If you need a car for just a limited timeframe, then you might be torn between two options. The first is to rent a car from a dedicated company. The second is to find a friend or family member whose car is going to be available, and simply borrow it.
Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of these two routes, and determine which best fits your needs.
Cost Implications: Borrowing vs. Renting
Obviously, rental agencies will charge a fee for their services. If you shun them in favour of a borrowed vehicle, you could conceivably save hundreds of pounds, depending on the length of your trip.
However, when weighing the relative costs of these options, it’s important to factor in every expense. You’ll need to keep the borrowed car fuelled, and maintain it, too. Buying new tyres, for example, might be necessary – even if you consider it a way of repaying a favour.
At the same time, it’s worth getting the full measure of the cost of renting. In some cases, there may be hidden deposits and other charges lurking in the small print of a rental agreement.
Insurance Considerations and Legal Requirements
You’ll also need to be appropriately insured if you’re going to be legally able to drive on public roads. This is where temporary car insurance can be so invaluable. If you’re borrowing, the policy of the owner might not extend to another driver. Separate insurance can be obtained, which can often extend for up to a month. If you’re renting, then insurance might be included – but it’s worth checking that this is the case.
Convenience and Flexibility Factors
In some cases, borrowing might represent the easiest option. You’ll have an informal agreement with the vehicle’s owner, with no paperwork. On the other hand, if you’re renting, you’ll have to contend with a number of special rules, and you’ll have to sign an agreement.
On the other hand, renting might afford you access to a range of different vehicles. It might also throw in things like roadside assistance, which will give you peace of mind during your travels.
If you’re not sure what to expect when hiring a car, it’s worth looking at the UK government’s comprehensive guidance. Of particular interest might be the organisations which might support you in the event of a dispute with the agency. For example, you might return the car with a scratch on the bonnet, and incur an extra charge.
In these circumstances, the best way to protect yourself is to thoroughly document the vehicle from every angle before you put the key in the ignition. If you spot a defect, then take a photo of it – that way, you can demonstrate that you were not the cause of the damage.
