If you’ve been traveling, you know that as well as long lines, cancelled flights and lost baggage, rental cars are nearly impossible to find. And if you are lucky enough to find a car, it is astronomically expensive? So why is there this shortage? Here are a few reasons for the current state of car rentals:
- People are traveling again so more in demand
- Companies just don’t have the fleet anymore
- Cars are expensive to buy (shipping and microchip shortages)
- Fuel is expensive
So what are some alternatives to renting a car?
- Ride share or Taxi
- Pro: Uber, Lyft are available using an app, easy to use, fairly accessible
- Con: Price surges ($$$), lack of dependable availability
- Car Share or Hourly Rentals
- Pro: Great for short trips around the city, available at lots of different city locations, easy to use with the app
- Con: Have to buy memberships, some of insurance included in the price but some don’t, may not have a vehicle near you
- Public Transit
- Pro: Inexpensive, reliable, fast, easy to navigate
- Con: Destination may not have good/consistent transit
- Renting away from the airport
- Pro: Cheaper than airport pick up, may have more availability
- Con: May not be open on evenings/weekends so you may have additional fees for dropping off the car when closed
- U-Hauls or Van or Box Truck
- Pro: No one else is renting a service vehicle so you have more options
- Con: Expensive!!! Not comfortable