Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, need an economy-sized vehicle for an upcoming business meeting, or just need to get around for a few days in a different city, the best car rental apps can help.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 11 of the best car rental app options available in 2023 that will make sure your travels go smoothly and you arrive at your destination safely. Let’s get started!
What is the Best Car Rental App?
Turo is a leading car rental app in 2023, providing services in 56 countries and over 5,000 cities. With a wide selection of car models, easy communication with hosts, and the option to earn money by renting your own car, Turo stands out in the market. Renters benefit from affordable options, insurance savings, under-25 rental options, and a seamless pick-up/drop-off process. To get started, download the Turo app for Android and iOS.
How to Choose the Best Car Rental App
Choosing the right car rental app for your needs can be difficult. Here are four key criteria to consider when choosing a car rental app:
Cost of Rentals
When looking into car rental apps, the cost of renting a vehicle is one of the most important considerations. The cost should reflect your budget and needs, so make sure you’re getting a good deal at an affordable rate.
Range of Cars Available
Another factor to consider is the range of cars available. Look for an app that provides you with a wide selection of vehicles, from hatchbacks to luxury sedans, so you don’t have to settle for something that doesn’t fit your needs.
Quality and Reliability
The quality and reliability of any car rental app are essential when selecting one. Make sure that your chosen platform is reliable and has positive customer reviews. This will help ensure that you get the best experience possible when using their services.
User Interface & Experience
Finally, take note of the user interface and experience offered by each car rental app you investigate. Some apps may provide a better overall experience than others, from booking a vehicle quickly and easily to finding a specific kind of vehicle type in mere seconds.
The 11 Best Car Rental Apps to Consider
With so many options out there it can be overwhelming to find the right car rental app. Here’s a guide to the 11 best car rental apps that you should consider. Start exploring now and start your journey with confidence.
1. Getaround App
Getaround revolutionizes transportation with its innovative car-sharing platform. Through its website, drivers seeking the perfect vehicle can easily locate and reserve vehicles from private car owners who are willing to share their rides for a fee. As of 2019, Getaround had garnered a substantial following, boasting 5 million users and a fleet of 20,000 shared cars globally.
Key Features:
Quick and easy signup process
Verification speeds up access to car browsing
Rent cars, trucks, convertibles, or vans for hours or days
Getaround Connect® technology helps locate and unlock cars via phone
Pros:
Quick and simple
Positive impact on the environment
Safe, with insurance and driving record checks included
Cons:
Can be more costly than competitors
Higher chance of user and owner dissatisfaction
Limited locations available
Download the Getaround app for Android and iOS.
2. Turo
Turo lets you skip the rental car counter with the world’s largest peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. With Turo, you can even start your own car-sharing business. Turo takes pride in its commitment to sustainability, offsetting 100{5c94e41db43f1643af886a760ed785f3e6f3e4efec1ac57b512d948d7f011ae0} of its estimated global carbon emissions. This means that as you utilize their platform to grow your scalable car-sharing business or fulfill your travel aspirations, you can do so with peace of mind knowing that Turo has taken responsibility for its impact on the environment.
Key Features:
Turo offers car rental services in 56 countries and over 5,000 cities
Filter through delivery options and car features
Choose from 800+ car models
Easily communicate with the host through the app
Earn money as a car owner by sharing your car on Turo
Pros:
Affordable car rental options
Insurance cost savings
Under 25 rental options
Smooth pick-up/drop-off process
Connect with local renters
Helpful rental reviews
Cons:
Limited one-way rental options
Possibility of pick-up/drop-off inconvenience
Download the Turo app for Android and iOS.
3. Zipcar
Zipcar is available in the US, UK, Canada, Costa Rica, Iceland, Turkey, and Taiwan. Find the perfect car using their app, which will give you access to 3,000+ cars and vans throughout the globe.
Key Features:
Hourly or daily Zipcar reservation
Wide range of vehicle options (sedans, hybrids, vans, etc.)
Sort cars based on availability, make, and model
View future reservations
Get directions to your Zipcar
Locate your reserved Zipcar by honking its horn
Pros:
Wide range of affordable car options
Cars are available 24/7 with constant access
Insurance coverage included in the rental fee
Toll passes and gas cards are provided in the car
No need to use your personal credit card for gas
Cons:
Risk of unpleasant odors (e.g. smoke, body odor)
No guarantee of compliance with cleaning rules
Need to fill up the car before returning, with no guarantee of the previous driver doing so
Additional fees can accumulate with poor mileage tracking
Long road trips may be better served by traditional car rental companies with unlimited daily rates
Download the Zipcar app for Android and iOS.
