Vehicle hire for proms and parties: what to look for in a rental car
Hiring a vehicle for a prom or party? Here are 5 things to consider before starting the rental process.
Got a party date in the diary? Teenage kids getting ready for the prom? It's time to think about transport. Have you considered hiring a car to get the partygoers from A to B?
If not, we strongly recommend giving it a go. For reasons we'll explore in more depth later, a rental car can give you flexibility, convenience and a holiday from your usual set of wheels.
Nevertheless, hiring a car involves making a choice – and not all choices are created equal. If you go into a transaction with a hire firm without the right information, you could end up driving an unsuitable vehicle to your shindig.
In this article, we look at the advantages of hiring a car for a prom or a party – as well as essential things to keep in mind when choosing your ride.
So, without further ado, why are rental cars so good for partygoers?
What are the advantages of car rental for a prom or party?
By definition, parties are all about a sense of occasion. There's a reason you've agonised over your shoes and accessories. You want to feel comfortable, happy and a little bit special.
A rental car can help to enhance this sense of occasion. You might love your car – but it's pretty much part of the furniture. Driving your own car to a party is like wearing your comfy TV jumper to a cocktail bar. It's far from unpleasant but also far from exciting.
Renting a car for a party means you get to cosplay for the day. You get to drive a car that's sleeker and easier to handle than what you can currently afford. You get to enjoy a sound system and a level of comfort, space and privacy that are outside your price range.
Plus, you get to rock up in style. What better way to kick off a party?
The same goes for hiring a car for your kids' prom. It all adds to the sense of occasion.
In both cases, it can be great value for money. Sure, if you make a habit of it, you might end up deciding it's more cost-effective to buy. But for one-off proms and parties, car rental is the way to go.
Give things to look for
Convinced? We thought you might be. But before you sign on any dotted line, you need to take a few things into account. Here are five questions to ask when renting a car for a prom or party.
1. Is it the right size?
When it comes to hire cars, size matters. A big part of the point is that you get to travel in style and comfort – so make sure you don't end up squeezed into the back of a too-tight vehicle.
As well as making sure it's the right size for your group, you should also consider boot space. Perhaps you're bringing gifts or a change of clothes. Will all your luggage fit comfortably in the car?
So before you okay your rental agreement, make sure the vehicle doesn't just look the part and that it can fit your party in with room to spare.
2. Is the rental firm reputable?
This is a big one. We won't sit here and scaremonger about cowboy rental firms and the like. But we will say that some firms are better than others and that when you rent a car for a prom or party, you need to be confident that you're working with reputable folks.
This means looking past the car itself and at the firm that's providing it. Is it experienced? Does it have accreditations? What's the overall tone of its online reviews?
A reputable firm will set you up nicely for your party. A bad one will only make your hangover worse.
3. Does it look the part?
If you're looking to make an entrance in style, the make and model alone aren't enough. You also need to be sure that the body of the car is blemish-free.
The only way to do this is to see the car in person and give it a good look. It's like any form of online shopping – pictures don't always tell the truth.
Of course, a good car rental firm will never consciously mislead you. But it's still worth checking in person to avoid disappointment when you pick up your rental vehicle.
4. Is it the best price?
Rental cars are like any other product or service. The same make and model can be marketed at different prices by different firms. For this reason, you should always compare prices before committing to a car.
What could be sweeter than driving an elegant car to your party? Answer: driving an elegant car to your party at the best available price. Buyer beware – you should always compare.
5. Do you understand the contract?
Unless you're a contract lawyer, you probably think contracts are, well, a little dull. But if you don't know what you're signing, you're creating problems for yourself down the road, literally and metaphorically.
Before you agree to anything, you need to be sure you understand the terms and conditions relating to hire duration, cancellation and insurance.
A good firm will always be transparent with you about the details of your contract. If you sense evasiveness on their part, rent elsewhere.
How we can help
Here at Metro Vehicle Hire, we've got a wide range of cars in stock that are suitable for proms or parties in the northeast of England. So if you're looking for a carriage to get you to and from the ball, start by browsing our
premium car rentals. We'll have you on the road in no time.
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