[Guest Post]
Whether you’re craving some sunshine and poolside hangouts, looking for the ultimate girl’s weekend getaway, or want to do some gambling with the guys, there’s no denying that Las Vegas, Nevada is the perfect destination for all. And what better way to get there than to plan out the ultimate road trip?
With so many bucket list places to see within driving distance of Vegas, having a car can be a lifesaver. There’s no doubt that it allows you a certain level of freedom and flexibility. But the real question is, should you drive your own car, or use a rental car?
While renting a car comes at a cost, there are many benefits to opting out of using your own. There’s no need to worry about maintenance costs, you save your car from racking up the miles, and with easy options for short-term 14-day car insurance, it might just be the best choice.
Let’s break down the factors that go into renting a car for your next Vegas getaway. We’re willing to bet that it will be the right option for a road trip you’ll always remember.
The Cost of Using a Rental Car
There are many factors that affect the overall cost of renting a car. The main ones are the size of the car, your start and finish location, gas prices, how far in advance you rent, the dates you are renting, car insurance, and which company you choose to rent from.
If you look at all the factors and options out there and combine them, it’s said that the average cost of renting a car is around $30 a day, but it should be noted that rental car rates are currently higher than normal in the U.S. after the pandemic.
Our best tip to avoid rates that have skyrocketed is to book well in advance of when you’ll be taking the trip. This is good practice when it comes to renting a car anytime. It can save you a lot of money in the long run and also helps to ensure you get the car you really want.
It’s most cost effective to finish the trip where you started. So, leaving home and returning home in the rental car will save you a few bucks. If you plan to road trip from home to Vegas, you’re better off picking up and dropping off the car at your home base. Otherwise, you could fly to Vegas, rent a car, and return the car there.
Rental Car Insurance Options and Rates
Rental car insurance is required by most rental companies and is necessary for offering you peace of mind and safety during your trip. Many car rental companies will offer insurance through them, but sometimes the rates they charge are higher than if you were to get the insurance for yourself.
There are endless options out there that could be better for your needs and would only require a quick search on your part. But it’s good to have an idea of what you’re looking for before you begin your insurance search.
If you want something short-term, a 14-day car insurance plan might be the right option for you. If you need something that will cover a longer road trip, there are plenty of options available for that as well. It’s best to look and compare rates to find one that’s the best fit for you and your trip needs.
The Benefits of Renting a Car
Having a car will give you the freedom to come and go as you please, and it will most definitely save you time from having to use public transportation. There’s no wait time, so you can maximize every minute of your vacation. It also allows you to discover more. The things you’ll see along the way and pull over to take a picture of wouldn’t always be possible with other transportation.
Renting a car saves you money. While rideshare apps are a great way to get around and might seem cheap for the one-off trip, having to use them frequently will certainly add up. If you have your own car, there’s no need to worry about that.
It’s easier. There’s no need to drag your luggage around or transfer it from one place to another. Simply throw it in the car and you’re good to go. It’s easy to just jump in a car and take off for the day’s adventures. There are so many logistical things that there’s no need to worry about.
Rental Car Safety Tips
Safety is a top concern when you’re planning any trip. Whether it’s a family road trip or just a solo trip, you’ll want to be sure you’re being safe when it comes to renting. The best way to protect yourself when using a rental car is to make sure you get insurance and that your plan has the coverage you need.
Beyond that, it’s also a good idea to take thorough pictures of the rental when you pick it up. Take pictures of any imperfections on the car inside and out so you won’t be blamed for them later. That includes taking pictures of the odometer.
Do a quick inspection of the car. Check out the tires, lift up the hood and look at the fluid levels, and make sure you familiarize yourself with the car. Lastly, ask any questions you might have to the representative before you leave the lot with your rental car.
Is Renting a Car Your Best Option?
As you can see, there are many factors that go into choosing whether to rent a car when taking a trip to Las Vegas. And in the end, if you choose to rent a car, there will be many other decisions to make such as car type and rental company. But renting a car over using your own will ultimately offer you many benefits.
There are so many places to see around Vegas. Valley of Fire State Park, Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Hoover Dam are all within driving distance. Having a car gives you the option to hop in and go. Having a rental car means you need not worry about racking up miles on your personal car or having to pay for maintenance if there are issues.
With easy options for short-term insurance, great rates, and the money you will save from not using rideshare apps, renting a car for your Vegas road trip is definitely a safe bet.
About Guest Author
Sam Timmerman writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. She loves to travel, especially when it involves a road trip.
