How rentals will work in COVID-19 world

Rental car companies Avis and Budget have outlined how they’ll protect customers and staff in post-COVID-19 New Zealand.

Avis has announced its Avis Safety Pledge, and Budget has introduced its Worry-free Promise.

Both companies say every rental is cleaned carefully before being handed over. High touch-point surfaces like the steering wheel, indicators, dashboard, hand grips, in-car entertainment controls, cup holders, keys, centre consoles, and all door handles, both inside and out, get special attention.

Both are practising social distancing measures at their locations which have protective screens on the counters, and employees wear personal protective equipment.

Avis says its customers can pick up and drop off vehicles with minimal contact. The contactless experience can be enhanced by using the Avis App.

Direct rental bookings are more flexible. Customers who booked directly with Avis can modify or cancel any reservation made in New Zealand for rentals starting before August 31, without any additional fee.

Budget has removed cancellation fees for rentals that start before August 31 and allows customers to modify reservations at no extra cost.

Budget says its promise allows customers to pick up and drop off vehicles with minimal contact. Paperless rental agreements have been instated and upon returning the vehicle customers will receive their booking receipt by email.

Tom Mooney, managing director of Avis Pacific and Budget Pacific says that “as domestic travel restrictions have eased, we want Kiwis to feel reassured that we’re doing all that we can to deliver a clean and safe rental service.”

He hopes customers will consider rentals a safer option to other transport modes.

“Car rental is currently in a unique position as it can provide a private travel solution…where the customer can control their own environment.”