10 Vital Tips for Driving a Rented Car on Vacation
When you rent a car during your vacation, you enjoy flexibility and convenience instead of hopping on a train or waiting at the bus station whenever you want to move out. However, driving a rented car in a foreign city has a few challenges. You can follow some tips to mitigate these problems and enjoy the entire traveling experience. Let's dive in.
Learn About Insurance
As a traveler, you've probably already secured travel insurance. However, you will most likely need additional insurance from the rental company you want to get the car. Sometimes, your existing auto insurance policy may cover the rental car. So, check with your provider and understand the terms to avoid unnecessary expenses during your vacation.
Avoid Airport Surcharges
When you rent a vehicle from a rental company within the airport, you may need to pay additional fees because of the airport surcharges. To avoid this and reduce the overall cost of getting a rental, consider renting from a company outside the airport. All you have to do is tell them when you will be arriving. The car will be waiting for you at the airport, and a company representative will be on standby to hand over the keys.
Drive Safely
You should always drive safely, but you should be especially cautious when you use a rented car. While every car has the same basic principles, you don't want to show the same level of recklessness with a rented vehicle as you would with your own car. While on the road, take note of speed signs and maintain the legal speed limit on each road. If you feel fatigued or want to focus on something else instead of driving, you can employ the services of a designated driver. You can use an application to contact designated drivers or ask the rental company to provide one.
Choose the Right Credit Card
Some credit cards offer primary rental insurance, while others do not. When choosing a credit card for your trip, choose the one that offers this coverage. If something happens to the car during use, you don't have to pay for it out of pocket. The insurance company will provide the protection you need. The more comprehensive the plan is, the more coverage you will get.
Research and Compare Rental Deals
This is very important because it will determine the quality of the car and the experience. Multiple car rentals will be available for your pleasure, depending on your chosen location. Don't just go for the first one you see. Compare different options and choose the most favorable and budget-friendly one. Also, check the reviews from satisfied customers to get a glimpse into the quality of their services.
Inspect the Vehicle
This goes without saying, but you must thoroughly inspect the vehicle you want to use during your vacation. The last thing you want is to get into car trouble in a strange city with a car that isn't even yours. Check the brakes, oil, steering, and tires to ensure everything is fine. Go for a test run in the car with a rental agency representative. If you notice anything, even a fault you consider negligible, return the car and ask for a replacement immediately.
Fill Up the Tank
Some rental companies charge premium rates when you return the car with the fuel tank empty. These charges will be deducted from the credit card they have on file and in most cases, they can cost double what it actually costs to fill the tank. The car will come with a full tank. It would be better to send it back the same way instead of getting the inflated premium charge.
Don't Take The GPS Rental
The rental company will offer you a GPS as part of their add-on services. They will try to entice you by mentioning the benefits of using it to navigate the new environment. Don't fall for it; your smartphone GPS can offer the same benefits for free.
Drive The Car Yourself
If you ordered a rental without a driver, driving the car yourself for the duration of your journey is advisable. The only time you should get an extra driver or ask someone else to drive is when there is absolutely no other choice. This could be when you are fatigued after a stressful day or drung after a night out.
Learn Some Local Laws
Driving laws are the same across the globe. However, you may observe some subtle differences from one place to another. To avoid getting into trouble with the traffic authorities, learn some of the basic local laws in place to avoid fines and other penalties that will ruin your stay.
Conclusion
When it comes to rentals, always read the fine print before signing the agreement. Make sure there are no hidden charges. Ask them to give you emergency contact in case you need roadside assisttance and keep all the car documents with you.
