Everything you need to know about long-term car rental

A monthly car rental offers a lot of benefits if you’ll need a car for an extended period of time. Along with the cost savings over a standard daily car rental rate, a fixed monthly payment makes your costs predictable, with no surprise maintenance costs as those are often baked in.

While renting a car for a few days may be common practice for a short getaway, some travel situations may require a longer-term car rental. If you’re planning on staying in a location for at least a month or more, it can often save you money to book a longer rental period over paying a daily rate. However, the requirements for booking can be different from a short-term rental, so it’s worth researching what you might need to successfully secure your car rental.

When to book a long-term rental

Booking a long-term car rental makes sense in scenarios where short-term rental doesn't quite fit your needs. If you’re relocating for work, taking an extended vacation or a “workcation” in a place with limited public transportation or testing out a new city before permanently moving, a long-term car rental can provide the reliable transportation you need.

To get the best deals, try to book at least two to four weeks in advance. During peak travel seasons like the summer months and holidays, book earlier if possible as long-term car rental fleets can become limited, especially in major cities.

Requirements for long-term car rental

When arranging a car rental long term, you'll need to satisfy several requirements that may be more extensive than those for shorter rentals:

• Valid driver's license: Must be current and recognized in the rental location.
• Credit card: Most companies require a credit card in the primary driver's name with sufficient available credit for the extended period of the rental.
• Age requirements: Typically 25+ years, though some companies offer options for younger drivers with an extra charge.
• Proof of insurance: While rental companies provide basic coverage, if you’re after long-term rental, you may need to show additional cover.
• Residency documentation: For car rentals extending beyond one to two months, proof of local address may be required.
• Deposit: Expect a larger security deposit for extended rentals.

Many car rental companies will conduct more thorough background and credit checks for long-term agreements than they would for shorter rental. Some may also require periodic vehicle inspections during the rental period.

Short-term vs long-term car rental

Depending how long you need a car and the kind of car you need, understanding the differences between short and long-term car rental options helps determine which best suits your needs:

One of the key advantages of long-term car rental is the substantial cost reduction compared to consecutive short-term rentals. The longer you commit, the more you save on the daily rate.

The benefits of a long-term car rental

A monthly car rental offers a lot of benefits if you’ll need a car for an extended period of time. Along with the cost savings over a standard daily car rental rate, a fixed monthly payment makes your costs predictable, with no surprise maintenance costs as those are often baked in.

Even with a long-term car rental, you can still benefit from newer models of cars with low mileage and new modern features. The rental company also typically offers roadside assistance with 24/7 support in case you get stuck on the road.

Many rental companies now offer specialized programs specifically designed for car rentals of one to 12 months, with competitive monthly rates that can save even more money over the daily rental rate the longer you commit.

The cons of a long-term rental

Long-term car rental isn't ideal for everyone. Be sure to check mileage restrictions, especially if you are planning on exploring a particular country at length. Even the most generous allowances may become restrictive, and you may have to pay extra for any overage.

Compared to a short-term rental, long-term car rentals typically have more onerous requirements, so be sure you meet all the criteria before you book. This can also include more paperwork and even background or credit checks.

In peak seasons, you may also encounter availability issues, limiting your selection of cars. Be sure to book well in advance of when you need the car to ensure you get the type of car you need. You may also be required to return the car to the same location, so if you are traveling throughout a country, you may want to adjust your planning so that you return back to the hub where you arrived.

FAQs

What's the longest time you can rent a car for?

Most major car rental companies offer long-term car rental programs that extend up to 12 months. Some specialized providers even allow multi-year arrangements through their extended rental programs. These longer-term arrangements often require periodic vehicle exchanges for maintenance purposes, typically every three to six months.

Is it cheaper to rent a car longer or shorter?

Renting a car for longer periods is almost always more cost-effective on a per-day basis. Monthly car rental rates typically offer savings of 15–30% compared to weekly rates, and even more compared to daily rates. For example, a car that costs £30 per day for short-term rental might be available for £500–600 monthly.

Can you rent a car for three months?

Yes, three-month car rentals are a common long-term car rental option. Most major providers offer quarterly rental programs with competitive rates. A three-month car rental offers both flexibility and cost savings, making it popular if you’re taking an extended vacation, a "workcation" where you can work from a different location for a while or a temporary relocation. Special quarterly rates often include additional benefits like maintenance checks and more generous mileage allowances.

Can you rent a car for a year?

Yes, many car rental companies offer annual programs. These 12-month car rental long-term agreements typically provide the best rates and may include benefits like vehicle exchanges, maintenance services, and roadside assistance. Annual car rentals require more thorough documentation and may involve a more rigorous approval process, but offer the most savings for those with extended needs.

When considering the best long-term car rental options, look for companies that specialize in extended car rentals rather than those primarily focused on daily or weekly business. Dedicated long-term providers often offer more competitive rates, better vehicle selection for extended use, and more flexible terms.