how to get a loaner car from dealership
Introduction
Having access to a loaner car from dealership is always handy especially when one’s car is being repaired or undergoing a routine service. However, few drivers are aware of its existence, or they are uncertain about how to obtain one. Let’s explain the whole process with the PAS framework.
Problem
On points where one is compelled to be a non car owner because one’s car is stuck in the auto engineers’ shop, believe me, the feeling is not a very pleasant one. I mean imagine you wake up and your car has a breakdown or you take it for a checkup only to find the car has developed some issues that render it non-operational imagine the inconveniences that come with being without transportation.
Case Study
Emily currently has a car which is a 2018 Honda Civic and It developed a mechanical problem requiring repairs. Her car would take at least five days to be returned to the road. She resides in a suburban area which has few transport facilities and considering her working place she has to travel daily. Such feelings were stressful and frustrating to her when she had to rely on Uber or the goodwill of friends for a lift.
Agitation
If you take your car over to the dealership for a simple oil change and learn from your dealership that your brakes are bad and need replacement. It will take two days to get the parts and do the repair. You will be alone in an automobile dealership. Or maybe you have some other stuff to do. It consumes all your time, you lose track of time. You would have wanted to know how to secure a loaner car in such a situation.
Facts and Figures
The Cox Automotive’s study revealed that about 78% of car owners in the U.S. get frustrated when their cars are for a long time in the repair shop. Moreover, 60 % of the respondents said that they had some problem in searching the other means of transport during the service of the vehicle. This is a known issue by the dealerships and service centers through providing loaner cars as a relief to their customers.
Solution
Below is a list of how-to tips to assist you in finding your way through the process.
Understand the Dealership’s Policy
Not all dealerships provide loaner cars, and if the service is provided, then it might have some terms and conditions. In case the company has a reputation for providing a loaner, do not presume that you will be given one automatically and consult your dealership. Some dealerships provide loan cars for any warranty-related work. Others may expect you to make a reservation beforehand thus recommending their services to you.
Action Steps
- Contact Your Dealership: Personal cars are usually tested on streets and roads in remote and popular areas and hence knowing the loaner car policy of a particular dealership requires one to call or check the website. Read about the requirements for application, whether there is any fee charged, and what kind of services one can swap with a loaner.
- Ask About Availability: Loaner cars are often rare, thus ask whether they are available should you determine that you will need one. Some dealerships avail the car on a first come, first served basis while some can take your reservation for a specific loaner.
- Real-Life Example: Emily found out that they offer voucher cars for those who will require more than 24 hours of service. By planning for a loaner ahead of time, she was in a position to organize herself for the number of days her car would be under repair thus no need to look around at the last minute for a stand-in car.
Ensure Your Insurance Covers Loaner Cars
There are certain situations when you are given a key to a loaner car for a short time; you need to ensure that you’re insured when driving a loaner. The best and full scratch collision policies are widespread to rented or loaner cars but be sure. If your insurance policy does not loaner cars, then you will be forced to buy extra insurance from the car dealership, which is expensive.
Action Steps
- Review Your Insurance Policy: You should check through your auto insurance papers or get in touch with your insurance company to find out if their policies include loaner cars. Do not forget to ask about the insurance and in particular whether there is any liability and collision insurance.
- Consider Additional Coverage: If your policy excludes the use of loaner cars or if you wish to be more guarded in the insurance of the loaner cars, ask the dealership as to what kind of insurance they offer in case of use of the loaner cars.
- Real-Life Example: Emily called her insurance service provider and they assured her that her policy covered loaner cars meaning that Emily felt comfortable when picking the loaner from the dealer.
Be Prepared to Provide Required Documentation
When drivers go to pick up loaner cars, they are supposed to produce a valid driver’s license, insurance proof, and a credit card which is usually used as a security. The good thing is that having these particular documents will create a lot of difference in the process.
Action Steps
- Bring the Right Documents: So, you should not forget your driver’s license and a copy of your car insurance documents. A credit card may be also necessary to pay for possible damages or any extra charges that may occur.
- Understand the Paperwork: They will require you to agree to the use of the loaner car that you shall agree to. This is usually outlined in the agreement in the form of the due date, mileage and the fines to be paid in case of a lateness or if the car has been returned in a bad state.
