Things You Consider Before Renting a Car

Renting a car for your vacation is a smart thing to do. You save money on public transportation and are also independent at all times. It doesn’t matter where you plan to travel or how long you plan on staying. If you’re travelling with baggage and will be moving from one place to another, hiring a car is in your best interest.

Many people also rent cars for cross country trips or to travel internationally. If this sounds like you, you should also get all your documentation and paperwork in order before you leave your home country. Since you will be stopped at each immigration point and asked for your passport, visa, travel insurance papers and more, it is best to consult an immigration solicitor in Newcastle and ensure that you have everything before the start of your trip. Some countries may also require supplementary documents. 

Let us look at some things you should consider before renting a car, so you don’t have any nasty surprises during your trip.

Driver’s License:

Before renting the car with a rental service, always check with the company if your license is valid in all the countries you will be visiting. Having a valid license in the country you visit will make all the difference in renting the car. If you are travelling within a day or two, and your license isn’t valid in the destination country, you should not rent a car and instead rely on other modes of transport. Alternatively, you could let someone else drive the vehicle. Ensure that the person also has a valid driver’s license. 

If you have time, you should get an international driver’s license or an international driver’s permit to be on the safer side. If your license is valid but is in another language, you may have to get it translated into the destination language and have it notarized before your travel date.

Consider the luxury feature:

There are many reasons you might want to consider renting a luxury car. It may be for a special occasion like your honeymoon, or for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

No matter the reason, there are some features of luxury cars that make them perfect for special occasions. You might want to sit back and relax with room service and an ottoman seat or enjoy your favorite music through the premium sound system.

Inspect The Car Thoroughly:

Before renting a car, it is necessary to inspect it thoroughly. If you fail to inform or mark the scratches, painting work, and other internal and external issues to the rental company, you may be charged for it later. Most rental car companies run your credit card before issuing the car. If this happens, you may be charged for someone else’s rash driving. 

There have been instances when people have forgotten to note down each scratch and paint issue and yet have been charged (even without driving the vehicle)! Always be extra cautious about the inspection process, and always do it in ample light and with a spokesperson from the company present.

Familiarize Yourself With The Car:

Even if you drive the same car model, there are always challenges to a new car. Not all vehicles are tuned the same. Some may have hard press brakes, while some may be loose. It is best to familiarize yourself with the car a few times before driving out of the rental agency office. 

Before you leave the rental car office, you should also check that the window controllers are working, the air conditioning is on, lights work at optimum capacity, and no waterlogged anywhere in the seats or the boot. You should also check for unsavoury smells from the car and check that the handbrake is working. Before driving out, you should also check the air pressure in the spare tire and inventory the tool kit.

Consider The Terrain:

When travelling from one country to another, you may want to be cognizant of the terrain. Before renting a car, it is best to check out the roads to your final destination. Often, travelling from one place to another means you may have to pass through unfamiliar terrain and bad roads. Most cars on rent are not meant for hiking trails, crossing rivers, and driving on mountains. If you are crossing deadly terrain that is not meant for saloon cars or hatchbacks, you may need to choose another. 

Selecting the best car rental according to seating, terrain, and the time required will help keep you and the car safe at all times. Most people forget to mention or consider this critical issue when hiring a car. Speak to the rental car advisor before making a final selection to save you money on the return.

If you carefully plan your trip, hire a comfortable car, pay attention to the details, and drive safely, there is a chance you will save a lot of money on road fees, tolls, and car expenses. You should also remember to fill up the tank before returning it to avoid unnecessary fuel expenses later.