Weighing The Benefits Against The Costs
Although most shop owners have considered making loaner cars available to their customers, the potential problems associated with offering this service may have scared you away from the idea. I've found that the convenience factor of having a small loaner fleet far outweighs the cost, maintenance, gas and liability factors.

Stephens Automotive has three loaner cars, all of which are licensed in the company's name and insured under our garagekeeper's insurance. All of them are high mileage, but mechanically sound, Toyota Camrys that were previously owned by customers and purchased by us at a point when they needed some repair that the customer felt was beyond the car's worth. We repaired these cars in slow times and, in doing so, created our loaner fleet.

We are cautious about whom we lend one of these cars to and how long people keep them. When their car repair is finished, we push to get our loaner back quickly, minimizing the possibility of problems.

Consider these benefits of maintaining a fleet of loaner vehicles:

Offering a loaner car when a customer makes an appointment adds to their convenience factor and yours. The technician will have more time to do a thorough inspection of the vehicle, and the customer will be more inclined to have any necessary, additional work performed because he has transportation and isn't stranded at work or home.
During bus...