Should you rent a car or borrow one whilst visiting the UK?

Renting a Car – The Positive Aspects Versus Drawbacks

Car rental is a common choice for visitors who want flexibility and reliability when travelling in the UK. With rental companies operating at airports, train stations, and city centres, it’s often a convenient way to purchase a vehicle for your trip.

Benefits of Renting a Car

• Variety of Vehicle Options: Rental companies offer a wide selection of cars, from small city vehicles to larger models for long-distance travel.
• Breakdown Cover: Many rentals include breakdown assistance, which could be useful if you’re unfamiliar with UK roads.
• No Need to Rely on Others: Renting a car means you don’t have to depend on friends or family to lend you their vehicle.
• Available Nationwide: Rental services are widely available, making it easy to pick up and drop off cars in different locations.

Potential Downsides

• Costs: Renting a car for an extended period could be costly, especially when adding extras such as insurance or additional drivers.
• Deposits and Fees: Many rental agreements require a credit card deposit, and unexpected fees for minor damages or fuel policies can add up.
• Paperwork and Restrictions: Rental agreements may have mileage limits, age restrictions, or requirements for specific driving licences.

Borrowing a Car – What to Consider

If you have friends or relatives in the UK, borrowing a car could be a practical and cost-effective alternative. However, before assuming you can just take the keys and drive off, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Advantages of Borrowing a Car

• Lower Cost: Borrowing a car may be a more budget-friendly option compared to renting.
• Familiarity: If you’re visiting family, you may already know the car, making it easier to drive.
• No Rental Restrictions: Borrowing means avoiding mileage caps, additional driver fees, or rental company restrictions.

Things to Check First

• Insurance: Before borrowing a car, ensure that you have appropriate cover in place.
• Vehicle Condition: Check that the car is roadworthy, taxed, and has a valid MOT.
• Breakdown Cover: Find out if the car has breakdown assistance in case of an emergency.

Insurance Considerations

Whether you rent a car or borrow one, having the right insurance is greatly encouraged. Driving without proper cover in the UK is illegal and could result in significant fines and penalties.

For rentals, insurance may be included in the agreement, but it's important to check what level of cover is provided. Some policies may come with high excess charges, meaning you’d need to pay a large sum in the event of damage.

If you’re borrowing a car, arranging temporary cover could be a flexible way to ensure you’re legally allowed to drive without making changes to someone else's existing policy.

What happens if you take the risk and drive uninsured?

Driving in the UK without valid insurance can lead to severe consequences, including:

• A fine of up to £300 and six points on your driving licence.
• The vehicle being seized, with additional costs to recover it.
• Potential long-term increases in insurance costs owing to the offence.

Taking a few minutes to arrange proper cover before driving can help avoid unnecessary complications.

What Matters Most: – Rent or Borrow?

Both renting and borrowing a car whilst visiting the UK come with their own advantages. If you prefer convenience, reliability, and no reliance on others, renting could be the right choice. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution and have access to a friend or family member’s vehicle, borrowing may be the better option.

Need Temporary Cover for a Borrowed Car?

If you’ve decided to borrow a car whilst visiting the UK, make sure you have the right insurance in place before getting behind the wheel. Tap here for a clear and instant short-term insurance quote..