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Informative Articles

8 things not to forget when traveling to the tropics
Copyright 2005 Dave Markel Sometimes it is hard to pack for a place or climate that is new. When packing to go to the tropics there are some items that you don't want to forget. 1. Appropriate Identification: With tighter security these days it...

Accommodation Travel Tips
BEFORE YOU GO Do a hotel research on the net looking not only for the cheapest rates but also considering the amenities and services provided, location, possible references from other people. Travel guidebooks can also be very helpful for...

Alternatives for Business Travelers
"I'm coming home. I've been away too long. Been away so long. I'm coming home" – Ian Thomas, in Coming Home I still recall my road warrior days. It seemed like every other week, I was hopping on a plane for Orlando or Vancouver or Palm...

Online Travel Statistics
The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) released their annual Travelers’ Use of the Internet study in December 2003. The study shows an increase in the number of people using the internet to research and book travel. TIA found that 30% of...

Record Numbers Set To Travel This Holiday
Linknet Travel News Digest - December 21, 2005 - Travel may be expensive this time of year, but the AAA is still predicting this will be a record year for travel in the U.S. The organization estimates that 63.5 million Americans...

 
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.