Since 2012, Brett Helling has built expertise in the rideshare and delivery sectors, working with major platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
He acquired Ridester.com in 2014, the first ridesharing marketplace, leveraging his direct experience to enhance the site. His insights at Ridester are recognized by Forbes, Vice, and CNBC.
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Since 2012, Brett Helling has built expertise in the rideshare and delivery sectors, working with major platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
He acquired Ridester.com in 2014, the first ridesharing marketplace, leveraging his direct experience to enhance the site. His insights at Ridester are recognized by Forbes, Vice, and CNBC.
Turo is different from your typical car rental companies. It’s a peer-to-peer car rental service that connects you with people willing to rent their private vehicles. Turo operates in various countries including the US, Australia, and the UK.
This alternative vehicle rental option offers more flexible and affordable prices than traditional companies. You can find everything from budget-friendly to luxurious cars, so you can rent a vehicle that works for your budget and specific occasion.
Hosts determine the prices for renting their cars, and prices are usually lower than what you’d pay for a traditional car rental.
Yet, there might be some additional or hidden fees, like a pet fee of $40 per trip or a child safety seat for $35 per trip.
Zipcar is a car rental service, currently available in more than 500 cities worldwide. The service is straightforward to use, thanks to the smartphone app, and once you’ve signed up, you can rent a car for an affordable price.
You can reserve a car and pick it up at the designated spot. Inside, you’ll find a gas card and instructions on how to fill the tank before returning the car. Billing includes the insurance and gas price, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
The Flex option is charged by the minute, so it’s an excellent choice for short-term travel. You can get one month of free rides, then pay $9 per month for a flexible plan that allows you to drive up to 180 miles per day for a rate of $11 per hour.
You can rent with Enterprise month to month or week to week without any long-term commitment. Vehicles are available in more than 4,400 US locations, with unlimited mileage, unlike other rental services.
This service offers many vehicle options like trucks, minivans, SUVs, and cars for a flat weekly rate. There are also regular deals on weekly and weekend rentals, and you get a discount if you’re renting a vehicle for more than a month.
Enterprise can pick you up for free from your home, office, and up to 8000 locations, but not from the airport. The loyalty program grants you rewards with regular use and there are no hidden fees. But, the company charges an extra $25 for drivers who are 24 years or younger, so this might not be one of the best options for 18-year-olds.
Premium Monthly Car Rental Options
Want a better service? Need a vehicle for a special occasion?
Premium monthly car rentals cost more than budget options but are cheaper than owning and maintaining a vehicle.
Porsche Drive Monthly is a premium service that allows you to drive the car of your dreams. This is an amazing option for special occasions and for those who want to drive an elite sports car without paying for one.
This service offers two pricing options; a single subscription that offers 1500 miles per month for $1700 plus taxes, and a multi-vehicle subscription that offers 2000 miles per month for $3600 plus taxes.
The subscription includes maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance. Once you’ve picked your vehicle, you can pick up your rental or it will be delivered to your doorstep. With the multi-vehicle subscription, you can try several elegant sports cars in a row.
Care By Volvo is a premium rental that offers two-year leases on new Volvo vehicles, including insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance. The subscription also includes a 1250 monthly mileage and road hazard protection.
You can try different vehicles for a monthly subscription between $800 and $1100, excluding taxes and fees. Online enrollment is easy, and once your vehicle is ready, the website will contact you to schedule your delivery.
Mercedes-Benz Rent is a premium rental service by one of the most popular brands in the automotive universe. The service allows users to rent traditional and electric vehicles for a monthly fee for a limited period.
This feature is currently available in eight countries but is expected to expand in the future. Many people consider Mercedes-Benz Rent to bridge the period until they get a new car or to test drive a new Mercedes-Benz model.
Long-Term Subscription-Based Car Rentals
Long-term rental services offer affordability for those renting beyond a month, with many choosing to rent for years before switching models. Consider these top options.
Avis Car Rental is a global car rental service that offers long and short-term rental. But that’s not all, it’s one of the top-rated car rental companies with regular deals from the website and the company’s partners.
AARP members can get up to 30% off the base rates and qualify for free upgrades and extra mileage. You won’t pay a thing if your car is damaged if you buy LDW, and the company handles insurance and property damages in case of an accident.
Yet, there are some restrictions on the kinds of cars available for rent based on the driver’s age. For example, drivers under 25 might not be eligible to rent some luxury vehicles.
Fair Car Rent is an international car rental service that offers several convenient options for affordable prices. It’s different from most other services, as it allows you to include an additional driver without an extra fee.
Price is determined based on the vehicle you pick and the rental duration. Once you’ve picked a car, the company will deliver the keys to your doorstep, hotel, or airport gate, and everything will be included in the price.
