April 20267 min readBest Car Hire

Long-term car hire — anything from a month to a year — is a different market from holiday rentals. The pricing structures, insurance options and best suppliers are distinct from short-term hire. Here's how to navigate it.

When does long-term hire make sense?

  • Extended work assignment abroad
  • Relocating to a new country
  • Waiting for a new car to arrive
  • Extended travel or sabbatical
  • Seasonal residents in a second-home country

How pricing works

Long-term hire is almost always cheaper per day than short-term hire from the same supplier. A car that costs $60/day for a week might cost $35–$40/day for a month. However, the relationship isn't always linear — some suppliers charge progressively lower rates the longer the hire, while others plateau after 28 days.

Always get a quote specifically for your duration rather than assuming the weekly rate scales down.

Insurance for long-term hire

Standard short-term hire insurance is typically included up to 28 or 30 days. Beyond this:

  • Some suppliers offer their own extended cover at a daily rate
  • Third-party long-term rental insurance policies are available and usually cheaper
  • Some travel insurance policies cover car hire but only for trips of limited duration — check your policy
Annual car hire insurance: If you hire cars regularly for more than a few weeks a year, an annual excess insurance policy is very cost-effective — typically $60–$120/year for unlimited hire cover.

Mileage limits

Long-term hire contracts often include mileage limits — e.g. 1,500 km per month. Excess mileage charges can be significant ($0.10–$0.25 per km). If you're planning to drive extensively, negotiate an unlimited mileage contract or one with a higher monthly cap.

Alternatives to consider

  • Leasing — for stays of 6+ months, a lease or personal contract hire may be cheaper and simpler
  • TT (Tourist Tax) leasing — available in France for non-EU residents; provides a brand-new car with all-inclusive insurance, often cheaper than hire for stays of 17 days to 6 months
  • Car subscription services — monthly rolling contracts becoming available in more markets

Best suppliers for long-term hire

The major brands (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) all offer long-term rates. Local and regional suppliers can often be more competitive for extended hire. Use our comparison to find the best rate for your specific duration — enter your exact dates rather than a standard weekly period.

Compare long-term car hire prices now — enter your full hire period for an accurate quote.