Weekly or monthly car rental: which suits you?

The right rental period depends less on price than on how certain your plans are. This guide sets out how to choose, and what to compare.

Start with how long you need the car

If you know you need a car for less than a month, a weekly rental is the straightforward choice. If you expect to need it for a month or more, ask about the monthly rate, because some cars are priced differently by period.

What to compare

Put the same questions to every rental company, and ask for the answers in writing:

• The rate for your exact dates, and what it includes.
• Any kilometre limit and the cost of going over it.
• The bond or deposit, when it is taken and how quickly it is returned.
• Who pays for servicing, tyres and breakdowns.
• How tolls and fines are handled.
• What happens if you need to return the car early or keep it longer.

If your plans are uncertain

Choose the shorter period and ask whether it can be extended. Extensions depend on whether the car is booked afterwards, so ask early. Starting short and extending is usually easier than ending a longer rental early.