Veekle trying to shake up local car rental market

Founder of online car-rental company, Cherie Williams, says Veekle has the potential to be the Caribbean’s ‘next big thing’.

Speaking on Taking Stock with Kalilah Reynolds, Williams described the app as Airbnb for cars. 

Customers can list and rent vehicles from the comfort and convenience of their mobile devices.

“You sign up on the platform and every user has to be verified, we’re checking IDs and we’re also doing facial recognition. Once you get past that stage then it’s verifying your email and phone number and uploading a photo of yourself,” Williams explained.

“Once that’s done, you can either list or travel,” she said.

Williams said she got the idea for the app after a disastrous renting experience. She said Veekle aims to take the hassle and worry out of renting a vehicle.

She explained that both listers and renters will have to provide biometric information, however, listers will have to provide extensive information on their vehicles. 

“All vehicles will need an up-to-date fitness and registration. All vehicles must have a tracking device and you must do a valuation which in turn comes with an inspection,” Williams explained.

She also explained that customers who want to list their vehicles must transfer to Veekle’s insurance partner ICWI. However, the company will be providing incentives. 

“You won’t pay more than you’re currently paying so you’d either pay less or they’ll match what you’re currently paying. They will be also agreeing to your renewal date so if your renewal is coming up in 6 months then you’ll only pay for 6 months to come on board with we won’t they won’t charge you for an annual premium until your renewal date,” she added.

Williams said that safety is one of Veekle’s top priorities and they have put in several safeguards to ensure the safety of customers and the platform.

In addition to the extensive background information and listers and their vehicles, the Founder said they have also designated Total Engeries service stations as pickup and drop-off points. She noted, however, that the customers can alter their locations but she strongly recommends sticking to these designated locations.

As for pricing, Williams said while listers will be able to set their own prices, the prices will be competitive.

She said Veekle is currently in the process of verifying some 150 vehicles before publishing to the website. She said the process should be completed by July.