During the New Year, renting a car is not like your usual weekend activity. It is a busy time, with more people looking for vehicles, which means prices can rise quickly. Moreover, since there is only a limited number of cars available, they tend to sell out quickly due to the high demand.
A short-term car rental can either ensure a smooth, flexible New Year getaway or pose challenges such as high costs and limited options. Therefore, a New Year's trip requires proper planning and execution to be hassle-free and enjoyable.
The reality of the new year demand – What no one tells you
Why do cars sell out faster during New Year's weekends?
Car rentals tend to sell out quickly because demand spikes worldwide during the New Year. Many companies reserve some vehicles for maintenance and long-term bookings, reducing available inventory.
As a result, family vacationers, event-goers, last-minute planners, and holiday travelers all compete for a limited fleet of rental cars.
Popular destinations face the highest car rental shortages
During the New Year, many top tourist spots sell out quickly, especially well-known beach towns, hill stations, party or event cities, and clubs in metropolitan areas.
Weekend rentals in these locations tend to sell out first and usually have strict rental restrictions.
How does this affect last-minute planners?
For those who plan at the last minute, New Year’s demand presents several challenges, like those of:-
- Limited number of cars available, or none at all.
- Higher daily rates in comparison to regular weekends.
- Strict car rental and late return policies.
How to choose the right car for short trips?
Travellers are always advised to book the vehicle that best suits their trip type.
For instance, economy/compact cars are perfect for city trips, SUVs are ideal for mountainous weekend adventures, and for those requiring extra boot space. Also, renters seeking a bit more extravagant experience for New Year’s can consider opting for a luxury car hire.
However, a car chosen without considering the trip type may cause:
- An expensive rental rate due to limited inventory.
- Rise in fuel costs, particularly for short trips.
- Parking problems at busy holiday spots and navigating within the city.
Booking smart – Early vs last–minute strategies
Booking early
How early should one ideally book for the New Year?
It is usually a good idea to book your car hire 4-6 weeks before your trip. This allows you to plan and relax conveniently without any last-minute hassle of not finding an appropriate deal or your preferred vehicle being sold out.Benefits – Better car choices and lower base prices
Early booking ensures a wide range of car hire options, allowing you to choose your preferred deal without having to settle for the remaining ones. Moreover, reserving in advance also offers you cost-conscious deals, providing you with great prices.Booking late
When can last-minute weekend car rental deals still work?
Last-minute car rental bookings usually work for travelers who do not want to book a specific car category and are flexible with their date selection.
In that case, they can conveniently choose their pick-up location and the cheapest available vehicle and secure their best last-minute car rental deal.
How to track price drops?
It is a good idea to regularly check aggregator platforms to compare prices and catch any price drops. Book early once you notice prices have dipped to secure the best deal.
Risks of waiting too long
If you wait for a longer time duration, for the best car rental deal, you may face:-
- Unavailability of one-way and weekend rentals.
- Increase in prices over time.
- The fleet might be limited to bigger and more expensive vehicles.
- Rental companies may ask you to book for a minimum time period.
What if your plans change?
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Cancellation and modification policies
Most car rental companies allow free cancellation up to a few hours before the vehicle pickup. The cancellation policy varies from company to company, so read about the respective policy during booking.
Secondly, suppliers allow modifications to bookings, but this is subject to the specific conditions, resulting in a price change for that date. Additionally, vehicle availability depends on the current inventory remaining. Also, read the rental terms before amending your booking.
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What to do if your return gets delayed?
If your return is delayed, many car hire companies allow a buffer time of about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
If you exceed this window, inform the rental provider in advance so they can arrange for drop-off. You may also incur late-return charges and an after-hours drop-off fee if you return the vehicle outside the supplier's business hours.
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Emergency contact tips
Most car rental companies provide around-the-clock roadside assistance, so don't hesitate to reach out to them if you encounter any issues during your trip.
They are there to help quickly and can even arrange a replacement vehicle if needed. Additionally, it's a good idea to keep the local police number nearby, just in case you need it.
What to check during car rental pick-up?
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Understand the car’s features
Before driving off, familiarize yourself with the car’s functions. Learn about controls such as headlights, wipers, and gears to avoid inconveniences while traveling. Ask the car hire supplier for clarification if there is doubt.
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Inspection of the vehicle
It is always advisable to check the car hire thoroughly before setting off. Document the vehicle with photos and videos for future reference. This will ensure a smooth and transparent experience for both you and the rental provider.
What essential documents are required to rent a car?
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Documentation Requirement
You must keep:
- a passport or proof of ID,
- a valid credit card, in the name of the main driver,
- the main driver’s license with no major endorsements,
- and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your original license is not in the Roman alphabet.
Note: If your country does not issue an IDP, you must present an official translation of your license, along with the domestic license.
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Credit card for security purposes
It is crucial to keep a valid credit card handy for holding a security deposit. The amount is blocked on the main driver’s credit card and released in full upon completion of the rental period, provided no damage has been caused to the rental vehicle.
Note: A credit card is an essential document. Your car hire pick-up may be denied if you don’t have a credit card.
What to do before returning the car?
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Refuelling
Make sure to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel as mentioned in your rental agreement. If you fail to do so, you will be required to pay for the missing fuel and refuelling.
Tip: Read your selected car rental supplier’s fuel policy thoroughly to avoid being charged extra.
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Return the vehicle on time
You are advised to return your rental car on the date and time specified in the rental agreement. If you fail to do so, the car hire company may charge a penalty or a ‘late return’ fee.
People also ask
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Can I rent a car just for one day during the New Year?
Yes, you can rent a car for one day, but availability may be limited during the New Year. Rental companies may charge higher rates due to high demand. So, it is always better to book in advance for availability and better deals.
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What happens if I return the car late?
If you are unable to return your rented vehicle on time, the car hire company may impose a late return fee or penalty. Therefore, it is advisable to return your rental car on the date and time specified in your rental agreement.
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Are last-minute bookings available during the New Year holidays?
Yes, last-minute New Year bookings are available. Although popular car categories often sell out days in advance, prices typically rise as we get closer to the trip date. But some last-minute deals do appear. They are unpredictable and usually limited to less popular vehicles or locations. So, booking early is the safest option.
