Car Rental Safety During Traveling
What do I need to do before I leave the rental lot?
You're in a big hurry now that you're got the car, but take a
few minutes to familiarize yourself with this new car. Check the
car for interior or exterior damage. Find the lights, radio,
wipers, turn signals, cruise control and side mirror controls
before you leave the lot. Set the seat and the mirrors to a
level where you are comfortable. It's also a good idea to study
the map and find the route to your destination before you begin
driving.
Insurance is a good thing to already own Taking a risk might be
good with poker or with your stocks, but when it comes to
renting a car, do you really want to forgo insurance? Sure car
rental insurance is complicated (even the counter agents don't
know everything), but it is an unwise decision to drive without
a safety net. Your cheap car rentals might not be as cheap as
you think they are if you option to buy the car rental agency's
insurance.
The best way to answer your questions about car rental insurance
is to check with your credit card company, personal and auto
insurance carrier, and the rental car company itself. Be advised
that you should not feel pressured to buy the rental company's
insurance. Why pay for something you might already have? Take
the time to check your own existing policy first. Note that
there could be certain restrictions to your own policy and that
certain rental vehicles might not be covered. If you're thinking
about renting that Jaguar, you might want to reconsider if your
own policy won't cover such a high-end vehicle.
It is unfortunate to note that rental cars are moving targets
for theft. However, most rental companies have recently stopped
labeling their rental vehicles with their corporate logos. It is
a good idea to ensure there are no logos or stickers on your
particular rental car. If there is one, you could ask for their
immediate removal.
Here are some safety tips:
1. Always be wary of pulling over, especially if it is dark or
if you are unfamiliar with the territory.
2. Never exit your car until you are sure that the situation is
safe.
3. Keep all your luggage in the trunk. Do not draw attention to
the fact that you are a visitor.
4. Stay on the the main roads and stick to your planned route.