Budget Car Rental offers monthly and long-term car rental services. There’s no long-term commitment, as you can rent a vehicle for 15 days. But most people choose to rent cars for longer periods.
The company offers internal and national deals, so you must check their website regularly for updates. Rules differ from one location to another. For example, someone who is 18 can rent a vehicle in New York.
Specialty and Niche Monthly Car Rentals
Looking to rent a specialty and niche car for an event like a wedding, holiday, or photoshoot? Here are great options to source niche and specialty cars.
Apex Luxury Car Hire is a niche car rental service for exotic and expensive cars. It operates at selected locations in the US and Europe with a vast collection of sports cars and rare finds.
You can browse a wide array of convertibles and other unique cars that add magic to photoshoots, proms, and wedding receptions. You can also rent a limousine or chauffeur car for your special occasion. Prices are set by categories, so there’s a car for every budget and taste.
Autonomy makes electric car rental accessible and affordable. It’s one of the best choices for those who want to drive without harming the environment or those who wish to give electric cars a try.
All subscription tiers include free registration and licensing with up to 1000 miles per month. The membership fee also includes regular maintenance and roadside assistance.
Tesla Rents is a specialized service by the automotive leading company. It’s an excellent way to try the latest Tesla models for an affordable price, with easy car guides and continuous roadside assistance.
Booking your electric vehicle is pretty straightforward. You’ll receive a link to verify your identity on the spot, and easy instructions for picking up your car one hour before your rental begins.
The app notifies you of nearby charging locations, so you won’t have to worry while driving one of the best electric cars on the market.
Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert
Depending on the time needed for the rental, an option to consider would be buying an inexpensive car and selling it after the rental period.
This can sometimes be more cost-effective than renting, especially if the vehicle holds its value well.
In addition, many peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo or Getaround allow vehicle owners to set their own prices. As a result, they are able to offer long-term discounts for extended rental periods.
My Suggestion: First, check out peer-to-peer carsharing platforms and see what type of deal a host can give you. This is a great way to potentially save a lot of money.
If that is not an option, you can track rental aggregator tools like Kayak, Pricline, or AutoSlash as a way to find the best deals. AutoSlash is the go-to for rental cars.
Tips for Choosing the Right Monthly Car Rental
With all these car rental options, finding the perfect vehicle to rent might be challenging. Here are some tips to help you choose the most suitable short or long-term car rental service.
1. Browse Early
If you plan to rent a car for a vacation or any occasion, start browsing for services as early as possible. It will give you time to shop around for the best deals on the market.
You can also wait until you find a suitable offer that grants you a discount for extra savings.
2. Consider Your Budget
Of course, how much you will pay will limit your choices. Being flexible on the vehicle type and amenities can help you find a lower price.
3. Assess Needs
How many people will use the car? Do you need to include a second driver? Will you be traveling with a pet?
Car rental companies offer various options, so asses the cargo space, passenger capacity, and other features before you decide.
4. Browse Rental Terms
Want a flexible month-to-month rental? Or something more short-term? Beware of minimum commitment periods for subscription services and benefits.
You should also review the geographic restrictions, age restrictions, and mileage top-ups.
5. Check Customer Reviews
Head to online forums or car rental companies’ review sections and read what previous clients have to say.
Are there any recurring complaints about vehicles’ conditions?
Any hidden fees they had to pay?
Understanding and evaluating the experience of other customers can help you decide if this is the car rental you’re looking for.
6. Check for Promos
Some of the memberships you’re already subscribed to can provide you with discounts on renting cars. Check your Amazon, Costco, and airline frequent flyer programs for promo codes.
7. Avoid Prepayments
Don’t pay for months of rental upfront. Instead, pay month-to-month, as this can give you some flexibility to cancel your subscription whenever you want to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Lease a Car for 3 Months?
Yes, and this kind of rental allows you to try a new car for a fixed period without the financial obligation of buying a vehicle. It can be an inexpensive way to give a specific car model a try before you buy it.
Is Avis Better Than Budget?
Avis and Budget offer budget-friendly short and long-term car rental deals. Avis offers more models with higher insurance covers for subscribed members. But Budget might be the only option for some younger drivers to rent a vehicle.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Monthly Car Rental
Finding a reputable car rental service can save you a lot of hassle. You’ll be able to rent a suitable car for months or even years, with maintenance and insurance included.
Some of these car rentals also provide you with an opportunity to try elite cars that you can’t otherwise afford.
So, which car rental option is better? You’re the only one who can answer this question after assessing your rental needs, budget, and preferred rental terms.
Browse the available selection at the car rental companies we suggested in this article, and you’ll definitely find a car that works for you.
