Car Rentals

Vanio now supports car rentals alongside your properties, letting you diversify your rental business beyond real estate. You can list vehicles with photos, set daily rates, manage availability calendars, and handle the complete rental process from booking to check-in.

Getting Started

Adding Your First Vehicle

1. Navigate to your dashboard and click Add New Rental → Vehicle
2. Fill in basic details:
   • Vehicle make, model, and year
   • License plate number
   • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
   • Seating capacity and fuel type
3. Upload photos showing:
   • Exterior from multiple angles
   • Interior dashboard and seating
   • Any unique features or damage
4. Set your daily rate and select your currency
5. Configure availability by blocking out dates when the vehicle isn't available
6. Review and publish your listing

[Screenshot: Vehicle creation form with photo upload area and pricing fields]

Setting Up Pricing

1. Go to your vehicle listing → Pricing
2. Set your base daily rate (this applies to most days)
3. Add weekend pricing if you charge more for Friday-Sunday rentals
4. Configure discounts:
   • Weekly discount (for 7+ day rentals)
   • Monthly discount (for 30+ day rentals)
5. Set additional fees:
   • Security deposit amount
   • Cleaning fee (if applicable)
6. Use calendar overrides for special pricing on holidays or peak seasons

[Screenshot: Pricing dashboard with daily rate fields and discount settings]

How It Works

For You (The Host)

Once your vehicle is live, potential renters can browse available dates and book directly through your listing. When someone makes a reservation:

• Payment processing happens automatically including security deposits
• Rental agreements are generated with your vehicle's specific terms
• You receive booking notifications with renter details and pickup times
• Digital check-in/check-out handles vehicle condition documentation

For Your Renters

Guests follow a streamlined booking process:

1. Browse available dates on your vehicle calendar
2. Upload driver's license for verification during booking
3. Sign rental agreement digitally with legal compliance
4. Complete payment including any deposits or fees
5. Check in via mobile by photographing vehicle condition
6. Check out with final condition photos

[Screenshot: Guest booking flow showing calendar selection and license upload]

Key Features

• Multi-photo galleries - Showcase your vehicles with unlimited high-quality images that renters can browse

• Dynamic pricing calendar - Set different rates for weekends, holidays, or special events with easy calendar overrides

• Digital agreements - Legally compliant rental contracts are automatically generated and signed electronically

• License verification - Renters must upload valid driver's licenses before completing bookings

• Condition documentation - Photo-based check-in/check-out process protects both you and renters

• Automated availability - Your calendar updates in real-time as bookings are made, preventing double-bookings

• Security deposits - Collect and hold deposits automatically, with easy release after successful rentals

• Fleet management - List multiple vehicles with individual pricing, availability, and photos

[Screenshot: Vehicle dashboard showing multiple listings with availability calendars]

Tips & Best Practices

Photography Tips

• Take photos in good lighting, preferably during daytime
• Include both interior and exterior shots from multiple angles
• Document any existing scratches or wear honestly
• Update photos seasonally if your vehicle's appearance changes

Pricing Strategy

• Research local car rental rates to stay competitive
• Consider higher weekend rates if you're in a leisure destination
• Offer weekly/monthly discounts to encourage longer bookings
• Use calendar overrides during local events or peak travel times

Guest Communication

• Respond quickly to booking inquiries and messages
• Provide clear pickup/dropoff instructions in your listing
• Include information about fuel policy and mileage limits
• Be available via phone during pickup times

Vehicle Maintenance

• Keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained between rentals
• Ensure registration and insurance are always current
• Stock basic supplies like phone chargers or emergency kits
• Schedule maintenance during blocked calendar periods

Common Questions

Q: What insurance do I need for car rentals? A: You'll need commercial vehicle rental insurance. Contact your insurance provider to discuss coverage options, as personal auto insurance typically doesn't cover rental activities. Some hosts also require renters to have their own insurance.

Q: How do security deposits work? A: Security deposits are automatically collected when guests book and held until after the rental period. You can release deposits immediately after successful returns, or file claims for damages through the platform's resolution process.

Q: Can I set mileage limits or fuel policies? A: Yes, you can include mileage limits, fuel requirements, and other terms in your vehicle description. These become part of the rental agreement that guests must accept when booking. Be sure to clearly communicate any restrictions upfront.