Now the festive season is over, many households around the UK are planning their holidays for the coming year. This can lead to the annual car check, ensuring that everything is in working order, and there’s no risk of breaking down.

However, there is an alternative. Many may not realise it, but renting a vehicle can be a more cost-effective, timesaving solution. That’s why this month we’ve highlighted some of the ways you could benefit from a weekend self-drive car or van hire.

Cut down your own mileage

Many drivers are now turning to Personal Contract Hire (PCH) or Personal Contract Hire (PCH) to fund their new vehicle. However, these agreements often come with a specific mileage allowance each year, based on your contract. Once you go over the annual mileage, you will pay a small amount, per mile, at the end of the contract.

Renting a vehicle is an easy way to still reach your destination, whilst keeping the miles down on your current vehicle. We all know how costly vehicles are to fix if something goes wrong, so renting a vehicle that’s regularly serviced can help cut your own costs.

Take it for a test drive

Purchasing a vehicle is one of the most expensive decisions you’ll make in your life, so renting the same make and model for a weekend gives you the chance to take it for a test drive before you dive straight in.

Whether you’re thinking of buying an MPV or a small city car, renting a vehicle gives you the chance to see how well the car fits into your normal day-to-day life. If it doesn’t work out, then you can still give it back at the end of the rental agreement.

A “pay as you go” approach

If the cost of driving in your local area outweighs the benefits of having your own car, then renting a vehicle could save you money in the long run. This is especially true in areas that have excellent public transport.

This “pay as you go” approach to driving is becoming increasingly popular, especially if drivers have to take a longer journey at a certain point during the year.

Specialist occasions, special vehicles

Specialist occasions call for special vehicles, and renting is one of the easiest ways to make sure that you arrive at an event in style. For example, if you need to attend a classy event and your car doesn’t portray the right image, then renting a car is the perfect solution.

In contrast, you might have agreed to cater for a wedding, so renting a refrigerated van means you don’t have to worry about the food or drink going warm in the back of your own car. Likewise, if you’re moving house, renting a Transit van is going to be more cost-effective than making numerous trips in your own vehicle.

Cutting down your environmental impact

For drivers who have older vehicles, especially those still running on diesel, the impact longer journeys can have on the environment are substantial. However, nearly all self-drive rental companies now offer low emission, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).

As with all rentals, these vehicles are regularly maintained, so you don’t have to worry whilst you’re on the road. We would suggest that you check where charging points are along your route, just so you don’t have to worry about being stranded in an unfamiliar location.

Make your holiday easier

Whether it’s a road trip within the UK or a weekend break abroad, renting a vehicle can make your holiday easier and more enjoyable. If you’re travelling with your family, then renting an MPV or 4×4 is a safe option, whereas if you’re travelling solo or with a significant other, then a smaller vehicle will suit.

However, make sure that you check with your rental company before leaving the country. They may have to provide you with specific documents or alter the terms of the rental agreement before you drive away.

So there we have it, the top benefits of renting a vehicle for a weekend. What do you think? Have you recently rented a vehicle for a trip away? What was your experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so let us know in the comments below.

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