How To Hire A Car Abroad For The First Time

Travel

Choose your car rental

Make sure you book an automatic if you drive one. Even if you are comfortable driving in manual, you should consider booking an automatic.

Rent a car before you arrive

Booking your car hire in advance is a great idea, because you can get a better deal and compare different providers. Compare prices on comparison websites.

Make sure you have your passport and driving licence

Both of these documents are required when renting a vehicle abroad. Check your government’s website to see if you need an International Driving Permit in addition to your licence and how you can get one.

A credit card

You’ll almost always need a credit or debit card to rent a car. Some places will accept a debit card, but they’ll charge you more and have more restrictions.

Fuel policy

It is recommended to choose a ‘full-to-full’ policy, since it offers the best value. This means that you must return the car to its original state at the end. If you are returning your hire car late at night, in a quiet place, you may have to travel a long distance to find a fuel station.

Excess insurance

Insurance is usually included with the car hire. However, there may be a high excess amount (amount that you must pay before your insurance kicks in) which can reach up to £1000. You can save a lot of money by booking it in advance with an independent company. For information on Car Hire Excess Insurance, visit Money Maxim

Car rental insurance

Check that the insurance company you are renting a car from includes three basic elements: collision damage, vehicle theft and third party damages.