wisest to avoid rentals altogether and pick up an unwanted car lease.
LeaseTrader and Swap-a-Lease are online marketplaces that connect folks who are looking for a lease with those wanting to get out of one. In general, both services tend to list cars with many months left. But you can sometimes find short-term leases, too.
Pros:
- Some dirt-cheap offers from folks desperation to unload their leases
- Your existing car insurance typically covers your “new” leased car
- In general, leased vehicles are newer, well-maintained cars
Cons:
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- The lease transfer process can be long and overly complicated
- Associated costs, such as car transportation, can be daunting
- Requires lots of homework to find good deal and complete the transfer process
- Some leases have restricted mileage
- Gotchas can include leases with few miles left or crazy down payments.
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