Taking advantage of cheap auto rentals can tie in nicely with a trip that includes cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages. Having your own set of wheels at your destination is very appealing to many travelers.
However, overseas car rentals can create hassles and be expensive if drivers are not prepared to deal with unfamiliar road rules, and confusing rental agreements with pages of fine print.
The following are international car rental tips from Shermans Travel as to how to affordably rent a car with as few headaches as possible:
Book your car rental in advance not only because often it will be cheaper but also you will be more likely to get the vehicle you want and less likely to later face hidden clauses in contracts.
Be prepared to pay the gas prices at your destination. In Europe gas often costs as much as double the average price in the US.
Depending on how long you will need a car, consider both short and long term rentals. In general the longer the rental, the less you will pay per day. If you only need a car for an hour or two, consider renting a Zipcar if you will be driving in Canada or London. Zipcar international car rental rates start from under $10 per hour.
Find out before you depart if you will need a driving permit at your destination. In general a valid American drivers license suffices if you are driving overseas in an English speaking country. Otherwise, you will usually need an International Driving Permit which can be purchased at AAA offices nationwide.
If you can handle a stick shift, that is a more affordable and available car to rent, particularly in Europe. If you require an automatic, make certain you specifically reserve this type of car.
Look into insurance options since most U.S. auto insurance policies do not cover overseas rentals. Some credit cards offer secondary auto insurance on international car rentals as a free perk for the primary driver. However, often policies exclude certain vehicle types or countries and claims are often subject to many stipulations.
Prior to driving, make yourself familiar with local road laws and road conditions that can vary widely by country.
Identify the safest routes to drive. Car crashes are the number one cause of death for American travelers abroad in part due to unfamiliar terrain and different rules. www.cheapfares.com