Driving A Hire Car Abroad: Top Tips

Driving abroad is no mean feat, so it’s important that you take all the necessary precautions before you go – particularly if you’re hiring a car. Thankfully, these top tips are here to reduce your anxieties and save you money.

Read on to learn how to make sure you’re driving safe and savvy with the help of pre-planning and car hire excess insurance.

Research Your Destination

Before you travel, researching the driving laws of your holiday destination is a no-brainer. An overseas getaway is an exciting experience, but if you aren’t familiar with the rules of the road it can quickly turn into a disaster.

Some basic rules you should know include what side of the road you should be driving on, the speed limit (and whether it’s in miles or kilometres), car seat regulations for children and any documents or equipment you are legally required to have in the vehicle. Being aware of these rules is sure to make you feel a lot safer and more confident when on the road with your rental vehicle.

Take Things Slow

Even once you know the rules, driving on foreign roads can still pose many challenges, so taking things slow is a tip you must keep in mind. There’s nothing wrong with going at your own pace – don’t let the other cars whizzing past put you off. The safest way to handle driving abroad is to start slow and speed up slightly as you gain more confidence.

Choose Wisely

Hiring a car isn’t just a case of having one allocated to you. Make an effort to choose a vehicle that’s going to be beneficial to you while you’re on the road overseas. For example, a smaller vehicle is ideal if there’s not a large number of people in your party. You’ll be able to manoeuvre it quickly and easily, meaning you’re less likely to cause damage and have to pay a fine.

It’s also wise to opt for an automatic vehicle so that you don’t have to confuse yourself with gears and having to work an unfamiliar clutch. This will also be safer since you’ll be able to focus your attention on the road rather than the gearstick.

Save Savvy with Car Hire Excess Insurance

Most rental companies don’t offer comprehensive insurance cover, so investing in car hire excess insuranceis the best way to ensure you don’t end up out of pocket if you have an accident while driving overseas. You’ll have cover for all elements of the vehicle, from the undercarriage to each individual tyre, so you can rest easy knowing that no sneaky fees will be coming your way.

If you’re thinking about renting a vehicle for your next overseas adventure, make sure you keep these tips in mind and invest in car hire excess insurance from a reputable specialist policy provider. You’ll have peace of mind along with an unforgettable road trip.

Author Plate

Sam Walker is a specialist insurance expert at LowerHire, a company that offers low-cost single trip and annual multi-trip car hire excess insurance policies. Travellers can rest easy knowing they will be fully protected against any hidden hire car costs and look forward to a stress-free rental experience.