Dana DeLapi
Transportation (Where to keep your belongings, etc.)
Updated: Sep 4, 2021
Long Distance Transportation
It’s advised for your well-being and for those around you that you avoid unnecessary travel. If you do need to get to your family or a safe space in another city, here are resources to help you do so safely and cheaply. As well, for any car-owning options if you are leasing and need help with payments.
Megabus verified March 23, 1010 Megabus is still running and has reduced the number of seats sold on each bus in order to allow passengers to social distance on their buses. We haven’t seen new discounts but prices remain low.
College Student Travel Assistance verified March 23, 2020 These Rental Car Services have lowered their restrictions on rentals to help students get home. They’ve reduced the age minimum from 24 to 18 and are waiving additional fees for young renters until May 31st!
Payment Deferral Programs
Several automakers are offering payment deferrals for customers experiencing financial hardship. Many automakers are also offering deferred payments and special interest rates on new purchases, all of which can be found here on Edmunds incentives page.
If you're leasing your car, extensions are available from most automakers. We've written a thorough guide for what to do if your lease is ending during the coronavirus pandemic. Lessees should have a plan, so they don't risk penalties or an automatic contract extension that could cost them extra.
FCA, which encompasses Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Alfa Romeo, is encouraging customers to contact their loan servicer to discuss payment relief options. FCA customers may need to contact either Chrysler Capital or Ally Financial (discussed below). Chrysler Capital coronavirus page
Ford Credit has a page that lays out options for payment assistance and lease-end options. Visit Ford Credit
General Motors (which includes Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac) has set up hotlines for owners with questions or concerns about their loans. Visit Chevy Cares
Honda and Acura are asking owners to contact them in case of financial hardship due to COVID-19. Honda Financial Services contact page Acura Financial Services contact page
Hyundai and Genesis are both offering up to six months of payment relief for owners who lose their jobs, making it the most generous outright assistance package we've seen. Hyundai Assurance was originally introduced in 2009 during the economic downturn to offer help to consumers. Visit Hyundai Assurance Visit Genesis Cares
Kia has programs to help customers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, detailed on the automaker's Accelerate the Good page. Visit Kia Accelerate the Good
Mazda Capital and its financing partner, Chase, are offering relief to affected owners. Chase has established a resources page where you can find out more. Visit Mazda Capital COVID-19 response Visit the Chase Auto Loan and Lease COVID-19 resources page
Maserati is offering relief too. The high-end carmaker is asking affected owners to contact its help line to explore relief options for both purchasers and lessees. Visit Maserati Capital
Mitsubishi Motors is allowing owners to defer payments for up to 120 days if they've financed through Mitsubishi's partner Ally Financial. You can find contact information for Ally Financial below. Mitsubishi's coronavirus statement
Nissan's finance arm, NMAC, has a hotline set up for customers to discuss payment rescheduling for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. As with Ford, Toyota and others, it's hard to say what relief exactly owners can expect or how much it may vary from person to person, but there's no reason not to reach out for help if you need it. Visit Nissan's COVID-19 response page
If you're leasing a Porsche, the company will extend your lease for up to two months. Certain customers can also defer lease payments for 30-60 days based on individual need. Visit Porsche Financial Services
Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services can be reached by phone or email to discuss payment extensions and deferments for leases and loans. We appreciate that Toyota, like other brands, is including its luxury arm to help those buyers who may also suddenly find themselves on less solid footing. Visit Toyota Financial Services Visit Lexus Financial Services
Volkswagen Credit's payment assistance seems to have expired as of June 2020. Contact them directly to see what options you might have. Volkswagen Credit page
Both Wells Fargo and Ally Financial service a lot of car loans, and both have hotlines available for consumers facing financial hardship during this emergency. So even if you financed a used car, if you did so through your bank, there may be recourse. Both companies can also be contacted about existing credit card, personal loan, or other types of debt. Visit Wells Fargo's COVID-19 information center Visit Ally Financial's coronavirus response center
Having Trouble Making a Payment? Talk to Your Lender
In hard times, a number of people tend to overlook their car payments in favor of more critical purchases. This is understandable, but it could harm your credit in the long run. Don't be afraid to call your lender. Others are in the same predicament, and lenders may be able to offer reduced payments or give you an extension. This communication is important to show that you are committed to paying the loan and keeping the account in good standing.
Finding Storage
If you need to move out quickly during this critical time, you may not be able to get your belongings home. Check out what we found that can help!
U-Haul - Free storage for 30 days verified March 20, 2020 U-Haul is offering students nationwide 30 days of free storage to help during the coronavirus crisis. The free month applies to new customers with college IDs and is a limited-time offer subject to availability. Go to uhaul.com/storage to find the store nearest you. Contact the store by phone or visit in person to take advantage of the offer.
Please note: Edquity does not endorse nor is Edquity associated with any business, organization, product or service that is mentioned in these Guides. Edquity is not responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information provided, which may change over time. We encourage you to contact the business or organization listed to receive the most up-to-date information.
