Is Routes Car Rental Legit? My Experience and Tips
My first time renting a car in Orlando was a wild ride! I found a great deal with Routes Car Rental, but the low price made me wonder, “Is Routes Car Rental legit?” I’ve rented cars across the USA, and I’m here to share my experience, tips, and research to help you decide if Routes is right for you. This article covers what Routes is, how to book safely, pros and cons, and answers to common questions. It’s written for everyone, from first-timers to car rental pros, in simple words anyone can get.
What Is Routes Car Rental?
Routes Car Rental is a Canadian company started in 1998. It offers cars in places like Orlando, Calgary, and Los Angeles, often at lower prices than big names like Hertz. Why does its legitimacy matter? Low prices can raise red flags, and nobody wants a rental scam ruining their trip. I learned this the hard way when a too-good-to-be-true deal left me with hidden fees!
Routes operates in over 200 locations, mostly in North America. They’re known for budget-friendly rates and airport pick-up options. But their mixed reviews on sites like Trustpilot (3.6/5 from 4,919 customers) make people question their reliability. Let’s dig into whether Routes is legit.
How to Book with Routes Car Rental: A Simple Guide
Booking with Routes is no sweat if you follow these steps. I used their website for a trip to Denver, and here’s what I did:
- Check the Website: Go to Routes’ official site. Compare prices with sites like Kayak or Expedia.
- Read the Fine Print: Look for extra fees like toll charges or insurance costs. I missed this once and got a surprise $100 fee!
- Choose Your Car: Pick a car that fits your needs. Economy cars are cheapest, but SUVs are great for groups.
- Confirm Insurance: Routes may push their insurance. Check if your credit card or personal insurance covers rentals to save money.
- Book Early: Early bookings often get better rates. I saved $50 by booking two weeks ahead for my Orlando trip.
Visual Idea: An infographic showing these five steps with icons for each (e.g., a laptop for “Check the Website”).
Benefits of Renting with Routes
Routes has some big wins that make it appealing:
- Low Prices: Often cheaper than major brands. I got a compact car for $25/day in Chicago!
- Flexible Pick-Up: Airport and city locations make it easy to grab your car.
- Variety of Cars: From economy to vans, there’s something for everyone.
But there are drawbacks. Some customers report long shuttle waits or pushy upsells. My Denver pick-up took 30 minutes, which wasn’t too bad, but I’ve heard worse.
Drawbacks and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Routes isn’t perfect. Here are some pitfalls and how to dodge them:
- Hidden Fees: Watch out for toll fees or cleaning charges. Always ask for a full cost breakdown.
- Insurance Upsells: Routes may insist on their insurance. I saved $200 by using my credit card’s coverage instead.
- Shuttle Delays: Airport shuttles can be slow. Plan extra time or call ahead to check shuttle status.
Visual Idea: A checklist graphic of “Things to Check Before Renting” (fees, insurance, shuttle times).
Comparing Routes to Competitors
Here’s how Routes stacks up against two big competitors:
| Feature | Routes | Hertz | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Rate (Compact Car) | $25-$40 | $40-$60 | $35-$55 |
| Airport Pick-Up | Yes, with shuttle | Yes, on-site | Yes, on-site |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.6/5 | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Hidden Fees | Possible toll/insurance fees | Fewer surprises | Moderate fees |
Table 1: Routes vs. Competitors (Based on my research and experience)
Routes often wins on price, but Hertz and Enterprise may offer smoother service. I’d pick Routes for short, budget trips but Hertz for business travel.
My Personal Tips for Renting with Routes
After renting cars for years, here’s my advice for Routes:
- Double-Check Fees: Ask for a total price quote before signing. It saved me from a $150 deposit surprise once!
- Bring Proof of Insurance: Have your insurance details ready to avoid upsells.
- Inspect the Car: Check for damage before driving off. I once found a scratch and reported it to avoid a fee.
Visual Idea: A photo-based guide showing how to inspect a rental car (e.g., checking tires, mirrors).
Alternatives to Routes Car Rental
If Routes feels risky, try these options:
- Hertz: Reliable, but pricier. Great for business travelers.
- Enterprise: Known for great customer service. I had a smooth rental in Atlanta.
- Turo: Rent cars from locals. It’s fun but less predictable.
Here’s a quick comparison of alternatives:
| Company | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Reliable, many locations | Higher cost |
| Enterprise | Great service, free upgrades | Limited budget options |
| Turo | Unique cars, flexible | Varies by owner |
Table 2: Alternatives to Routes (Based on my rentals and reviews)
Is Routes Car Rental Legit? My Verdict
Routes is a legit company, not a scam. They’ve been around since 1998 and serve thousands yearly. But their low prices come with risks like hidden fees or spotty service. My Orlando rental was cheap and decent, but I had to push back on an insurance upsell. Check reviews on Trustpilot and BBB before booking. If you’re careful, Routes can be a great budget pick.
Conclusion
Routes Car Rental is legit and can save you money, but it’s not flawless. Their low prices and flexible pick-ups are awesome, but watch out for hidden fees and shuttle delays. Follow my tips—check fees, bring insurance proof, inspect the car—and you’re set for a smooth ride. Ready to book your next car? Try Routes for a budget trip, or share your rental stories with me! Let’s hit the road!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Routes Car Rental a Scam?
No, Routes Car Rental is not a scam. It’s a real company operating since 1998 with locations across North America. However, some customers report hidden fees, so read the fine print carefully.
Are Routes’ Prices Too Good to Be True?
Not always, but low prices can come with extra fees like tolls or insurance. I got a $25/day car, but I had to confirm all costs upfront to avoid surprises.
How Reliable Are Routes’ Cars?
Routes’ cars are generally reliable but may be older models. I rented a clean compact car in Chicago, but always inspect your car before driving off.
Does Routes Have Good Customer Service?
Customer service varies. My Denver experience was okay, but some Trustpilot reviews mention rude staff or long waits. Check reviews for your location.
Can I Use My Own Insurance with Routes?
Yes, but Routes may require proof. I used my credit card’s insurance and saved $200. Bring your insurance details to avoid their pricey coverage.
What Are Routes’ Hidden Fees?
Watch for toll fees ($10-$35/day), cleaning fees, or insurance costs. Ask for a full quote before booking to avoid surprises like I did once!
Is Routes Better Than Hertz or Enterprise?
Routes is cheaper but riskier with fees and service. Hertz and Enterprise are pricier but more consistent. Pick Routes for budget trips, Hertz for reliability.
