Car Hire UK
If you are looking to a trip to the UK or Europe then hiring
a car is something you’ll find a lot of people who have
already visited these parts of the world would recommend,
getting off the train or plane and exploring a foreign country
by car is one of the best ways to get to know the place you're
visiting. Below are a few tips to make that experience run
smoothly.
· Be sure to call a travel agency at least three weeks
before your trip and let them know the dates that you intend
to hire a car, and where you'll wish to drive. Many American
car hire agencies have European affiliates, so you can easily
check rates or availability and book or cancel a reservation
on the web.
· Make sure you have a valid driver's license. An
American license will suffice in western European countries;
if you're planning to drive to Eastern Europe or elsewhere,
obtain an international driver's license before you arrive.
· Book the car, keeping in mind that European cars
are frequently stick shift and not automatic. Choose the model
and engine size of the vehicle you wish to hire along with
the dates of your rental.
· Determine where you wish to pick up and drop off
the car. For a fee, which varies widely depending on the country,
you can drop the car off at a different location from where
you picked it up.
· Review European street signs and driving laws before
you get behind the wheel. Be aware that the auto accident
fatality rate in Europe is about four times higher than that
in the United States.
· Prepay for the car or make a deposit.
Tips:
Hiring in Europe can be very expensive, especially in Italy,
France and Scandinavia. Also remember that a value-added tax
of 6 to 33 percent will be added to the cost of the auto rental.
European cars are often much smaller than American cars; avoid
bringing excess luggage.
Most car rentals in Europe require a minimum age of 25 to
rent a car, but this age limit varies by country.
Warnings:
Parking is often difficult in major cities, and gasoline is
about three times the cost of gas in the United States.
Plan to spend an additional $8 to $20 per day for complete
insurance coverage.
Beware of companies taking advantage of travellers. Look for
damage before you take the car, and avoid signing anything
you don't understand.
Authorities can trace parking tickets back to your credit
card, so pay a ticket if you get one.
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