Essential tips for new drivers when renting a car

Whether you’re looking for a car for a weekend getaway or to explore new destinations, the moment you rent your first car is a memorable and important step in your driving journey. This experience can be charged with excitement and anticipation, but also with a series of questions and uncertainties.

Let’s begin the adventure in the world of car rentals, where you will discover all the essentials to make this first trip with a rental car from Enterprise a memorable and hassle-free one!

Documents and preparation

Before you hit the road, there are some essential documents you should have on hand for the car rental process. It’s important to be prepared and make sure you have everything you need to make this experience a smooth trip.

To rent a car, you will need:

Valid driver’s license: Make sure your driver’s license is valid and not expired. Also check if it is valid in the country where you will be driving.

ID: A valid ID such as an ID card or passport is usually required.

Debit or credit card: Whether it’s paying the rental car deposit or paying the entire rental period in advance, it’s essential to have a card with you, whether it’s VISA, MasterCard® or American Express

Insurance

Car rental insurance is a protection and safety plan that protects you and your vehicle in the event of an accident, theft or anything else. At Enterprise we also offer roadside assistance in case of incidents such as lost keys.

It’s important to note that you are not required to purchase insurance when you rent from Enterprise, but we do have several options for you to choose from if you are interested in purchasing car rental insurance.

In addition to the documents, your preparation may include:

Know the local rules: Before driving in a foreign country or new area, learn about the traffic rules specific to that area.

Route planning: Plan your route and research parking options or points of interest along the way.

Choosing the right car

When you’re at the beginning of your journey in the car rental world, choosing the right car can be crucial to your comfort and safety on the road. Here are some important things to consider:

Car type:

Size and capacity: For a novice driver, a smaller car may be easier to maneuver and control in traffic.

Transmission: If you are not used to manual transmission cars, you can opt for an automatic transmission for a smoother driving experience.

Personal needs: Take into account your personal needs and preferences for comfort, space and extra features such as GPS navigation or connectivity systems.

Driving and driving safety

Driving a rental car for the first time can be an exciting and challenging experience. Here are some tips and recommendations to ensure you have a pleasant and safe trip:

Safety routines:

Adjusting the seat and mirrors: Make sure the seat and mirrors are positioned properly for optimal visibility.

Seat belt: Always wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers are equally well secured.

Try to be preventive:

Anticipating situations: Learn to anticipate the actions of other road users and react in advance to possible dangerous situations.

Focus and Attention: Avoid distractions and keep your focus on the road and traffic signs.

Frequently asked questions and solutions

In the process of renting a car, questions or concerns may arise. Here are some of the most common questions and their solutions:

What do I do if I have an incident or accident with the rental car?

In the event of an accident, stop the vehicle safely, contact the police and the Enterprise branch you rented from to help us with more details. If the branch is closed at that time, call roadside assistance at +4.0722.397.855, available 24/7.

What should I do in case of a breakdown or technical problem?

If the breakdown makes the car undriveable, please call roadside assistance on the number above and you will receive all the help you need.

What happens if I exceed the deadline for returning the rental car?

If you rent a car for a single day, the good news is that you have 29 minutes to return it at no extra cost. If you exceed this time by a maximum of 2 ½ hours, hourly charges will apply. If you also exceed this limit, the cost of a full day’s rental is charged.

Can I add an additional driver?

Yes, but an additional driver is an additional daily charge. Also, of course, the additional driver must meet the age and driving license requirements.

More frequently asked questions and their more detailed answers can be found on the dedicated page on our website, which we invite you to consult if you have any concerns before renting a car.

Finally, driving a rental car for the first time can be full of excitement and learning. With the information provided, we hope you are now more confident and will enjoy every moment of this new and exciting experience. Safe roads and adventurous journeys!

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