Although renting a car locally or within the United States is a simple task, it can become a time consuming one if you are traveling oversea. Some of the process remains the same; you search around for the best deal, you reserve your car, and you pick it up at your destination when you arrive. In addition to these steps there are a few other steps in the process that you need to be aware of.
To start with you may be required to obtain an international driving permit in order to rent a vehicle at an overseas destination. This permit is not always required for your international travel rental, but it is mandatory by many other countries. If required, your international driving permit needs to be obtained prior to leaving your country, therefore you will want to look into this several weeks in advance to ensure that if the permit is required you have enough time to get the documentation and paperwork together. In addition to needing an international driving permit, many countries also require that you have a valid drivers license so you will want to be sure that you have both documents on you when you go to pick up your rental.
Next you need to find out if the country you are visiting requires an international insurance card, as proof that you are insured while driving your rental internationally. This is usually required for all international rental cars, so what you really need to do is contact your insurance company and inform them that you are in need of this documentation. Many insurance companies are regionally located so the insurance card that you receive will let the rental company know that you are a carrier of valid insurance, therefore you are eligible to rent your vehicle. Much like the international driving permit, you will be required to obtain this form in your home country, so you will want to check with your rental company several weeks prior to your visit to ensure you have enough time to obtain the required documentation.
Internationally there are many companies that will probably be familiar to you and it is advisable to use a company that is known to you when leasing internationally. It is also important to book any extras you will need in advance with your rental company. Whether you will need a child safety seat, ski carrier or a GPS you should reserve these items in advance. Don't assume that they will be available when you arrive. And whenever possible do pay the extra amount and lease a GPS with your international rental. Since you will be traveling around a region that is unfamiliar to you, it will be handy to help direct you not only to tourist attractions and to your accommodations, but will also help you locate emergency services in the area you will be visiting.
As long as you inquire about, and obtain, all the required documents for your international car rental everything should go fairly smooth. Just make sure to have all you need and reserve your rental, along with your additional services, well in advance. If you follow the advance that was given in this article you should be smooth sailing from the time you pick up your rental to the time that it has to be returned. Happy Travels and Drive Safe!
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