What is a rental car? Are they real?
loaner car: You may have heard about rental cars (there are many options in Rohnert Park, CA) and vehicles after having work done on your vehicle, but it seems too good to be true.
Do mechanics and body shops really offer rental cars and are they a good deal? We will answer it for you.
What is a rental car/loaner car?
A loaner car is a car that many dealers, mechanics and garages offer as a convenience when you bring your car in for vehicle maintenance or repairs.
If your car takes several hours or days to repair, the mechanic may offer you a free loaner car as long as you show proof of insurance.
This way, you can ensure that transportation options are still available to you while your car is being repaired.
Some small companies offer to drop you off at your home or business and pick you up when your car is ready. Many other companies, large and small, have a large selection of rental cars available.
If they have several, you usually get a car that is most similar to yours. Dealers may offer you a newer car that has more features than the car you currently own to entice you to buy a new vehicle.
Are rental cars a good deal?
Considering they’re probably free, they’re an excellent deal. For example, at Downtown Auto Body, we offer loaner cars for free regardless of whether your insurance covers it or not.
Many include rental car insurance in their insurance, giving you double coverage on a rental car at no cost.
Are loaner cars suitable for everyone?
If you do not have current vehicle insurance, we cannot provide you with a rental car. In addition, many companies that offer rental cars cannot provide them to drivers under the age of 25.
Some can, including Downtown Auto Body. Car rentals are definitely a viable option to help you get the work you need done without having to take time off work or wait in a garage for hours.
If you want to know what vehicle options a garage has or if they can meet your individual needs, don’t hesitate to call garages in your area to find out who offers what you need.
What is a trademark title for a loaner car
?
It is possible for a rental car to be classified as a fleet vehicle and therefore carry a branded title.
A trademark signifies something other than the usual transfer from one owner-operator to another for individual use.
A trademark title is not a black mark, but aims to inform the buyer that the previous use of the car was not for private use.
Is a rental car something for you?
A rental car is probably the closest you can get to buying a new car at a used price.
To qualify, you need to be comfortable with the idea that multiple people have driven the car in the past even though they knew it wasn’t their own car.
But for the owner, who is most likely the merchant himself, well-being was crucial.
A challenge when looking for a rental car is that they are usually not marked as rental cars. You’ll likely find them in CPO inventory as a current or recent model year with relatively low mileage.
Subaru of Plano’s online inventory makes it easy to filter to show only CPO models. Our salesperson can often arrange a rental car for you.
As a Subaru CPO vehicle, it obviously has the following features:
·
·Factory 7 year/100,000 mile powertrain coverage, $0 deductible
· Additional insurance coverage is available
·152 point inspection
·Roadside assistance 24/7
·$500 Owner Loyalty Voucher
·CARFAX Vehicle History Report
·SiriusXM 3-month trial subscription
How to get a rental car from a dealer
Step 1 Check if your insurance covers a rental vehicle.
Check if your insurances covers a rental car.
Many insurance policies include a rental car in the coverage. Check your insurance or call a representative to see if you are covered.
Sometimes your insurance company requires you to obtain a loaner vehicle from an authorized dealer or workshop.
That’s why it can be good to know which dealers are qualified before you take your car in for service.
Step 2 Ask a representative at the dealer or workshop for a loaner car.
Ask a representative at the dealer or workshop about a loaner car.
Since replacement car policies vary by location, the best way to find out if you’re eligible is to simply ask!
Many dealers and some garages offer rental cars as a free service as long as you provide a driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Under your vehicle’s warranty, you may also be entitled to a replacement vehicle upon repair.
Be persistent with your dealer. Some dealers may be reluctant to offer you a replacement car.
In this case, it may make sense to continue to ask questions or make complaints.[5] It’s also good to know the details of your warranty or insurance to use as leverage.
If you’re at an impasse with an agent, it may be helpful to ask to speak to a dealership manager or owner. These employees have a greater interest in keeping your business and may be more willing to help you.
