Report say using car rental can help people own fewer cars and change travel habits

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) released a Press Release the week before last that says  "A major survey of UK customers has concluded that using car rental can help people own fewer cars and adopt more sustainable travel habits"

It goes on to point out that the new research, conducted by transport research body TRL on behalf of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), provides a fascinating insight into the travel habits and motivation of 3,700 car rental customers. It found that rental is used by a diverse range of people for a wide variety of purposes. In particular:

• Car rental enables a large number of drivers to avoid owning a car or to own fewer cars.

• On average, rental customers have more sustainable travel habits than the average licence holder.

• On average, rental cars are used more efficiently than private cars.

• Car rental trips are often linked with other forms of transport.

The findings build on research completed last year, which showed that, compared to the average private car, the average rental car is newer, better maintained and emits less pollution per mile driven.

They were welcomed by Transport Minister Norman Baker who said:
“This report shows that rental cars can encourage greater use of sustainable transport, easing congestion on our roads and cutting carbon emissions. When people travel, we want them to get from door-to-door with a smaller environmental footprint.

“Pay-as-you-go car use also encourages people to consider alternative forms of travel and this report shows that those using these schemes tend to walk and cycle more often, helping to improve health and quality of life.”

The BVRLA believes that the findings support its call for car rental to be given greater consideration by policymakers.
“This survey has established that car rental customers have similar travel habits to users of car clubs,” said BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney.


“We believe that car rental, car clubs and car sharing are part of the same family of pay-as-you-go motoring options that all contribute to a more sustainable, less intensive approach to car use, particularly in urban areas.” More information here

So if you rent a Pay as you go / car club car what do you do regarding excess insurance?

Well some of the car hire excess insurance companies have entered this market in the UK. Companies like Questor Insurance, iCarhireinsurance, Worldwideinsure and Insurance4carhire. Find out more here