Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Whether it's higher prices or lack of available cars, for some travelers this holiday weekend, the experience of renting a car will be a costly experience.
Experts tell WBEN several COVID pandemic related factors are in play.
The COVID pandemic led to a shortage in microchips used in today's cars. "We're still in the middle of that, but during COVID, there was a period where no one was renting vehicles. So the rental car companies sold them to dealers who turned around and sold them because there's a high demand for used vehicles," says the 'Car Coach' Lauren Fix.
"Now, people are traveling again and they're expecting the rental cars to be there, but the rental car companies try to order them, and they can't get them like everybody else."
Fix says renters are in a pickle because of the shortage. "There's no more low dollar or cheap car rental available, so if you're going on vacation, book the rental car first," advises Fix. Triple A says rental car rates have gone up 86 percent from a year ago.
At the AAA of Western and Central New York, Elizabeth Carey says depending on where you're going or how popular your destination is, there's still a chance you could get a car to rent this weekend. Carey agrees with Fix on the order of travel arrangements. "Triple A recommends booking well in advance. It used to be I need to get my flight, then my hotel, and I can add on my rental car at the very end. That's not the case anymore, you should make sure you have that first," says Carey, and make sure you have the right car and price for you.
Carey says it will take some time to replenish the microchips needed for new cars to be completed. Fix says Japanese brands have been ahead of domestic brands in catching up. "We should see Nissans and Hondas coming into manufacturing but keep in mind there's a backlog of cars going to dealerships. Along with that, you have a fleet buyer, which is like Hertz or Avis or Enterprise, so you won't see an easing up on prices until the fourth quarter of this year," says Fix.
Fix says some folks have been getting creative in renting vehicles. "I've heard some people use Turo where you can use someone else's vehicle, and I've also heard of people using U-Hauls," says Fix. She warns if you haven't paid for the rental car in advance, don't be surprised if your vehicle isn't there. "That has happened to people who just had a number, but didn't make a deposit. There is no vehicle available but the vehicle they rented in that category is not there," notes Fix. Fix says those who made deposits but didn't have their cars will get refunds.
Fix urges people to be careful and go with known rental brands. "There are some people who have taken out ads like an AirBNB where you can rent their vehicles, but they're not there," says Fix.