Step 3 Complete the merchant’s requirements and sign the paperwork.
Complete the dealer’s requirements and sign papers.
If you are of legal age, have active car insurance and identification documents such as a driver’s license or passport, your dealer can offer you a rental car.
In that case, read the rental car documents carefully and make notes or ask questions about when to return the car, if you need to refuel and who can drive.
Return the rental car on time. Rental cars don’t last forever. The dealer will only allow you to drive the replacement car while the repair is in progress, sometimes even for shorter periods.
Ask the service desk how long you can keep the car before heading out to run errands, and make sure you return it when asked.
Rental car requirements
Step 1 You have active vehicle insurance that covers a loan vehicle.
You have active vehicle insurance that covers a loaner vehicle.
If an accident occurs through no fault of your own, many insurance companies will cover the cost of a replacement car while your own car is on the way for repairs.
However, if the accident was your fault, your insurance is less likely to cover the accident. Many comprehensive policies also entitle you to a rental vehicle in the event of an accident.[8]
Check your insurance plan or talk to an insurance agent to find out if you are covered.
Step 2 You are at least 21 years old.
Many dealers and garages have a minimum age limit for renting a replacement car. You often have to be at least 21 years old to get a rental car, but this varies by location.[9]
Some retailers require you to be at least 25 years old.[10] Ask a retailer about age requirements.
Step 3 You can submit the required documents and show your ID.
You can submit the required documents and show your ID.
To get a rental car from the dealer, you need a valid driver’s license and often a credit card and proof of insurance.[11] If you are missing any of these documents, you may not be eligible for a loan vehicle.
Do the dealers charge fees for rental cars?
Step 1 Most dealers offer rental cars for free.
Most dealerships offer free rental cars.
As long as you meet the dealer’s qualifications and a loaner car is available, a dealer will usually loan you a car for free.[12]
Alternatively, your insurance company may provide you with a free third-party loaner vehicle.[13]
Step 2: Many retailers charge a fee for gas.
Many retailers charge a fee for gas.
While the car itself may be free, it is also common for dealers to add a gas fee to the terms, often around $20.[14] Read the terms and conditions and documentation carefully to find out what the dealer can charge.
Step 3 Sellers often add liability or late fees.
Merchants often add liability or late fees.
Many dealers will charge you for damage to the rental car, such as scratches, damage caused by pets or smoking in the car. They may also charge you a daily fee if you don’t return the rental car on time.
What should you do if your dealer does not want to give you a loaner car?
Step 1 Book a rental car.
Book a rental car.
If you know you will need a car while your own car is being repaired, reserve a rental car from a car rental company.
Call ahead to check availability and shop around to make sure you get the best price. You then pick up the rental car at the specified times and return it.[16]
You may need to collect these before taking your own car for repair.
Many insurance companies also cover the costs of a rental car if repairs are made to your own vehicle. Check your insurance to see if you are covered.
Of course, you can also pay the money yourself if you don’t have insurance but still need the car.
Step 2 Rent a rental car.
Rent a rental car.
If your loaner car needs repairs as a result of an accident, ask your insurance company about the possibility of buying a rental car.
Rental cars work in the same way as rental cars, except that the cost of the rental is invoiced to whoever is identified as at fault by the insurance company after the claim has been made.
Remember that if at the end of the investigation you are found to be at fault for the accident, you may be the one who receives the bill. Step 3: Take a taxi or other transportation service on demand.
Take a taxi or other car service on request.
Services like Uber or Lyft are useful if you only need a ride or two while your car is being repaired. Some services even partner with dealerships to provide rides to people whose vehicles need repairs.
Step 4 Ask a friend or family member to drive you or lend their car.
Ask a friend or family member to drive you or lend their car.
It might be a good idea to ask for a car in your area that you can drive while your car is being repaired.
Be sure to ask them if their insurance covers other people riding in their vehicle.[19] Otherwise, your friends or family may be willing to drive you for some errands.
