Lease-a-car and auto rentals are interchangeable terms. They have a few similarities but work differently from one another.
Similarities
- You will pay for car usage.
- You don’t own the car.
Providers like Lease A Car Direct Services sell as well as lease cars. They are a recognized auto broker in South Florida. You are sure to get the car of your dream in their showroom as they deal with branded car manufacturers.
Dissimilarities
Here is the distinctiveness between auto rentals and lease-a-car.
Usage period
Auto rentals are for short-term usages like for a couple of weeks or few days. It is a great option for traveling to a particular destination for a weekend or a week, where you need a car to drive around. Car rental is also an alternative if your vehicle is in the repair shop for a short time.
A car lease is a long-term usage alternative. Lease contracts generally last for three to four years. Renting a car for this long can be extremely costly.
Insurance needs
A lease-a-car option needs insurance, which is an extra cost, yet layered protection. On car rentals insurance is not compulsory. You get to choose a coverage option but many people get it even if it is not needed for protection. It covers them because accidents are unavoidable even if you rent the car for a couple of days.
Car Options
Leasing providers offer an array of car models, so finding the desired vehicle is made easy. Car rentals have limited options therefore you may not be able to find the latest model. You can even end up with whatever is remaining in their lot.
Possibility of ownership
If you like the vehicle, the Lease-a-car alternative allows the lessee to purchase the car at the end of the lease contract at the pre-defined price mentioned in the agreement. The lessee can even terminate the agreement or renew it with the same model or choose a different one.
When is it suitable to lease or rent a car?
Car leasing is suitable for those who need semi-permanent or permanent transportation mode. Car rental is good when you need transportation for a short term.
How lease a car works?
Car leasing is a long-term rental. You pay upfront and some legal charges before signing a lease contract. At the end of the contract, you need to determine if you wish to purchase the car, return the keys or start a new lease.
What gets covered in a lease agreement?
- How much upfront amount to pay, when the lease starts?
- The duration of the lease [generally lasts for 3 to 4 years].
- The car’s current value and its residual worthiness at lease expiry.
- Fees to be paid when the car is returned.
- Rent charge or money factor [just like interest rate].
- Potential early termination charges.
- Mileage allowance and per-mile charges if mileage cap exceeds.
- Lease payment default conditions.
The rules can look restrictive but the lessor is the owner and you will be expected to return the vehicle in good condition when the lease ends.