Renting a car for a trip is a common choice, but what if you need to tow a trailer? Whether you are moving, transporting large items, or going on a camping trip, towing can be a practical solution. But the question is “Can you tow a trailer with a rental car?” The answer is not always clear for this. Not all rental cars allow towing, and many rental companies have strict policies against it. Let’s understand through this easy article what happens if my rental car gets towed, whether it is possible to tow a trailer with a rental car, and how to do it safely and legally.
Checking Rental Car Policies
Before you plan to tow anything, check the rental company’s policy. Most rental car companies do not allow towing with their vehicles. They often specify this in the rental agreement. Companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget do not allow you to tow things with their cars as they want to avoid damage and be responsible for problems. Some companies might allow towing with specific vehicles, like trucks or SUVs, but these are exceptions. So, always ask first and get a clear answer.
Towing Policy of Some Top Car Rental Companies
Enterprise: At Enterprise Rent-A-Car, they do not allow you to attach a hitch or tow anything with the rental car. However, if you rent certain pickup trucks from Enterprise Truck Rental, towing can be allowed.
Alamo: Alamo does not let you attach a hitch or tow anything with their rental cars. You can not use their vehicle for towing at all.
SIXT: Same, SIXT does not allow you to use their rental cars for towing anything, whether it is a vehicle, trailer, or any other object. Towing is completely denied with their rentals.
National: Also, National does not let you attach a hitch or tow anything with their rental cars and other vehicles. When you rent from National, you cannot do any kind of towing.
Why Do Most Rental Companies Not Allow Towing?
Rental companies avoid towing mainly to keep their cars safe and in good condition. Towing puts extra pressure on the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and brakes. Rental cars are not typically fitted with the necessary towing gear, like hitches or wiring. So, if there is any damage from towing, it can be costly. Rental companies do not want their cars coming back with damage because fixing them can be expensive and might lead to insurance claims.
Legal and Safety Issues
Towing a trailer with a car that is not suitable for it can be unsafe. It affects the car’s handling, braking, and acceleration. Also, for safety concerns, towing a trailer with an unsuitable vehicle can break local laws. Most rental cars are not registered or insured for towing, which means companies can face legal trouble if an accident happens. Always make sure the vehicle is legally capable of towing before using it. If you Are worried about the possibility of your rental car being towed, make sure to understand the rules. Most rental companies do not allow towing to avoid damage, but if they do, make sure the car has the right equipment. Rental car towed policies can be different between companies, so it is a good idea to ask first to avoid unexpected fees or legal issues.
Common Reasons for Rental Car Towing
While precise regulations vary across cities, typically violations like unpaid parking tickets, overstaying permitted time limits in loading zones, or blocking emergency lanes near fire hydrants can get rental cars towed through police administration orders. Legally the towing companies cannot charge you directly but the rental agency can pass on service charges involved.
Tips to Avoid Rental Car Towing Incidents
- Double check parking signs like snow clearance dates or overnight parking restrictions
- Set reminders for meter payments if parking longer than 2 hours
- Return rental cars on time to avoid lying idle perceptions
- Save tow company contacts in phone to expedite prompt retrieval
What Happens If Your Rental Car Gets Towed?
To understand what happens if a rental car gets towed, follow these steps to resolve the issue quickly:
- Find out where the car is: Look for towing signs near the spot or call local authorities for details. They can help locate your towed rental car.
- Call the rental company: Inform the rental company immediately. They own the car, so only they can get it back from the towing company. Also, they will tell you what to do next.
- Keep your documents ready: Have your rental agreement, driver’s license, and any required papers with you.
- Understand the fees: You may have to pay towing and storage fees depending on the rental company’s policy.
- Check your coverage: Also, if my rental car got towed, I must check insurance policies or benefits that might help cover towing expenses.
What Type of Vehicles Can Tow?
If towing is necessary for you, look for rental options like trucks, SUVs, or vans that are specifically designed for towing. These vehicles typically have the right tools, like a tow hitch and wiring for trailer lights, so you can safely pull a trailer. At the time of booking, please confirm with the rental company whether they allow towing and the vehicle is suitable for towing correctly.
Insurance Considerations
If some rental companies allow towing, you should check your insurance coverage. Rental cars often come with basic insurance, but this usually does not cover towing. If an accident happens while towing, you can be responsible for all damages. So, look for additional coverage or check if your personal auto insurance covers towing with a rental car.
Alternatives to Towing with a Rental Car
If towing with a rental car is not possible, you can consider other alternatives. You can use a moving truck rental that’s designed for towing, or you can ship your items separately. Some services specialize in transporting trailers or heavy items, which can be a safer and more smooth option.
Renting a Trailer Separately
Another option is to rent a trailer separately from a company that specializes in trailers, like U-Haul. U-Haul allows customers to rent trailers and tow them using their own vehicles if suitable. They also offer tow dollies and car carriers. Just make sure your personal vehicle is capable and legal for towing according to the trailer rental company’s criteria.
Preparing for Towing
If you are using a vehicle allowed to tow, check if it is ready to use. Like, you can check the tow rating, confirm the presence of a hitch, and test the lights and brakes on the trailer. Also, secure all items inside the trailer to stop moving during transport. Remember, proper preparation is key to a safe towing experience.
Are There Costs and Fees for Towing?
Be aware that there might be extra costs and fees for towing. If you tow without permission, rental companies may charge extra fees or penalties. Also, if they find any damage because of towing, you might have to pay their expensive repair bills. It is always better to go according to the rules and find out how much it will cost before you make a decision.
Follow The Rules & Be Safe
Breaking the rental company’s rules can cause serious problems. You might have to pay for damages yourself, and it could also hurt your chances of renting cars in the future. What happens when a rental car gets towed? You could face big fines, towing fees, and penalties from the rental company. Some companies might even ban you from renting with them again. To avoid these issues, always follow the rental agreement.
Special Rental Companies for Towing
Specialty rental companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Ryder provide vehicles specifically for towing. These companies offer trucks with high towing capacities, making them ideal for transporting trailers. They also provide the necessary towing tools, which is a main benefit over normal car rental services.
Penske Rental: Penske Rental lets you add tow dollies and car carriers to your reservation. This means you can safely tow your vehicle to your new location when you rent from Penske.
U-Haul: Yes, you can tow with a U-Haul rental truck. U-Haul provides towing equipment for your own vehicle or offers rental trucks if you prefer not to use your personal vehicle for towing.
Plan for Easy Route
When towing a trailer, make sure you plan your route carefully. Avoid routes that have tight turns, steep hills, or low-clearance bridges. Try to go with major highways and avoid heavy city traffic if possible. Remember good planning provides a smoother and safer towing experience.
Tips for Safe Towing
- Drive Slowly: Keep speeds lower than usual to maintain control.
- Brake Early: Extra weight means more time needed to stop, so maintain a good gap before taking brakes.
- Check Mirrors: Keep checking mirrors so you can be aware of the trailer’s position.
- Regular Breaks: Stop your vehicle regularly to check connections and trailer stability.
Conclusion
Towing a trailer with a rental car is generally not recommended due to restrictions, safety issues, and potential legal implications. Always read the rental agreement and follow the company’s rules. If towing is necessary, consider renting a truck or SUV from a specialty provider that allows towing. By planning and choosing the right vehicle, you can confirm a safe and hassle-free towing experience.
