Routes Car Rental Review

Routes Car Rental is a Canadian car rental company that’s been around since 1998. It was founded by Hardeep Nagra with just five cars and a single location in Toronto. However, since then, it has grown massively and now operates in more than 200 locations across North America, South America, Europe, and Australasia. Most of these locations are in major cities and airports.

One reason for the company’s success is that it does not just target the average vacationer, but it also appeals to business travelers, long-term renters, and those looking for budget-friendly vehicle options without all the hidden fees.

Regardless of whether their customers want a compact car for city driving or an SUV for a family road trip, Routes has built its business around flexibility and competitive pricing.

It is backed by a diverse fleet and boasts a reputation for providing customers with a smooth experience, which is why the company now holds a notable footing in the global car rental marketplace.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Routes

Routes Car Rental can be a solid option for travelers who want more bang for their buck, especially if you don’t need to hire big-name car brands.

It probably makes the most sense to rent with Routes if you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills vehicle for a short- to medium-term trip from a major city. That is because their pricing tends to be lower than the mainstream competition, which makes it appealing for vacationers on a budget or business travelers trying to cut the cost of picking up a vehicle from an airport location.

Long-term rentals are another situation where Routes might prove to be an attractive option, particularly if you need a vehicle for a few weeks or even months. Their extended rental rates are often far more competitive than what you’ll find elsewhere.

Routes Car Rental also tend to be best for folks who are flexible and don’t mind doing a bit more legwork when securing their booking, such as checking over insurance requirements, fuel policies, and security deposit terms.

Ultimately, if you’re after white-glove service and a brand-new luxury car, this might not be the right fit. But if you’re cool with a basic ride and want to save some cash, Routes could tick all your boxes.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense to Use Routes

While there is no doubt that Routes Car Rental can offer customers some serious savings, it’s not the best fit for everyone.

For instance, if you are someone who values a seamless, premium experience with all the bells and whistles, then the company will probably leave you wanting more.

Additionally, if you like to make vehicle hire bookings with companies that have flexible policies regarding insurance, deposits, and documentation, you might want to give Routes a wide berth.

You may also be better off choosing one of their more established competitors if you don’t want to deal with extra paperwork or unexpected fees and you want a shiny, fresh-off-the-lot ride. Similarly, if you need 24/7 roadside assistance or plan to drop your car off outside of business hours, you might find Routes not as accommodating as others in the marketplace.

While Routes is renowned for being budget-friendly, depending on where you are visiting, you might be better off taking public transport or catching an Uber, as these options might be easier and cheaper options.

You’ll also avoid the stress of navigating busy cities or having to find parking in crowded or confusing downtown areas.

Pros and Cons of Booking with Routes

Like most car rental companies, Routes has its fair share of things it does well and not so well. Here is a list of pros and cons you should bear in mind if you are considering hiring a vehicle from the company.

Pros

Undoubtedly, Routes’ biggest competitive advantage is its price. The company are well-known for often undercutting major rental brands, which is why it is the go-to choice for many cost-conscious travelers.

They also offer a wide selection of vehicles, including everything from compact cars to SUVs and vans. So, you can usually pick up something if you are not looking for a specific model.

Additionally, their long-term rental options are especially attractive and tend to comprise discounted rates that make extended trips more affordable for their customers.

Another plus, for North Americans at least, is that Routes has expanded quickly over the continent. So, it offers them plenty of potential hiring locations within the USA and Canada.

Cons

On the flip side, while the company has been praised for its customer service in some locations, at others, they have received negative reviews.

Some customers rave about helpful staff, while others report long wait times or frustrating experiences. Additionally, the rental process can come with extra steps, like larger deposits or stricter insurance rules, which other companies don’t impose on their customers.

It has been said that the condition of the vehicles you receive can be hit-or-miss, and some may show more wear and tear than you might expect. Routes are also generally not seen as being as flexible in their terms and conditions as others.

Routes Booking Experience

Overall, booking a car with Routes is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re using their website.

The online platform lets you search by location, dates, and vehicle type, and it’s easy enough to navigate. You’ll also see pricing upfront, which is great, but be aware that what looks like a cheap rate can increase quickly once you add insurance, taxes, and extra fees.

If you’re booking through a third-party site, make sure to double-check what’s included. You should also be aware that Routes requires a hefty security deposit compared to some other companies, so you’ll want to have a credit card with room to spare.

Similarly, their communications before your pickup aren’t always consistent, so it’s a good idea to call and confirm your booking directly with the location where you intend to pick up the vehicle from.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Routes

Before you hand over your credit card and drive off in a Routes rental, there are a few key things you should be aware of to make sure your experience goes smoothly.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

At first glance, Routes offers some of the cheapest rates on the market, but you should be careful.

The base price doesn’t always include extra charges like taxes, toll programs, fuel surcharges, and add-ons like GPS or car seats. So, it’s easy to get seduced by it without accounting for the full cost.

Also, watch out for mileage restrictions on some vehicles, especially promotional deals, which tend to get hidden in the fine print.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

Routes has some of the strictest insurance policies in the marketplace. If you don’t buy their coverage, you’ll need to show solid proof of third-party insurance before you will be allowed to rent one of their vehicles – and not all providers are accepted.

On top of that, the company often requires a sizeable security deposit of $500 or more, which is held on your credit card until the vehicle is returned.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

Always inspect your rental thoroughly before driving off. Take photos or videos of any existing damage, even if it’s minor. Some renters have reported being charged for pre-existing issues, so make sure you have proof of condition.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

Routes generally don’t offer much flexibility with cancellations, and refunds may be limited or unavailable if you cancel too close to your pickup date.

Be sure to read the cancellation terms carefully, especially if you booked through a third-party platform.

Customer Service

According to reviews on TrustPilot and Google, customer experiences vary markedly depending on the location.

Some customers report friendly, helpful staff, while others have had issues with long wait times or poor communication. So, this is something you should be aware of when making a booking.

Alternatives to Routes Car Rental

If Routes doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, there are plenty of other car rental companies that might prove more suitable.

Some of the most obvious ones are major brands like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. They are known for their consistent customer service, newer vehicle fleets, and more flexible policies, and while they usually charge more than Routes, their rental process tends to be smoother.

At a slightly cheaper level, Budget and Thrifty are good mid-range options, because you can save money with them but still get a decent car.

Something else you might want to consider is peer-to-peer rentals with Turo. You may find that doing so enables you to secure cheaper rentals with more flexibility, which might be particularly useful if you need to hire a car in a rural or remote urban area, (where Routes tend not to have a presence).

Final Verdict: Should You Rent from Routes

Overall, Routes Car Rental can be a great choice if you’re looking to save money and don’t mind putting in a bit of extra effort to understand the fine print.

It is also ideal for budget-conscious travelers who are flexible, don’t need a luxury car, and are comfortable with strict policies around insurance and deposits.

That said, if you value top-tier customer service, newer vehicles, and a hassle-free rental process, you may gain a more satisfactory experience with a well-established brand.