4. carSHAiR
carSHAIR created a car-sharing platform that goes beyond just driving and ownership. The goal was to empower car owners, promote financial literacy, and give back to the community. They also donate a portion of their profits to charity.
Key Features:
Get access to a vehicle when and where you need it
Use your parked car to earn money through car sharing with carSHAiR
carSHAiR simplifies the process of turning your car into a source of passive income
As a carSHAiR member, you have access to a community of verified members and secure authentication
carSHAiR markets your car for you, making it easier for you to earn passive income
Get help and support whenever you need it with carSHAiR’s 24/7 live concierge support
Pros:
User-friendly app
Accessible for non-tech savvy individuals
Exceptional customer support
Cons:
Challenging photo upload process
5 business days to receive payment for a completed trip
Long processing time for reimbursement requests
Only available in Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Atlanta
Download the carSHAiR app for Android and iOS.
5. Lyft Rentals
Lyft Rentals simplifies car rental with no paperwork or counter wait. Rent a car for any purpose, be it a weekend trip, business travel, or errands, with the flexibility offered by Lyft Rentals.
Key Features:
Discount for multi-day trips and new users
Free car upgrades
Automatic local gas rate charging without added fees
All within the Lyft app
Pros:
Easy-to-use app for both Android and iOS users
Variety of vehicle options from private owners and Sixt partnership
Free Lyft credit to the pickup location
Free car accessories like car seats and ski racks
Unlimited mileage
Cons:
Limited to 16 states
$10 Lyft credit may not fully cover transportation to the rental lot
Not user-friendly for non-tech people
Download the Lyft riders app for Android and iOS.
6. Uber Rent
Find the perfect car for any occasion with Uber’s rental service, powered by its partners. Choose from well-known brands, and enjoy flexible scheduling and add-ons, all at great prices, through the Uber app.
Key Features:
Flexible rental duration from 1 to 12 hours
Add or remove stops on the go, up to 5 stops at a time
Convenient, stress-free transportation with no parking or traffic worries
Book on the Uber app for short-term car rental anytime
Pros:
The Uber car rental option offers a cost-effective solution for those who can’t afford car ownership
The rental partners handle all maintenance and repair needs, ensuring you a hassle-free experience. If your car breaks down, they’ll provide a replacement
Choose rental duration to fit your needs and rent when needed, even if you already own a car
Enjoy driving newer, well-maintained cars with the Uber rental program, avoiding the worries of older vehicle issues
Cons:
Careful reading is required to avoid extra insurance or mileage charges from rental partners
Access to rides may be scarce in rural areas, small towns, or some cities
Download the Uber app for Android and iOS.
7. HyreCar
Rent a car for rideshare, delivery, and more with HyreCar. Drive as needed and earn on your terms with rentals for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, and others. Choose from daily, weekly, or monthly options.
Key Features:
HyreCar is a top peer-to-peer car-sharing platform for gig workers
Book a suitable car from local owners for your rideshare or delivery work
Helps find new ride options during car repairs or to save personal car miles
Local car owners can list their vehicles and become car-sharing entrepreneurs
Pros:
Ideal for both new and experienced gig workers
Gig workers can achieve financial freedom with HyreCar
Tons of cars to choose from
Cons:
Can be an expensive long-term solution
All the cars have daily mileage limits set by owners, typically ranging from 150-300 miles
Car pickup/drop-off must be coordinated with the individual owner
Download the HyreCar app for Android and iOS.
8. Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a proud American company founded on principles of honesty, integrity, and community service. Today, it’s the largest car rental business with over 8,000 global locations, offering car rental, sharing, sales, and more.
Key Features:
Free travel planner app for the US, Canada, Europe, and Latin America
Award-winning customer service
Vehicle options from economy to luxury car rental
Industry-leading cleanliness and sanitization of every rental car
Pros:
Enterprise offers low rates for short-term car rentals
Over 8,000 locations worldwide with free pickup from hotel/home (not airport)
No hidden fees and a loyalty reward program, Enterprise Plus, is available
Points earned for money spent on rentals with expedited in-store service
Additional 10{5c94e41db43f1643af886a760ed785f3e6f3e4efec1ac57b512d948d7f011ae0} after 6 rentals, free car upgrades for 12 and 24 rentals
Cons:
A young driver fee of $25 may apply
Long-term rentals may have better deals elsewhere
Additional driver fee of $15 per day, except for spouse/domestic partner
Download the Enterprise app for Android and iOS.
9. Budget
Plan your trip with Budget Car Rental for savings on car rentals, with top deals, rates, and accessories. Budget, founded in 1958 in LA by Morris Mirkin, is a well-respected global car rental company known for its excellence and value.
