Driving
in United Kingdom can be the most beautiful and pleasurable experience.
The traditional buildings, beautiful country sides, the islands
and the lush green surroundings make a lasting impression on visitors.
The public transport system of trains, underground and buses is
very comfortable to get around places with easy to follow maps.
However, for longer distances and if you want to club many destinations,
car rental uk is a better option, especially if you have
more than two people traveling together. Traveling by trains can
be expensive and does not offer as much flexibility of traveling
by car.
Car
Rental Companies
Finding
and renting a car has never been easier with online accessibility.
Most car rental companies give good deals on online and advance
bookings. You can also block you car over the phone or visit the
car rental office directly. You can easily find many big and small
car rental companies that exist all over the place. Some of the
popular names in car rental are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz
and National car
rental uk.
Check at least three or four agents to compare rates, services offered,
terms and conditions.
Hiring
a Classic Car
For
a perfect British experience, you can also check out classic cars
for hire and go around all picturesque sights, castles and more.
You can choose from a classic collection of Jaguar, MG, sports car,
Austin Hailey and more. Getting delivery of classic car at your
door step can be costly. It is economical to find one such dealer
in your vicinity. Most of them offer special gift vouchers for classic
car hires. It can be a memorable moment to surprise and treat people
you care for. There are many classic car rental agencies that can
offer you this option. To locate classic car rental companies, you
can contact the Historic and Classic Car Hirer’s Guild (HCHG). It
is an association of best classic car rental agencies all over UK.
To
get started and rent a car, get quotes, check terms and conditions,
and decide on what you want. Classic or regular car rental, there
are a few driving rules which all must follow. You must be over
21 years of age. However, it varies from dealer to dealer and according
to the car model. You must be holding a clear driving license for
at least one year and a credit card in your name. Most agencies
offer the flexibility of paying by cash or credit card. You will
also need to show your driving license and credit card, at the time
of pick-up. For international visitors, passport may also be checked.
There are certain restricted countries where you are not allowed
to drive a car rented from the UK. Find these out from the dealer.
Rates
car
rental uk
agencies have differ in their rates from one another. Rates differ
because of many reasons. Well known and big companies with branches
in many countries may have slightly higher rates. Rental companies
in the vicinity of airport are always costlier. You can look for
a rental company away from the airport, who is also willing to drop
the car at the airport. To avail discounts and lower rates, online
and advance booking is a great option. You can easily get quotes
and availability information from many companies online, by filling
a request form.
Apart
from the basic car rent, other charges like insurance and taxes
are also included. For fuel charges, usually the rental company
will provide you with a full fuel tank. You need to refill the tank
before returning. If not, then extra refueling charges apply.
For
any extra facilities, like infant seats for disability features,
you might be asked for extra payment. If you really need them, please
book in advance as it is difficult to make them available at the
last minute.
Extra
charges may also apply for one way and out of office hour’s rentals.
You need to check for any hidden charges before deciding on the
rental agency. Late return penalty is levied if you return the car
later than the contracted time.
For
driver’s younger than the age specified by law, an additional surcharge
is applicable.
Finally,
scan well through the rental agreement before signing it.
Insurance
Mandatory
insurance costs are added into the rent, which include accident
insurance, legal liability, third party and public liability insurance.
Theft protection and collision damage waiver may or may not be included
in the agreement. The rental company may ask you to purchase additional
insurance policies which are not mandatory. In many cases, you are
covered by your personal policies. The car insurance covers only
the person who signs the rental contract.
If
there are any additional drivers, you may need to purchase an additional
insurance.
It
is a good practice to inspect the car before delivery. If on return,
any new damage is seen by the rental agency, you may be asked to
pay for the damages. The payment depends on the amount of Collision
Damage Waiver purchased along with the rental agreement.
Additional
insurance is usually charged if you wish to take the car to Ireland
and Western Europe.
Basic
laws remaining the same, there may be variations in each dealer’s
terms and conditions. Check them out.
Breakdown
support and emergency
Most
car rental companies free 24x7 breakdown assistance with a toll
free number. In case of any mishap, immediately call 999 for assistance
from an ambulance, police or firefighters.
Driving
in the UK
Having
decided to rent a car, there are certain things which should be
kept in mind while driving in the UK.
Remember
that it is a left hand driving system. You should feel comfortable
driving on the left, especially in case you are not used to it.
Check out if you would feel more comfortable with an automatic transmission
car.
Also,
as many of us are aware, the UK is infamous for its unpredictable
weather where fog, rain, dark clouds and high speed winds can meet
you unexpectedly at any time and any season. Be ready to except
such challenges, though there is nothing scary about it.
Wearing
seat belts is a must for all sitting in front and back of the car.
There are strict laws against drinking and driving and one must
be very careful about that.
Be
ready for lot of roundabouts especially in bigger cities, which
help in easy flow of traffic.
Equipped
with all that information, what are you waiting for Pick up a car
and get ready to be mesmerized with the beautiful United Kingdom.
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