- Real-Life Example: Emily made doubly sure she had her driver’s license as well as the insurance card with her as well as her credit card in her purse when she went to collect the loaner. She duly completed the formalities of signing the papers that were required and she started without any hindrance.
Know the Terms of Use
Car rent companies have standard policies so that their cars must be used under certain terms and conditions such as the amount of miles and the date on which the cars will be returned and refueled. With the help of this information, you will be able to exclude such charges or penalties from appearing before you.
Action Steps
- Ask About Mileage Limits: Some car dealers mean that some loaner cars are only used for a specific number of miles to avoid overuse. Check if there is a limit about how much can be borrowed, in which case there will be more constraints, and find out the consequences for going over the limit.
- Confirm Return Date: It is also important to maintain proper knowledge of the expected return date. In case your vehicle takes longer to be repaired let the dealership know so they can expand the duration of the loaner if required.
- Real-Life Example: Emily’s dealership policy which she had to follow by was that she was supposed to return the loaner car with a full tank of fuel and the car’s mileage should not exceed one hundred and ninety-two miles per day. She recorded down her kilometers on the rented car and refueled the car before dropping it in order not to attract other charges.
Maintain the Loaner Car Responsibly
When working with a loaner car, then treat it with the same respect as your vehicle. Dealerships require the car to be returned in good shape and not damaged or worn out in some unspecified manner. The loaner car was not maintained properly because if anything goes wrong such as a tire bursting or if the oil is overused, the cost of having the car fixed will be incurred.
Action Steps
- Drive Carefully: Avoid reckless driving and parking in unsafe areas. Any damage to the loaner car could be your responsibility.
- Keep it Clean: Return the loaner car in the same condition you received it. Avoid leaving trash or personal items inside.
- Real-Life Example: Emily treated her loaner car with care, ensuring it was clean and damage-free upon return. This allowed her to return it without any issues or unexpected costs.
Communicate with the Dealership
Remain in touch with the dealership especially when the car is being repaired. If there is any expansion of the time in which your vehicle is going to be repaired, kindly update the dealership and inquire if you could be allowed to use the loaner car some more.
Action Steps
- Update the Dealership: If you anticipate returning the loaner car later than agreed, inform the dealership as soon as possible. This allows them to manage their fleet effectively and accommodate other customers.
- Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the loaner car agreement, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Understanding the terms upfront will save you from potential headaches later.
- Real-Life Example: When Emily’s car repair took an extra day, she promptly called the dealership to inform them. They appreciated her communication and extended her loaner car agreement without any issues.
Why Loaner Cars Are Beneficial
For car owners, loaner cars are a major asset since they enable them to go on with their daily obligations when their automobiles are being repaired. Thus, realizing how to borrow an automobile, and adhering to the information mentioned above in the article, may avoid all the troubles and bad emotions connected with having no own car.
Dealerships Benefit Too
Indeed, loaner cars are also beneficial for certain customers who expect reasonable costs and necessary repairs on their cars. It is for this reason that dealerships employ this service to improve customer loyalty as well as satisfaction. Offering the client a loaner also creates the perception that the dealership cares for its clients’ time and as such, one is more likely to do business with them again in the future.
FAQs
What is a loaner car from an automotive dealership?
A loaner car is a car from the dealership that one is allowed to use when his or her car is being fixed for some time.
Is it mandatory to make a prior appointment if I want to have a loaner car for use during the service of my car?
Yes, it is mostly the case as most of the dealerships make it a prerequisite that you book an appointment for the car to be taken for services for you to be considered a candidate for a car loaner.
Is the service providing the loaner cars for all sorts of car repair services?
No, generally, loaner cars are offered when the car is required for many days, for extensive repairs.
Is there a charge for getting a loaner car from dealership?
Loaner cars normally have to be rented for free but you might find some dealers that charge a small fee due to the agreement of their company.
What do I have to produce to be able to be given a car by a dealership while my car is being repaired?
In most cases, you will be required to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a credit card for deposit.
Conclusion
When choosing a loaner car from dealership it is important to understand its policies or have insurance for loaner cars and other requirements, prepare the necessary documents as well, and follow the set terms of use then a person is ready for easy running without a hustle.
The most important elements in ensuring that you will be able to obtain a loaner car are always ready to communicate and prepare. If you follow the right steps, you will be able to reduce your suffering if you are stuck and also ensure that your normal duties and productivity do not go to waste when your car is being repaired.