Are Get Free Car Offers Real? |
|---|
|
Rita R. Philips
12 June 2009
You've read and heard so much about companies offering to give out free cars in exchange for driving them. Is there truth to these rumors? Or is this another one of those urban legends or modern-day scams?
Here's the real deal: it is true. There are companies that do give out free cars. There are people who have received and are now driving free cars. You, too, can get a free car, but there is more to it that you probably need to know.
These programs, including choosing from the applicants who should get a free car, are not usually managed directly by the advertisers. Instead, they are often handled by marketing or advertising companies.
The cars that are given out come wrapped in a vinyl film featuring a graphic ad about a company, a product, service, an upcoming event or a current promo. If you are availing yourself of the free car, chances are, you don't get to choose the size of your ad or the type of vehicles. Once you are chosen, you will be asked to sign a contract detailing the minimum number of miles that you are supposed to drive every month, maybe even your route, and guidelines on where to park.
But you also don't get into the program just because you want it. As we have previously said, there are criteria that you need to have before you are considered for a free car. The most obvious requirement is that you have to have a valid license. You must also be not less than 18 years old to be considered, and must have a good driving record. Some questions that you will be asked will also tell them how many miles you usually drive everyday, and whether or not your route passes through high-traffic places. They are of course interested in having as many people as possible see the advertisement. So if your everyday driving consists only of going to the office and back, or going to the neighborhood grocery or church, then don't expect to qualify.
There are also some limitations once you get in. We don't want to burst your bubble, so this early, you ought to know that new cars aren't always up for giving away, and you also don't get to choose the model or make of the car that you will take home. But if you are lucky, you might be able to find an advertising company that gives you a number of options. Also, don't expect that you will be given the option of which ad will go with the car, or how long the ad will be plastered on the car.
Finally, keep in mind that the advertising company is still the owner of the car. This means that after the contract is over, which usually spans five years, you have to return the free car. In the interim, while you are using it, you might be asked to pay for insurance and maintenance costs-expenses that are not covered by the car advertising contract.