When hiring a car, you will often be presented with a choice: unlimited mileage or limited mileage, also known as a mileage cap. Which of these you opt for will depend very much on your circumstances when driving.
Hiring a car
Hiring a car is often a practical option when you are on holiday or if you do not own a car but need one for a short period. When hiring a car, don’t forget about insurance. It is also a good idea to take out car hire excess insurance to protect against the financial consequences of an accident or theft.
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited mileage is exactly as it sounds – it doesn’t matter whether you drive five miles or a thousand miles during your hire period. This is ideal if you are on a road trip, as you will not need to watch the miles.
If you need help planning a road trip, Wandering Bird has lots of advice to ensure a smooth experience. Remember that unlimited mileage is usually restricted to the country in which you hire the vehicle, which is worth bearing in mind if you are travelling in Europe and intend to cross borders.
Limited mileage
Limited mileage will set the number of miles you can drive per day during your hire period. This amount can vary, so you should be sure you know what it is. You will be charged for every mile or kilometre you go over this rate. A mileage cap can be a cost-effective option if, for example, you are driving a short distance from an airport and are then planning to stay in the same area for the duration of your trip.
Accidents can happen, even on short drives, so make sure you are insured, including car hire excess insurance from a reputable company such as moneymaxim.co.uk/car-hire-excess-insurance.
Which is best?
Deciding which is best will depend on your trip. If in doubt, discuss your needs with your car hire company, and don’t be afraid to shop around to help you get the best possible deal.