 |
One Way Car RentalsOne Way Car Rentals have come to rely on an emerging technology called telematics - which combines satellite-based Global Positioning System tracking, wireless communications and vehicle monitoring systems - to keep tabs on their one way car rentals.  About a quarter of rental cars in the United States are equipped with tracking technology, analysts estimate. The industry views telematics as a way to enforce its contracts, but some customers regard it, at best, as a means to make more money and, at worst, as an invasion of privacy. The $259.51 bill you had expected ballooned to $3,405.05 - most of it a result of a $1-a-mile fee for each of the 2,874 miles driven. It turned out that by crossing the state line, you had violated the contract. Early uses of the technology in rental cars were intended to help motorists find their way. But recent efforts have quietly focused on catching renters who drive out of state or break speed laws. The car rental industry already has a reputation for high gasoline-refill charges and airport-use fees, among other items, and business travelers are concerned that telematics will offer yet another opportunity for companies to impose additional charges. It's not always easy to tell if a car is being monitored, although the fine print of a rental contract should disclose the fact. Some tracking technologies simply relay a car's coordinates back to a rental franchisee, though more sophisticated versions can keep tabs on any damage to the vehicle and even disengage the engine by remote control if the car is stolen or driven out of the country.   Whether buying new or used; or selling a vehicle, first check a reliable car price guide such as KBB (Kelley Blue Book), Black Book, Red Book, or the NADA Used Vehicle Guide. For more on all things automotive, turn from one way car rentals to the home page.  One Way Car Rentals . |