What should I pay attention to when renting a car? ｜Take a look at the guide for local travel and self-driving travel
In Hong Kong, there are over 2.3 million people with valid driving licenses. Everyone has a license plate, but not everyone owns a car. Therefore, many people are willing to rent cars on a daily basis to enjoy driving on weekends
Hong Kong's car rental market is quite competitive and large-scale, with a wide selection of rental companies to choose from... But do you know what steps you should take to protect yourself when renting a car? Here's a brief overview of "basic car rental knowledge"!
Basic things to know about renting a car
Before setting off, car renters need to make some basic preparations. First and foremost, they need to be willing to have fun and make sure their friends won't cancel!
In addition, most car rental companies require renters to provide the following documents
1. ID card
2. A valid driver's license
3. Recent proof of address
The reason is that if there are any traffic violations during the rental period, the rental company will submit the person's personal information to the police for follow-up
However, before signing a car rental contract, renters should understand the rental plan, such as the deposit, the exact time and place of return, and the date for refunding the deposit, to avoid financial losses
On the day of vehicle pickup, the renter should inspect the vehicle's condition with the staff, take photos of any defects, and report and record them to the staff. Once the vehicle is driven, the renter will be liable for any damage caused
In the unfortunate event of an accident, the renter should remain calm, ensure the safety of the scene, call the police, and then notify the rental company to send someone to handle the aftermath. All relevant documents regarding the traffic accident, such as the police report and rental documents, must be kept afterward. The renter may be responsible for the cost of vehicle repairs, the amount of which depends on the contract terms
When returning the car, rental companies generally require that the car be returned with a full tank of gas. Otherwise, they will deduct a "fuel fee" and an "administrative fee" from the deposit. It is best to keep the fuel receipt for future reference
I have a car... can I rent it out?
So, can anyone rent out their car to others? Of course not!
Most private car insurance policies stipulate that the vehicle can only be used for private purposes and cannot be used for commercial purposes; otherwise, the insurance will be void
However, renting a vehicle is a commercial activity and cannot be covered solely by private car insurance. Most car rental companies on the market purchase rental insurance for their vehicles, and the terms of rental insurance are more stringent and specifically designed for vehicles used for rental purposes
If renters wish to increase their coverage, they may consider purchasing single-trip insurance
Don't want to rent a car for local travel? Try a self-driving tour abroad!
Congratulations to everyone with a holiday! Finally, you can travel! Road trips have become a popular way to travel, mainly because they are convenient and offer flexibility. While road trips are certainly enjoyable, there are some details to keep in mind when renting a car in a foreign city:
First, familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and adapt to local customs
With navigation assistance, there's no need to rush even on unfamiliar routes
Pay attention to the weather conditions; do not force yourself to rent a car and set off in extreme weather
Planning your trip in advance and noting the pick-up and drop-off locations will make route planning much easier
Travel insurance is now available in a variety of types, catering to travelers' personalized itineraries. Self-driving travelers can add self-driving coverage to their travel insurance to cover the high down payment for repairs in the event of an accident. Lower premiums, more protection, allowing you and your travel companions to fully enjoy every journey. Planning a self-driving trip soon? For more details on travel insurance,please WhatsApp the AWM Insurance professional team for more information.