Key Features:
Book, change, or cancel car rentals 24/7
Locate nearby Budget car rental locations with addresses and operating hours
Get directions to your Budget rental location
Fastbreak members have a single hub for all rentals
Get on-road support with Roadside Assistance
Pros:
Streamlined process, no complicated steps
Wide range of vehicle options and customization
Easy profile and reservation modification
Cons:
The app may have occasional difficulties in determining location, but restarting the app usually resolves the issue
Download the Budget app for Android and iOS.
10. Alamo
Alamo offers low car rental rates at popular destinations worldwide, with a fleet of over 150,000 cars serving 15 million travelers annually. It is the third-largest car rental company in the US.
Key Features:
Find rental locations and reserve a car using filters
View all your rentals in one place
Prepare for pickup with Accelerated Check-In
Get 24/7 support and help with FAQs
Pros:
Simple reservation process
Available discounts
Convenient online check-in
Members who are part of the rewards program receive a 5{5c94e41db43f1643af886a760ed785f3e6f3e4efec1ac57b512d948d7f011ae0} discount
Cons:
Fees for drivers under 25
Credit card requirement
A limited number of locations, with the majority being located at airports
Download the Alamo app for Android and iOS.
11. Hertz
Hertz offers diverse car rental options and convenient locations worldwide and prioritizes customer service for all types of trips. With over 10,000 airport and neighborhood locations across 145 countries, Hertz provides quick rental access that also provides car rental franchise opportunities.
Key Features:
One-touch log-in feature
Easy navigation with menus and features tailored for mobile use
Save time by using previous searches to book your next car rental quickly
Find Hertz locations worldwide with information on hours of operation, contact details, and directions
Get special deals and content through Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership
Pros:
Free upgrades, no extra driver fees, and more with the Hertz rewards program
AAA members get special discounts
Free pick-up and drop-off service, except at airports
Hertz guarantees the best rate with an extra 10{5c94e41db43f1643af886a760ed785f3e6f3e4efec1ac57b512d948d7f011ae0} off if you find a lower rate elsewhere
Cons:
Non-Gold Plus members pay an additional daily fee for each additional driver
Higher rates for shorter rentals compared to competitors
Reports of overcharging for gas and extras, especially in foreign locations
Download the Hertz app for Android and iOS.
The Bottom Line
There are many different car rental and vehicle-related apps available in 2023, each with its own unique features and benefits. There are even parking apps to get you an open spot without wandering around all day long. Whatever your needs may be, there is sure to be an app that meets them. From budget-friendly options to luxury services, the best car rental apps provide a convenient experience for all travelers. With so many different options, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you, but hopefully, these reviews will help you find the perfect fit.
What app lets you rent someone’s car?
Turo is a popular app that lets you rent someone’s car. It offers cars from hundreds of makes and models, giving you a wide variety of options to choose from. On Turo, you can filter your search by price, location, type of vehicle, amenities, and more. You can also read reviews from past renters to get an idea of what other people think about the vehicles before renting them. With its reasonable prices and convenient services, Turo is a great option for rental car needs.
Is there an app for car rentals like Airbnb?
Yes, there are several apps that offer car rental services much like Airbnb. For instance, Getaround allows users to rent a car from people in their local community.
You can view available vehicles and book your rental instantly without having to go through a rental agency or dealership. Plus, the prices are often cheaper than traditional car rentals due to reduced overhead costs for the owner of the vehicle.
What is the easiest place to get a rental car from?
The easiest place to get rental cars is often through an online platform. Apps such as Turo and Getaround provide convenient car rental services that are often cheaper than traditional agencies. With these apps, you can view available vehicles in your area and book a rental with just a few clicks. They’ll also have reviews from past renters so you can ensure you get a quality vehicle.
What car rental fees will I pay with a car rental service and app?
When renting a car through a car rental service or app, you will typically be charged for the rental itself, which is usually calculated on a daily or weekly basis, and any additional fees such as taxes and surcharges. You may also be required to pay for insurance, fuel, and any additional equipment or services you need, such as a GPS or a child seat. Note that keeping GPS running continuously in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
How much does a car rental service and app cost?
The cost of renting a car through a car rental app or service can vary depending on various factors such as the type of vehicle, the length of the rental, and the location. However, on average, a daily rental for an economy car can cost around $30 to $40, while a more luxurious or larger vehicle can cost $70 to $100 or more per day. Keep in mind that these are just average costs and prices can fluctuate based on factors like location, availability, and time of the year.
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This article, “Discovering the Best Car Rental App The 11 Best Options in 2023” was first published on Small Business Trends