Skip to main content

Rules for Renting a Car Abroad

If you’re jet-setting, you may consider renting a car in another country!

Renting a car can be a great way to explore a foreign country. Having your own set of wheels allows you the freedom to take off on your own, explore places outside of public transportation, and turn down that little, cobbled alleyway!

While this is ideal, driving on foreign roads is extremely different than driving on American highways. Before booking that nippy 2-door in Italy, read these rules!

If you don’t know how to drive a manual, learn before you leave.
Outside of the U.S., many, if not most, cars have manual transmissions. Finding an automatic rental can be difficult and may significantly increase the price. You’ll be concentrating hard enough on trying to figure out where to go, decipher road signs, and make sure you’re driving on the right side of the road. You don’t want to add learning how to shift gears into the mix!

Always buy insurance.
Even though $10-$20 a day for auto insurance can add up, it’s easy to pass on the full coverage and believe that the worst won’t happen. On the off chance that something does happen (let’s face it, if something will go wrong, it’ll go wrong abroad!), you’ll be kicking yourself for not springing for full coverage insurance!

Know the rules of the road.
Foreign territory = foreign rules! The basic rules that are consistent across continents are stopping at stop signs, don’t speed, watch out for children and livestock. Always do some research on the road culture for place(s) you will be driving, and learn the customs that are followed there!

Don’t make yourself an easy target.
What better way to say you’re a tourist than visible luggage in the backseat and a GPS unit mounted on your window. Always lock the doors, store valuables out of sight, and park in well-lit areas.

Before jet-setting, take a moment to review your insurance coverage to ensure that you receive optimum coverage. Helping You Protect your belongings and finances means that your holiday can run smoothly and pleasantly! For all of your insurance needs in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, contact Unisource Insurance Associates today!