Driving in a new destination is one of the best ways to enjoy an adventure. It gives you the freedom to watch beautiful sunrises, take unexpected turns, and explore places at your own pace. However, renting a car involves more than just choosing a vehicle and driving away. You need to understand local traffic rules, such as Uganda’s speed limits, know what your insurance covers, and choose a car that is suitable for the roads you plan to use. Being unprepared can lead to stress, extra costs, and travel problems. To help you enjoy a smooth, safe, and affordable trip, here are the important things you should know before renting a car.
Type of a car
Consider the type of the car you want to hire based on the trip. If its town or city tour, any 4WD or 2WD car can work but if the trip involves bumpy roads or visiting remote areas, then a 4wheel drive is highly recommended. Also consider the number of travellers in your group and the size of your luggage. Small group of about 1- 4 pax, you can hire a smaller car like RAV4, Prado TX/TZ or Land Cruiser V8. On their other hand, a group of 4-6, hire a stretch or extended hard top to ensure that each tourist has a window seat for clear viewing and excellent photography.
Driver’s credentials
The hirer must present credible driver’s licence (international driver’s permit is highly commendable). If two drivers, each must present a driving permit and the car hire company must retain a copy of the driver’s licence and valid passport.
Pick up and drop off point
know where to pick the car from and drop off point after the trip. If the pick up and drop off is far a way from the car hire offices, say in another country, the two parties must agree on extra costs for fuel and pick up/ drop off.
Car rental agreement
Read and understand the clauses in the drafted car rental agreement. The car hire company must send the soft copy of the contract to the potential hirer in advance. If he or she finds out that the contract is well balanced/ favourable, then go a head and confirm the booking with payment.
Payment and cancellation policies
The hirer must know the payment terms and cancellation policies. The car hire company should clearly post the payment and cancellation policies on websites for their customers to read and understand. The car rental agency should be ready to answer all questions asked by their clients before they decide to book.
Car insurance coverage
Which insurance policy do car hire companies need? In my view, comprehensive insurance is ideal. The hirer should ask whether the cars are comprehensively insured and if yes, then go a head and book.
Cost of ranting a car
Consider fair prices based on the prevailing market prices. In other words, consider the prices and the condition of the car. Do not consider cheaper prices for a car in bad condition, hire a better car at a fair price.
Rental period
Some car hire company offer cheaper cars for hirers on long period of hire and the reverse is true. So, travellers should prolong their stay to utilize this opportunity.
Traffic rules
The car hire company should avail the list of traffic rules to the hirer in advance to avoid falling in danger. For example, in Uganda, below are the traffic rules and regulations:
- Driving on the left, a strict 30 km/h speed limit in urban areas, and a 50 km/h limit on highways passing through urban areas.
- Drivers must wear seatbelts, use hands-free devices for phones, and obey all road signs.
- Recent regulations have introduced harsher penalties for offenses like speeding and drunk driving.
Car fuel consumption
based on your budget, decide to hire a low or high fuel consuming vehicle. Some travellers need comfort in a low fuel consuming car so seek guidance from your travel agencies before choosing the best car.
