Hiring a car
Getting there: Hiring a car
Renting a car abroad involves more than just handing over cash and jumping behind the wheel. Avoid disappointment and losing precious holiday time by getting your vehicle organised before leaving home.
At home
If your holiday doesn't include car hire and you plan to drive abroad, ask your tour operator or travel agent to recommend a reputable rental company at your destination. Contact them well before you leave to guarantee a car.
If you won't need a car straight away, take the details of good firms anyway. Always remember to:
• Take a valid driving licence and another form of ID if you plan to drive a hire car
• Carry an International Driving Licence for your destination - if required
• Check the minimum age for drivers - it may be 25 in some countries
• Ask about insurance and arrange more cover if necessary
• Consider arranging a breakdown service if you'll be driving in remote areas
• Know what the rules are about petrol, mileage and collection/delivery of the car
• Check whether a car has child locks and rear seat belts if travelling with youngsters
• Arrange a child seat in advance for babies and toddlers
• Stipulate the type of car you want and ensure it suits your needs
• Plan your driving routes before departure, if possible, and know the local driving laws
On holiday
Before agreeing to hire a car, check it for obvious faults and familiarise yourself with its controls. Know what you are paying for - accident insurance and a collision damage waiver usually cost extra. Also remember to:
• Know where switches and levers are for lights and windscreen wipers
• Check gear stick positions on manual cars
• Check whether your car has a spare tyre - and whether using it will cost extra
• Note how to disarm and arm car alarms and immobilisers
• Make sure your car is prepared for any weather you'll encounter
• Take a contact number for the hire firm in case of problems
• Keep car insurance documents in the car
• Take the car for a test drive and check its length and width for parking
• Consider getting the car delivered to your hotel if you've had a long flight
Further information
International Driving Permits cost £5.50 and can be bought through the AA, the RAC and selected Post Office branches.
