By Judy McEuen, Travel Writer
Many travelers pass up on car rental services when traveling abroad because foreign traffic signs can be intimidating and driving on the other side of the road can be considered close to committing suicide.
They believe renting a car is not worth it, not worth it that is until they find themselves in a strange town where no train or bus can transport them out fast enough. Learning how to drive on the other side of the road is a small price to pay for the convenience that a car rental can provide.
There is no shortage of car rental companies anywhere in the globe. Unless you chose the most isolated and least accessible areas in the planet for your destination, you are bound to find one or two companies that rent out cars.
However, availability of cars for rent is the least of your concerns. Here are some of the main issues you should consider when choosing a car rental:
You don’t want to pay for a dent that you did not cause.
Make sure to conduct a comprehensive survey of the car’s physical condition before you sign the contract. Check out every surface and note each and every dent or scratch. Have it stated on your contract. I took a car in good faith once and did not bother to check it first. Guess what, I ended up paying hundreds of dollars for damages that were already there before I even saw the car.
Don’t drive away without securing an insurance policy.
You’ll be driving in unknown territories so you better be prepared for all possible scenarios. Car trouble, car theft, car accident, I can go on and on but I know you get the point. Don’t just settle for any type of insurance that the rental company offers. Check it first and ensure that it covers everything. If you are not comfortable with the policy coverage, do not hesitate to get another policy that’ll give you better security.
You can’t go places if your car stops running.
Unless you are a mechanic, there is no telling that you are renting a car in good running condition. The most that you can do is to rely on the company’s promises or reassurances. In fact, even if the car is running as smooth as brand new, getting stuck in a rut is not entirely impossible.
A car trouble in the middle of nowhere can happen to anybody.
So, you have to make sure that someone is going to do a rescue if it happens to you. Companies offering 24-7 roadside assistance is your best bet when choosing a car rental.
Get a car with unlimited mileage.
You just don’t know when the inspiration for extended exploration will strike you. There will always be a town that will strike your fancy and will require you to do more than just a cursory glance. With unlimited mileage, you can drive to your heart’s content without having to pay extra for it.
Finally, never leave the car without securing a clearance from the rental company.
When you return the car, insist that an authorized company representative perform an inspection for any damages and thereafter sign on the condition of the car.
If you get unjustly billed for repair later, you can cut what could be months of dispute into just a few days using your clearance as proof that you did not create any damage or at least not to the extent of what reflected on your bill.
