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Informative Articles

Credit Card Travel Tips: Some Do's and Don't's
Most people would never think of traveling without credit cards - and for many good reasons. Credit and charge cards can certainly give you an edge while on the road: You do not have to carry as much cash - a definite security advantage - and you...

Did I Pack My Toothbrush? Getting Organized for Travel
For many of us summertime = vacation time. Some people will spend their days off at the local pool. Some may choose to sightsee in their own town. Many will leave behind the comforts of home for the open road. Regardless of the destination or...

Travel Light: The How And Why
I learned how to travel light from lightweight backpacking, then found it was just as useful to keep it light on trips overseas or driving across the country. The last time my wife and I went to Ecuador, I had 10 pounds of luggage, all in one...

Virtual Walks of Europe - A Unique Travel Experience
In June of 1999, Kathi and I took a Globus tour of Italy - their "Italian Mosaic." Before leaving for the trip, I borrowed a Steadicam Jr. from a good friend in Los Angeles who is a film editor. I wanted to use it with my home video camera to shoot...

Why Thailand Is A Favorite Travel Destination in Asia
No wonder people love to travel to Thailand these days. It's hot. It's fun. And it's cheap. Everything here is cheap -- hotels, food, shopping -- you name it. A coconut costs 20 baht (that's around 50 cents -US). A bowl of noodle costs from 30 to 70...

 
Car Rental Safety During Traveling

What do I need to do before I leave the rental lot?

You're in a big hurry now that you're got the car, but take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with this new car. Check the car for interior or exterior damage. Find the lights, radio, wipers, turn signals, cruise control and side mirror controls before you leave the lot. Set the seat and the mirrors to a level where you are comfortable. It's also a good idea to study the map and find the route to your destination before you begin driving.

Insurance is a good thing to already own Taking a risk might be good with poker or with your stocks, but when it comes to renting a car, do you really want to forgo insurance? Sure car rental insurance is complicated (even the counter agents don't know everything), but it is an unwise decision to drive without a safety net. Your cheap car rentals might not be as cheap as you think they are if you option to buy the car rental agency's insurance.

The best way to answer your questions about car rental insurance is to check with your credit card company, personal and auto insurance carrier, and the rental car company itself. Be advised that you should not feel pressured to buy the rental company's insurance. Why pay for something you might already have? Take the time to check your own existing policy first. Note that there could be


certain restrictions to your own policy and that certain rental vehicles might not be covered. If you're thinking about renting that Jaguar, you might want to reconsider if your own policy won't cover such a high-end vehicle.

It is unfortunate to note that rental cars are moving targets for theft. However, most rental companies have recently stopped labeling their rental vehicles with their corporate logos. It is a good idea to ensure there are no logos or stickers on your particular rental car. If there is one, you could ask for their immediate removal.

Here are some safety tips:

1. Always be wary of pulling over, especially if it is dark or if you are unfamiliar with the territory.

2. Never exit your car until you are sure that the situation is safe.

3. Keep all your luggage in the trunk. Do not draw attention to the fact that you are a visitor.

4. Stay on the the main roads and stick to your planned route.

About the author:

Daniel Reed is the author of "Car Rental Safety During Traveling". Visit his website: http://www.travellodge.info for more information on traveling.