A startrescue.co.uk story...

Are you planning a road trip, but are unsure whether to rent a car or take your own? It is a common question and here at startrescue.co.uk we’ve put together some questions to ask yourself and those travelling with you.

  1. Will learning to drive an unfamiliar car rental create discomfort for you, or make the journey less safe?
  2. In terms of fuel economy, is your own car, or the rental car more efficient?
  3. If you choose to rent a car, will it be provided with   Personal Breakdown Cover to ensure you can call upon professional roadside mechanics if you need to?
  4. Are you planning to go off-road, or on poor quality roads? Ensure your own car, or the rental car, is able to deal with such surfaces.
  5. If you choose a car rental, does the rental firm permit you to travel to your intended countries (assuming you are travelling outside the UK)?
  6. Will other passengers be comfortable in a rental car? Will they get a better or worse view, for example?
  7. Which vehicle has the appropriate amount of space for your passengers/luggage?
  8. Do some calculations: a rental car may be more fuel efficient than your own car, but rental fees will probably dwarf these savings. Could you spend the rental fee on better accommodation, food or attractions?
  9. Look out for rental deals that may make a suitable vehicle particularly attractive.
  10. A road trip is meant to be fun and relaxing, so try to balance this notion with the costs you may incur.
  11. If you choose your own car, don’t forget to take out our short term or annual European breakdown cover. If you rent a car, make sure breakdown cover is included as part of the package. For  a road trip in someone else’s car, consider Personal Breakdown Cover from startrescue.co.uk