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Informative Articles

Airline Travel Lingo! Does The Language Need An Interpreter?
With airline travel increasing in record numbers, more people are experiencing the frustration of understanding the airlines industry language, and leaving them feeling that they need an interpreter for the travel information they're receiving from...

First Time Travel to Europe – Your Six Month Planning Guide
So, you’ve decided that you want to travel to Europe within the next year. Fantastic! Your trip is sure to be an exciting learning experience. This article will discuss the key plans you’ll need to make before traveling to Europe, starting from six...

Getting a Bargain Vacation: Travel at the Off Times
For many people, a vacation is just too expensive. They don't think they can afford to go someplace nice because they don't have the money to do it. But often, this is just because they are looking only at the "peak" times to travel. What is a...

Playing Your Cards Right -- Tips for Traveling with Credit Cards
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Traveling to the Canadian Arctic and Native Inuit Communities
There have been more travelers going to the Canadian Arctic region in recent years for both business and tourism. Adventure tourism companies are beginning to promote the Arctic as a unique destination to experience the natural beauty and wildlife...

 
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.