What Is a One-Way Car Rental and How Does It Work?

What is a one-way car rental?

One-way car rentals let you pick up a car of your choice at one location and drop it off at another, removing the need to return to your starting point if you’re traveling in one direction.

Here are several situations when a one-way car rental could help streamline your trip:

• Airport travel: Your airline may cancel or delay your flight, and a one-way car rental can be an alternative option to arrive at your destination.
• Road trips: Planning a scenic cross-country trip doesn’t have to include the headache of circling back to drop off a vehicle. One-way rentals allow you to start your journey in one city and finish it in another.
• Moving: Renting a car one-way can simplify your next move. You can load up the car in a convenient location and drop it off near your new house.
  

   

How do one-way car rentals work?

One-way car rentals typically involve a reservation, pick-up, drop-off and an understanding of common rental company policies and coverage.

The rental car reservation process

Booking a car usually requires you to complete a simple reservation process over the phone, online or in person. Before booking, you should consider who will drive and whether the rental car company can accommodate a one-way reservation. 

Once you finalize all your details, you’ll select a vehicle based on:

• Pick-up and return dates
• The time of day and locations for pick-up and drop-off
• Your driving preferences, like vehicle type or safety and tech features

The rental car pick-up process

When you pick up the vehicle, you often need:

• Your booking confirmation
• A current driver's license
• An up-to-date driver's license for any secondary drivers
• A credit card with a limit that meets or exceeds the car's security deposit

During the pick-up process, you’ll usually sign a rental policy before receiving the keys. You may also choose different rental car insurance options with varying coverage types, especially if you already have existing auto insurance that extends to rentals. Then, you’ll inspect the car for damage and record any nicks or scratches before driving to your destination.

Common rental car policies

Your rental company’s policy usually specifies how and when you can cancel or modify a reservation, whether pets can ride with you, how the company processes refunds and how long it may take to receive the refund. Your policy may or may not come with complete coverage, but you can often add insurance. 

Here are common rental car insurance policies that you can choose from:

• A collision damage waiver covers car damage after a crash or collision
• Liability insurance usually covers costs that you incur if you get in an accident that injures someone or damages their property
• Personal accident insurance typically covers the medical bills that you or any passengers may receive after an accident
• Personal effects coverage often covers the costs of personal items stolen from inside the car

The rental car drop-off process

You can usually return your one-way rental car to the designated location at the specified time you chose during the reservation process. After parking the car and checking for all your belongings, leave the keys with the rental agency staff.

Here are some special rental return cases to be aware of:

• If the designated drop-off location is closed or unstaffed, you can typically park the vehicle there and leave the keys in the company-labeled drop box
• If you’re returning the car to an airport, you can often park it in the rental company’s lot and leave the keys in the appropriate key box or glove compartment inside the car

How to find the best one-way car rental for you

Here are some aspects to remember when searching for the most affordable one-way car rental for your needs.

• Look into potential rental-car fees: Some rental car companies might charge you to add extra drivers, unlock satellite or global positioning system (GPS) features or select more insurance or roadside assistance packages. If you don’t need those amenities, be sure to opt out.
• Factor in the cost of gas: Whether your rental agent suggests refilling the tank before returning the car or paying a potentially lower fee for returning it empty, be mindful of your gas budget. 
• Anticipate limited vehicle availability: Depending on the rental company that you choose, some vehicles or body types may not be available during certain days, holidays or seasons.
• Research cross-border policies: You may also need to check if your rental agency has a state or international border policy if you’re crossing state or country lines.
  

   

Tips for securing affordable one-way car rentals

Here are some tips for preparing for your journey and saving money on a one-way car rental:

1. Book ahead of time

Earlier booking may mean lower rates since prices tend to rise closer to your travel date. 

2. Check for promotions and compare

Booking platforms may offer you lower prices than rental companies and vice versa, so use travel sites to compare deals before cross-referencing prices with a company, which may be open to negotiating its prices.

3. Check the policies

Policies on fees, tolls, insurance and gas refills may vary depending on the company and location. Understanding all the details before signing a policy can help you avoid surprise charges.

4. Arrive early and ask questions

The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have to ask questions and inspect the car for any damage.

5. Map out your return

Make sure you have enough time to fill up the tank if necessary or arrive within company operating hours if you need to speak with an agent upon returning the vehicle.

6. Avoid airport pickups

While convenient, picking up your rental at an airport often costs more than other locations, so opting for an alternative nearby pick-up may save you money.

7. Go for smaller economy vehicles

In addition to added gas efficiency, smaller cars can have lower rental rates and cost less overall. 

8. Use credit card points

Some financial institutions may simplify and potentially help offset one-way car rental costs through platforms like Citi Travel, where eligible cardmembers can:

• Conveniently book through Citi Mobile^® App
• Easily pay with cash back or credit card points through Citi Travel and collect ThankYou^® Points
• Eventually redeem those points to pay for future travel

A one-way car rental could be the flexible, convenient solution for your next road trip, move or unexpected journey. You can simplify and save on one-way car rentals by booking ahead of time, comparing options, redeeming travel points through Citi Travel and understanding your policy. With proper preparation, a one-way rental could be a smart, fun choice for reaching your destination.

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