Car sharing vs. Car rental companies: Which is the more profitable choice?

Car sharing vs. Car rental companies: Which is the more profitable choice?

There has been a lot of talk lately about the rise of car sharing and how it can affect the profits of car rentals in Heraklio or other highly sought-after destinations. Truth be told there are some significant advantages when it comes to car sharing, and the fact that it is a cost-effective means of transportation is tempting for every renter. 

On the other hand, renting a car from a traditional car rental company comes with considerable advantages. One thing is for sure; Both can provide solutions to a traveller and be profitable depending on the circumstances. Should you be planning your vacation and are in a dilemma about which one will better suit your needs, perhaps you should have in mind the following considerations.

Car sharing during vacation: 2 pros and a con 

• Car sharing: No extra charges mean an affordable solution

The cost of car sharing is by far the most affordable when it comes to short-term holidays. On the one hand with car sharing, the owner who rents his car on a platform does not have to deal with the costs of a car rental company. In this respect, there is a bigger profit margin for the owner and lower charges for the renter.

For instance, when you choose car rental in Heraklion as your preferred means of transportation, some services come with an extra charge. Some of them might be the radio, a child seat, etc. On the contrary, renting a car from a car-sharing platform offers the flexibility to use filters and pick the ideal vehicle based on your unique needs. 

2. The ideal transportation for urban destinations

Whether you are interested in moving around to only one destination and not planning to travel long distances, car sharing is the deal for you. It can also solve all your problems when you want to move around an island, such as Spetses, or Hydra, where the traffic at the city center is banned after a given hour. 

In such cases and if your accommodation is located away from the center, it is convenient to rent a vehicle that will get you to the pristine beaches around the island, and visit the center by foot.

3. Planning and thinking of the next

The right car for you might not be available on the days you need it. Therefore you will have to plan your trip accordingly, which might be restrictive. Additionally, when handing over the keys, the car should be delivered in a proper condition and clean for the next driver. After all, you are not dealing with a company, but with an individual who rents his vehicle to make an extra income.

Car rental companies for vacation: 2 pros and a con

• Cost-effective choice for long-term trips

Car rental companies are much more affordable for long-term trips. Companies despise downtime and want their fleet to be constantly on the move. That’s why the rates are lower when renting a car for a week or more. 

2. Car rental in Heraklion: No mileage restrictions

If you visit the specific region in Crete you most definitely need car rental in Heraklion as your means of transportation. There are so many sights to see not only in the city but also near it. The famous Knossos palace and its museum, along with the equally impressive palace of Phaistos and its Archaeological museum, the intact beaches of Ligaria and Agia Pelagia, and picturesque villages such as Archanes and Old Hersonisos are some of the must-see attractions of the region. To see them you must exceed the town’s mileage and that’s included in the company’s policy.

3. Extended procedure and insurance 

The most important disadvantage of a car rental company is the extended pickup procedures, including signing contracts and waiting in the parking lot to pick -up the vehicle, which might be time-consuming.

What’s more, the notorious insurance is also another thing that makes many travelers skeptical about car rental companies. If you want to be on the safe side with a car rental company, you most likely go with CDW insurance. 

This type of insurance is a sort of waiver on behalf of the company to claim any high amount in case of damage. But this sort of freedom comes with a price, which might end up being equal to the daily rate of your vehicle. On the contrary in car sharing, both the owners’ and your insurance can have you covered in case of damage, which means that the cost is not as high as in companies.

Car sharing vs. Car rental companies: The co-existence!

At the end of the day, both options are convenient depending on your specific needs and your destination. Before making a decision, it is wise to do a thorough research to ensure that you make the right choice. 

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