One of the concerns people have about hiring a van rental is whether or not the car rental company can track where they drive to. This thought comes either as a result of safety or caution on the client’s end.
For car rental companies that track where vehicles go, it is usually because they are looking out to protect their investment alongside signed contracts and insurance.
Why would a rental company track your van rental?
It is essential to understand that not all rental companies track your van rental. When you hire a cargo van that is being tracked, it is not because the company wants to know where you are going. The tracking devices in a van rental are useful for situations of theft or emergencies on your trip. It can help them locate you easily and track down a stolen van rental.
However, most companies with tracking devices in their vehicles, have GPS to protect their investment and would always inform you before you sign their agreement.
Reasons why a company will not track a van rental
Although tracking van rentals is a way of protecting company investment, not every company adds tracking devices to their vehicles. This is because tracking devices are expensive— especially if a rental company owns a large fleet of vehicles. It would cost a lot of money to install and maintain.
Having tracking devices in van rentals can also lead to rising rental prices which can result in rental companies losing clients or driving them to their competitors.
What is the benefit of tracking your rental van?
Installing tracking devices in van rentals can be beneficial to both the driver and the rental company.
Although the rental company does not care what you are transporting and where you drive to, they would like to keep an eye out for illegal activities and unlawful use of their vans. This also means that tracking devices can help them avoid being implicated in a crime or illicit situation.
A tracking device in a cargo van rental can help the company easily recover stolen or missing vehicles and save the company from financial drawbacks.
Lastly, tracking devices can make the driver feel more safe and secure in case of accidents or emergencies. Imagine for a second that your cargo van stops in the middle of nowhere? Tracking devices take out the worry of not being found because these devices provide the company with accurate location information for assistance. Some GPS tracking devices even signal the rental companies in the event of an accident with SOS buttons or automated alerts.
The next time you hire a cargo van, feel free to ask if they include GPS tracking devices in their vehicles if you have any concerns before signing an agreement but remember that they are fitted in the van to protect you and the company’s investments.
