Renting a self-driven car during the Pandemic
Need to book travel during the coronavirus pandemic? Choose wisely, and you can mitigate your risk down to zero. During these uncertain times car rental companies all over the country are stepping up to make sure you and your loved ones are safe when renting a vehicle. Despite car rentals being the preferred mode of travel throughout this pandemic, safe to say that companies have needed to amp up their cleaning procedures. Not only have companies heightened protocols to stay economically afloat but to also maintain trust from their staff and patrons.
Make sure the rental company has been adhering to the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19 by doing a thorough job in cleansing vehicle interiors, particularly high-contact surfaces such as dashboards, door handles, center console dials, etc. We are now noticing a trend of no-fee cancellation to its customers in case of unforeseen circumstances. A prepaid rate is non-cancellable. You pay up front in full when you make the reservation. In most cases, you get a better deal by booking a discounted “pay later” rate and watching for price drops. Booking the “pay later” rate is a zero-risk option, since you don’t pay up front. One big change to car rentals during the COVID-19 pandemic is that more people are booking trips at the last minute. Opting for a prepaid rate to lock in a favorable price is a bad strategy for a car rental during the COVID-19 pandemic if you might have to cancel your trip.
Take advantage of line-skipping program by booking your car online. When you get to the airport location or where ever the pick-up be, go straight to your car. Cleanliness is at the forefront for car rentals during the covid-19 pandemic. Major car rental companies clean vehicles after each rental. If you’re concerned, consider bringing your own disinfecting wipes to go over the key fob, door handle, steering wheel, control buttons and other high-touch areas. Usually these days the full rental transaction, including Driver’s License verification, payment and agreement to terms and conditions is completed through a mobile application or through online. Renters are provided instructions and potentially transportation to their assigned vehicle, where the mobile app will act as a key to access and start the vehicle. No interaction with staff is required, unless needed. The rental vehicle is delivered to a specified location, where the rental transaction is usually digitally completed and with limited interaction with delivery driver.
The important thing is that we won’t be able to postpone our journeys because of the pandemic, at some point we will have to resume with our life. Your safety along with that of your families and friends are in your own hands so make sure you take all the necessary precautions from falling in prey for the pandemic. These precautions can make a huge difference.