Rent a car abroad: useful tips
You should rent a car to preserve your freedom of mobility while traveling overseas. For a beginner, This procedure may appear to be pretty intimidating, but in fact, it is not so scary. Believe me, after trying it once, you will understand what the thrill is and likely join the ranks of auto travelers. And to simplify this path for you, we have sorted out the issue and created step-by-step directions for you.
Choosing a car: online or on the spot?
The first piece of advice we will give you is to contact a to reserve a car rental online with a rental agency. And the earlier, the better, particularly at the height of the season. If not, you will very certainly be forced to select from the remaining alternatives. Remember that these rules are universal and suitable for any country, no matter whether you would like to rent a car and explore the breathtaking sceneries of Madeira, or you would like to choose one of the cars for rent in LuxuCars and immerse in the Dubai world of luxury.
What factors influence the cost of automobile rental?
The appealing figure you see on the website generally just covers basic insurance and a set amount of miles. There are other extra alternatives for which you will have to pay:
- full insurance that removes responsibility from the tenant;
- additional payment if The driver is under a specific age or has a short experience;
- the “second driver” service;
- trip to the neighboring country;
- receipt and return of cars at different points.
If you were initially offered one price, and the office calls another, ask the manager about why it happened. Almost any service can be refused if it is not needed.
What insurance choices are available?
- TPL – third-party liability insurance.
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – car insurance that protects against damage (excluding theft).
- TP (Theft Protection) – insurance in the event of theft, also with a franchise.
- WWI (Wheels and Windscreen Insurance) – pertains to windshield, wheel, rim, and headlight damage that is not covered by the standard insurance.
- PAI and SPAI (Personal Accident Insurance and Super Personal Accident Insurance) – health insurance for both the driver and the passengers. This form of insurance is not required if you have international travel coverage.
Typically, the rental fee only includes minimal theft and damage insurance. You must get complete insurance to avoid the franchise and move all expenditures to the insurance: Super Collision Damage Waiver or Super Loss Damage Waiver. This can be done at the time of reservation or at the distributor’s office.
What are the driver’s requirements?
You will be assessed based on two criteria:
- age. In most locations, you may hire a car at the age of 21, while some firms extend the age limit to 25. Sports vehicle rental is frequently only available to individuals above the age of 25;
- expertise is determined by the driver’s license. The most typical alternatives are one and three years.
Some companies raise the rental or deposit amount for drivers under the age of 25 or with little driving expertise since these clients are deemed high-risk and insurance for them is more costly.
Is it necessary to have an international driver’s license?
To be safe, it is advisable to issue it. In the countries that have signed the Vienna Convention, theoretically, it is possible to rent a car with only a national certificate, in practice, many distributors refuse to work with those who do not have an IDP. In the UAE you will be also refused without having an IDP.
What is a deposit?
Most rental companies take a security deposit, the amount of which depends on the chosen model and is stipulated in the rental terms (from 200 to 3000 euros). This amount is most often frozen on the driver’s card (only small agencies work with cash) and is unblocked within a month after the car is returned.
What to do in case of an accident?
Call the police and contact the distributor’s representative, and then follow their instructions. If the damage is minor and you continue to drive the car, returning it, you will need to present a police report to the officer.
What should I do if the car breaks down?
Call the distributor and wait until a replacement car is delivered from the nearest representative office, or go for it yourself.
We hope our educational program will help you to rent a car abroad without the hassle and unnecessary expenses. Do not forget to study the traffic regulations of the country where you are going, the rules of parking, and the use of toll roads. Have a good auto trip!