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Whether you’re only 150 miles from home or working across the country, having a car on your travel nurse assignment makes getting to and from work much easier. But should you put miles on your own car or rent one after flying to your destination? Below are several pros and cons of renting a car for your assignment.
Pros
You won’t have to drive your car across the country. It can sometimes be less expensive to rent a car for the duration of the assignment once you arrive rather than paying for gas, lodging and food to drive there (if the assignment is more than a day or two’s drive from home). If your car has a lot of miles or you’d be driving through unfamiliar country and are concerned about a breakdown, renting a car is the best option.
You won’t have to pay for repairs or maintenance. One perk of renting a car is that the rental company has it inspected regularly, maintains oil and tire changes, and takes care of any mechanical or cosmetic problems. As a busy travel nurse, it may be worth it to rent a car you know has been taken care of, especially if you frequently forget about oil changes and routine maintenance.
You can choose a different car that better accommodates a traveler’s lifestyle. If you’ve always wanted a four-wheel drive vehicle but currently drive a sedan, renting a car is your chance to try out a different model without the commitment of a lease or car loan. Travel assignments in the mountains may warrant a truck or SUV anyway, and renting one saves you from purchasing a new car (if you need to) or driving a gas-guzzling model across the country.
Cons
Rental car costs can add up quickly. When you’re working only 13 weeks on assignment, a rental car might be a great option — but paying for a car for an assignment that’s six months long or longer can become expensive. If you’re concerned about the cost of driving to and from your assignment, find ways to cut costs, such as staying in a KOA for a night instead of in a hotel or packing snacks instead of stopping every few hours for food.
You may be limited on where or how far you can drive your rental car. Some rental car companies, in order to protect renters and avoid damage to their vehicles, declare certain roads (usually unpaved or uneven routes) off-limits. They may also charge more if you put a lot of miles on the car. If you plan to take adventures on your days off and explore wilderness areas, driving your own car is often a better idea. You’ll have more flexibility and won’t worry about damaging a car that isn’t your own.
You’ll most likely have to pack lighter for your assignment. Unless you rent a car to drive to and from your assignments, you’ll be limited to what you can fit in suitcases and carry-on luggage on a flight. Find out what will be included in your housing and determine whether you can fly there with everything you need. It may be more cost-effective to drive to your assignment so you don’t have to purchase bedding, cookware and even large items like TVs or computers once you arrive.
Interested in learning more about travel nursing? Call us for more information at 800.866.0407 or view today’s job openings.
