Monthly Car Rental in Sri Lanka: How Long-Term Plans Work

Who uses monthly rental

The customers we see most often are expatriates and returning Sri Lankans who do not want to buy a car for a limited stay, remote workers who stay for several weeks, project teams, NGO and company staff, and visitors who want to cover the island without hurrying. A monthly plan also suits anyone whose own car is being repaired.

Daily, weekly and monthly: how the price changes

Each vehicle on the site has a daily rate and lower per-day rates for a week and for longer periods, as shown on its page in the car list. The longer you keep the car, the lower the cost per day. Use the figures shown on the car page for your quote rather than a general rule: the saving depends on the vehicle and the period.

What to agree before you sign

A long hire works best when the points below are written into the agreement, not left to a conversation.

• Servicing: who books and pays for routine maintenance, and how a replacement car is provided while yours is in the workshop. Under our terms, official servicing is carried out by H.B.S. or its authorised service centres, and you are responsible for daily checks such as coolant, oil level and tyre pressure.
• Replacement: what happens if the car breaks down, and how quickly an equivalent vehicle is provided.
• Mileage: the monthly distance allowance and the price of extra kilometres. If you expect to drive a lot, ask for an unlimited-kilometre option.
• Drivers: who is named in the agreement. Extra drivers can be added in advance on presentation of valid licences.
• Insurance and excess: the amount of the excess and which damages the hirer pays for.
• Payment schedule: whether the month is paid in advance, and how the security deposit is held and returned.
• Ending early or extending: the notice required to return the car early or to keep it longer.

Choosing a car for a long stay

Think about the whole month, not the first week. A hybrid sedan such as a Toyota Prius or Axio is comfortable and economical for daily use. A Honda Vezel or Toyota C-HR gives more ground clearance for hill roads and rough surfaces. A Land Cruiser Prado is best if you plan frequent trips to remote areas, or you carry equipment. A small car such as a Suzuki Wagon R suits city use and tight parking.

Documents for foreign residents

Foreign nationals need a valid International Driving Permit or a temporary endorsement from the Automobile Association of Ceylon, plus a valid licence from their home country. For stays of several months, check whether your visa type and the permit validity cover the whole period, because a permit can expire before the rental does. See driving licence rules for tourists.

Corporate and project use

Companies can hire one or several vehicles for a fixed period, with or without a dedicated driver. See corporate rental for the arrangements and ask for a written quotation that lists the vehicles, the monthly charge, mileage terms and the invoicing arrangements.

A checklist for the first week

• Photograph the car on day one and keep the pictures with your agreement.
• Note the date of the next service and who books it.
• Save the 24/7 number, and the address of the workshop that services the car.
• Check the tyre pressures and the fluid levels every few days, as our terms ask.
• Keep the car's papers, the agreement and your licence permit in the car.
• Agree a place for parking at your home or hotel, so that the car is safe at night.

Running costs to plan for

A monthly rental fee is the largest cost, but not the only one. Plan for fuel, which depends on the car and how far you drive; parking; expressway tolls; and traffic fines, which are the hirer's responsibility. Hybrid cars use less fuel per kilometre. If you drive mostly in towns, a smaller car is cheaper to run and easier to park. Insurance is part of the rental; the excess applies if there is damage.

Moving between a monthly plan and shorter hires

Some customers start with a week and extend, others hire a car for a month and return it early. Talk to us about the rate that applies if you change your plans, since the rate for a longer period is lower. If you need a larger vehicle for a short trip in the middle of your stay, such as a family visit, we can arrange a second vehicle on a daily rate; see self-drive rental.