Rental Car Companies Announce New Measures Following Covid-19 Advisories
Some offer booking waivers while others provide newer incentives
Following on the heels of Budget’s recent announcement on how the company was going to adjust to the Covid-19 pandemic, some of its competitors have also announced what measures they plan to take.
Avis waiving cancellation fees, adding flexibility
Avis has added a Coronavirus page, assuring its customer base it was doing what it can to ensure those who book their services will be safe driving their fleet. Additionally, the company also made public procedures to make bookings more flexible.
“The safety of our customers and staff is of paramount importance to us and we are closely monitoring the news, information, advice and guidance from the World Health Organization and local authorities regarding the spread of the Coronavirus,” declared Avis on that page. “Our focus is to ensure we meet customer needs while doing our part to keep you and our employees safe.”
Avis promised to waive cancelation fees on bookings and pre-paid arrangements affected by the virus. European travelers also have the option to change or cancel bookings with Avis between now and May 1. Other transactions after that date will not be imposed a cancelation fee if a customer decides to opt out of the arrangement within 72 of the scheduled booking.
Hertz enhances cleaning protocol
Meanwhile, Hertz announced a flexibility option that allows customers to pay for a rental without cancellation fees. Any pre-paid bookings can be transferred to a future booking made within two years. The company also reported a more vigilant multiple-stage cleaning protocol for all vehicles in its fleet.
“We remain vigilant in upholding these practices and will take additional precautions as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and local governments,” added the company. “We continue to monitor this evolving situation and will keep you informed of future updates.”
Enterprise expands access to vehicles
Enterprise, however, is using a far different contingency plan. Shortly after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, the company dropped its booking age eligibility from 21 to 18. The policy adjustment addresses students in post-secondary institutions where classes have already been canceled. The idea is that they can now rent a vehicle and drive back home to visit their families.
“We want to do whatever we can to make this unprecedented situation easier for students and their families,” said Will Withington, Senior Vice President of North American Operations in a company statement.
Besides Enterprise, other companies adopting the same policy under the Enterprise Holdings umbrella include Alamo and National.
___