RICHMOND, VA, March 20, 2023 – The call of the open road has Americans getting behind the wheel to explore popular U.S. cities during spring break vacation season, according to travel insurance and assistance provider Allianz Partners USA. Rental vehicles both transport travelers to their chosen vacation destinations and provide the freedom to explore from the comfort of a private vehicle. Following a significant inventory shortage in rental fleets during the pandemic, this year’s survey delivers a notable 9% increase in rental car bookings over last year.
With many Americans having abandoned a daily commute in favor of remote work, spring break presents an alluring opportunity to literally take the road less traveled. Allianz Partners USA’s review of the top rental car locations for spring break 2023 reveals a preference for beaches and other southerly U.S. cities including perennial favorites Orlando, Phoenix and Los Angeles in the top three positions. Rounding out the top 10 rental car destinations are Las Vegas, Tampa, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Denver, Dallas, and San Diego. To generate this year’s list, Allianz Partners USA reviewed rental car reservations for mid-February thru mid-April from its partners that offer the Allianz Rental Car Damage Protector product. The car rental findings align with a recent survey of the company’s airline customers that found that 84% of travelers taking spring break trips in 2023 will remain stateside for the traditional travel season.
“Upgraded rental fleets from electric to luxury vehicles also elevate the appeal of a rental car for spring break travelers looking to add vacation perks,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications for Allianz Partners USA. “Available on many of our annual products and as an optional add-on in some of our single trip products, Allianz’s Rental Car Damage Protector provides the coverage, benefits and service travelers need at a reasonable cost, which can save both time and money at the rental car counter.”
Allianz Partners offers its Rental Car Damage Protector through leading travel providers and directly to consumers as an alternative to the typically higher priced collision damage insurance products that are available at traditional rental car counters. The product provides primary coverage, includes no deductible, can be purchased for domestic or most overseas rentals and is backed by Allianz’s award-winning customer service and 24/7 travel assistance. Rental Car Damage Protector* plans may include $1,000 in Trip Interruption coverage, which can be used to reimburse travelers for the unused portion of their pre-paid expenses or for extra unexpected transportation expenses when insured customers have to cut their trip short due to a reason covered by their policy. It also may include $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen baggage.