Essential Road Safety Tips for Driving a Rental Car

Whether it's your first or 100th time driving a rental car, having a rental car safety checklist is essential. Take a look at our driving tips to learn more.

When you’re used to your car, the roads in your town and the laws in your area, it can be hard to feel comfortable behind the wheel of a rental car. Whether you’re driving for the majority of your trip or just need to get to and from the airport, here are some tips to help you get familiar with your destination, local laws and the rental vehicle itself before hitting the road.

Familiarize yourself with your rental car

Take the time to get to know the vehicle before leaving the parking lot. You should check the pressure on every tire, make sure all the lights on the car are working and check the gas gauge, fluid levels and milage since the car is your responsibility once you leave the lot. For international drivers, you should check if the vehicle’s speedometer reads miles per hour (MPH) or kilometers per hour (KPH) as it varies from country to country. Vehicles with digital speedometers may allow you to adjust the reading from KPH to MPH, just be sure to read the car manual. Speaking of the manual, read it thoroughly before taking off to know what to expect from safety features like anti-lock brakes, blind spot detection, brake assist and a driver attention monitor.

Know local road laws and regulations

Driving laws will depend on the location you plan to visit. Knowing them ahead of time can save you a headache on your trip. You can visit the embassy website for your destination to learn about car rental laws, speed limits, road signs, intersections and alcohol limits. It’s also a good idea to visit blogs and forums to see what other travelers say about local drivers and driving etiquette, like when to pass or move over, what lanes to use and where to park.

Prepare for different driving conditions

The driving conditions of your destination are most likely going be different than what you’re used to at home. Make sure you know what to expect in advance by researching your destination to understand the conditions and how they impact driving.

New Terrain

Get an idea of the streets and highway conditions at your destination by looking at forums, social media or blogs to see what travelers like you have to say. You should know if there will be paved roads, steep inclines, narrow streets, sharp turns and other elements to consider when driving in a new location.

Weather Impact

It’s nearly impossible to know exactly what weather conditions to expect during your vacation when you’re planning. However, you can get an idea of common weather conditions for different times of the year to help guide your choice in rental car. For instance, if you’re traveling somewhere that gets a lot of rainfall and has a lot of dirt roads, you might consider a vehicle with four-wheel drive so you’re less likely to get stuck in the mud. On the flipside, a small, compact vehicle with good gas mileage and a tight turning radius could be just the rental you need for a trip spent exploring city life.

Plan your route and use navigation tools

Do your best to avoid getting lost by downloading a map of the areas you plan to visit in case you lose service. You can use a traditional GPS instead of your phone since a traditional GPS will have stronger and more frequent connections, which is more convenient in remote areas. As a backup, take traditional tools like a map and compass – just make sure to practice reading them ahead of time!

Practice defensive driving

Many accidents that occur while driving are preventable to an extent, which makes defensive driving an essential skill to have on your trip. You can practice defensive driving before your trip if you limit distractions, follow the three-second rule to set a safe distance from other drivers and lower your speed.

Emergency preparedness

Make a list of items to keep in your rental car to prepare for different emergency situations like severe weather, a dead car battery or running out of gas. The car rental company may have essential items you can borrow like:

  • Shovel and snow brush
  • Road salt
  • Jumper cables or a portable jump charger
  • Anti-freeze
  • A five-gallon gas container

You can also pack personal emergency items like a portable phone charger or first aid kit in your carry-on luggage. Finally, consider getting a rental vehicle travel insurance plan to provide coverage for certain damages that occur to your rental vehicle. 

FAQs

What happens if I get in an accident in my rental car?

If you get into an accident in your rental car, you should call 911 (or the local in-country emergency number) despite the severity so you have an incident report. Be sure and let the rental company know about the event as soon as possible. Get documentation of the accident like photos of the vehicle, notes about road conditions and contact information if another driver was involved. This information will help you file an insurance claim if you have coverage. You can add Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage to your Travel Guard travel insurance plan to seek reimbursement for certain damages, like those from collisions.

How can I prepare for emergencies while driving a rental car?

Aside from packing the essential items we listed above; you should consider getting a rental vehicle insurance plan for your trip. Travel Guard offers a variety of travel insurance plans for travels that you can choose from like Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage Plan, which can cover up to $35,000 or $50,000 in collision damage. Or you can choose a more comprehensive plan like our Preferred Plan that provides coverages such as Trip Cancellation, Baggage Delay and Medical Expense Coverage and lets you add-on Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage to your plan. 

How do I secure a rental car to prevent theft?

Since you’re accountable for the damages to your rental car, it’s crucial to do your best to avoid being a target of theft.

You can help prevent theft if you:

  • Park in well-lit areas
  • Park near a camera
  • Close the windows when you’re not around
  • Lock the vehicle when you leave
  • Set the car alarm if one is available
  • Never leave your keys inside the car
  • Stay aware of your surroundings

When you’re renting a car, you’re taking on even more responsibility behind the wheel. As careful as you may be in your rental, there are some things that are out of your control. Travel Guard can help you feel more in control of your trip and help to get you from point A to point B with the protection you may need.

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