Rental cars are currently in short supply. If you don’t want to dig deep into your pocket, you should book early, advise experts.
For almost two years, the corona pandemic has made travel extremely difficult. Many people are looking forward to holidays and vacations all the more this year. A rental car is usually indispensable if you want to get from A to B comfortably and flexibly. But there is currently a shortage in this area. Experts do not predict any improvement with a view to the coming main season and advise early booking to save costs. What is the reason for the deficiency and what should vacationers consider when planning?
Problems in obtaining vehicles
Numerous car manufacturers are currently having to cut back their production due to supply problems for car components. One of the reasons for this is the Russia-Ukraine war. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on luxury vehicles and putting small cars behind, which also means higher costs for holidaymakers.
In addition, many car rental companies are now having problems with the sale-and-buy-back contracts, which were popular before the pandemic. To explain: Car manufacturers have usually offered rental car companies vehicles that the buyer can then sell back to the manufacturer. Those companies that returned their vehicles as usual during the pandemic are currently no longer getting new cars. According to Kai Sannwald, managing director of the rental car operator Sunny Cars, there is currently a real “fight for available vehicles”. According to the expert, there is no relaxation in sight.
Book early – and save extra costs
Since vacationers often have to dig deep into their pockets when booking a rental car at short notice, experts advise organizing a vehicle for the vacation at an early stage. Additional costs may arise from navigation systems, child seats, one-way rentals, additional drivers or young drivers under the age of 21 and limited mileage. This is where you need to keep your eyes open and weigh things up.
From contract to insurance
Before vacationers drive their rental car from the parking lot, they should take a close look at the contract and check for unwanted additional services and upgrades. Experts also recommend a “full/full” potion regime. The rental price should include liability insurance and additional liability insurance. It is also important to check the vehicle for defects before picking it up and, if possible, to photograph it.
It is also helpful to take a look at the country-specific traffic regulations. From the obligation to pay a vignette or toll to the regulation of lights during the day: the police can hand out many an extra ticket abroad.
