On 1 January 2021, the UK and the EU will start following their new agreement, which will include rules on how the EU treats UK visitors (and how the UK treats EU visitors). Inspiring nurses to travel both near and far, Kylee began Passports and Preemies in 2017 while volunteering in Skopje, North Macedonia. You can also be like me and ask the rental car agent to come along with you and do all the driving, hahaha. If there are, contact your bank or the hire car company immediately. Renting a car in the EU from 2021 onwards . If you rent a car in the UK the typical etiquette is to fill up your car first, then pay inside when you’re done. The default for most car rentals in the United Kingdom is standard transmission. Note, however, that there may be exclusions, such as tires and windshields. And my best tip of all – have fun with it! Officially, the UKHighway Code states: "Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. WHEW! Below you will find my very best tips for renting a car in the UK so that if you choose to do so too, you can move seamlessly through the process and avoid some of the mistakes that I made along the way. What about built-in navigation? As you approach, yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Keep in mind these tips on selection, vehicle size, and insurance options, and you will be well on your way to an eye opening visit! In the UK, as well as renting a new luxury car (possible from London and major airports), you could pootle around in a classic vintage model for a few days. Hahahah I should’ve asked the rental guy to come with me! Keep to the right until you need to change lanes to exit and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want to take. No matter which coverages you purchase, you will usually not be covered for damage caused by breaching the rental agreement, negligence, or using the wrong fuel. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Always be prepared in case of an emergency. First, take it slow. Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Know how to contact local law enforcement, your car rental agency, and even a tow truck in case something were to go wrong. Look out for hidden fees. Variable speed limits apply to some motorways, expressways designed for fast travel and long distances. Third party Cover (TPC), also known as Third Party Liability Insurance, is a legal requirement and is generally included in the baseline car rental. I am glad you successfully drove in the UK! If you rent a car in the UK the typical etiquette is to fill up your car first, then pay inside when you’re done. Also, double-check that you will have cell service with your phone company and if not find an alternative. London traffic can be busy and chaotic, plus it costs £11.50 to drive weekdays in the Congestion Zone Area in central London. If your credit card offers car rental insurance, check with your card issuer to confirm they provide coverage in the UK, what they cover and under what conditions. Whether you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. Rules regarding older drivers also vary from company to company. You made it look easy too with your rental! UK Driving Travellers Tips It is a good idea to come with an International Driver's Permit, it means you have another form of identification and car hire companies may request this in their requirements for hiring a car n the UK. Typically, you need to decline the rental company CDW in order to use credit card coverage and that may be difficult if the CDW is bundled into the rental price. The important thing is to know what you’re getting for your money and make sure you go through the agreement thoroughly. However, it doesn't take long to become accustomed to these intersections. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you are taking the first roundabout exit to the left, stay in the left lane and signal left. Rental cars may be fueled by petrol (what North Americans call "gasoline") or diesel. Your email address will not be published. Fourth, enjoy the scenery! Fast forward 3-months later and I showed up to Enterprise on the day of my reservation to pick up my automatic, compact car, and little did I know… they only had manual cars. Tips for renting a car and driving in the UK Dave and I recently rented a car to do the 6 and a bit hour drive from Manchester to Cornwall. In some cases, that may involve providing a doctor's certificate. The driver's seat is on the right-hand side, which means you shift with your left hand instead of your right. At certain times of the day, lower speed limits may be in effect to prevent start-stop congestion. SIXT rent a car Magazine. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different signs so that you don’t get confused when driving. Would have saved me a heart attack or two. Here are some useful things to know about car rental or "car hire" as it is called in England. Speed limits and distances in England are shown in miles. Driving on the "opposite" side of the road can be as disorienting for passengers as for drivers. Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting. Enter the roundabout when it is clear to do so, turning to the left. When there are several lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach. Other insurance coverages relate to damages to the rental car itself. Similarly, if a car behind you seems to be in a hurry, pull into the first widening you come across and allow it to go on ahead. Tips for Driving in the UK. There are other rental car offices located near the airport, but you would probably need to take a shuttle, and in my opinion, after a long day of travel, it’s not worth the extra hassle (my mom did this because the car rental was cheaper but regretted it). Your email address will not be published. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users." And it took a couple weeks of of YOUR life??? Europcar UK - Europcar is one of the leading car hire companies in the world, … Passports and Preemies was created as a way to reach nurses and advocate for the prevention of nurse burnout by traveling. If you’re used to the blinker being on the left side, it’s probably now on the right side, etc. Many car hire companies will charge a premium for renting to drivers aged under 21, and certain higher performance vehicles will be restricted to those over 25 years old. Legal Requirements for Driving in the UK • The minimum driving age is 17, however the minimum age to hire a car is 25. As I bought guidebooks, read blogs, and looked at Pinterest pins I began dreaming up my dream England + Scotland road trip itinerary. Although you can tour England extensively by rail, sometimes renting a car in the United Kingdom's largest country is the best way to explore to out-of-way villages, historic sites, and verdant countryside. Putting the wrong type of fuel in the tank can cause damage that you may be liable for. As you should do for all rental cars, familiarize yourself with the position of all buttons and controls before driving. Pre-book in the UK. Read the UK Highway Code for complete rules on navigating roundabouts. Minimum rental ages vary by company and range from 17 to 25. If you’re looking for more information and inspiration on renting a car in the UK, you might find these posts helpful: Why You Shouldn’t Rent a Car As a Solo American Traveler in the UK, Solo Guide to a 7-Day Road Trip Through the UK, 6 Solo Road Trip Tips – How to Have An Epic Road Trip When You’re Alone. Be prepared to back up to those spots when a car approaches from the other direction. I wanted to roll down the windows and breathe in the fresh air as I moved from town to town, crossing country borders; something you can’t do on a bus or train. There are speed cameras capturing images of speeders' license plates. In situations where you've allowed another car to go first, that driver may flash headlights as a "thank you.". If you find navigating the insurance options overwhelming, enlist the help of a travel agent. Top 20 Safe Driving Tips Car Rental Hidden Costs 10 Things Not to Do When Renting a Car. Maximum age limits, when they are present, vary from 70 to 80. Hi friends! Or worse, get a ticket! Also, be sure that the company from which you’re renting offers any extras you might need or want, such as a ski rack, car … Find me on: Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook. If you’re coming from a country that drives on the other side of the road than the UK keep in mind that all of the car’s bells and whistles will be turned around. I’m Kylee, a NICU nurse... who loves to travel! If you are renting a car after flying into an airport, follow the signs to rental cars. There are a few things you should know before driving on such extremely narrow roads. Second, pay attention when you pass a widening in the road or a pullout/turnout. Although I don’t have the best track record with driving (I’ve totaled my car 3 different times – oops! If people are frustrated with the way you drive, they can pass you. Kylee is a traveling Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) nurse with a love for solo travel, wine, and Taylor Swift. (1 km = 0.6 mi). Signs as you approach the roundabout show the position of exits/roads fanning out from the intersection so you can plan where you want to exit before you enter. There is nothing worse than being stranded and not knowing how to contact the local authority or having the cell service to do so. Have No Claims or Conviction. Because distance and will be in km (instead of miles), it will be useful to be able to roughly convert between the two. It is also illegal to use a handheld phone or similar device while driving, including when stopped at lights or queuing in traffic. Some car rental companies provide a GPS navigation system in the car for extra charge, e.g., NeverLost from Hertz is $10 extra per day. Also, make sure to ask what kind of gas your car requires before filling up. Now despite the fact that we both hold UK driving licenses, neither of us did our test in the UK. Some may not rent to people over 70 years old and some may charge an extra fee for the youngest and oldest drivers. Of course, those loaning you a rental car in the UK want to limit their … ", At unmarked crossroads or t-junctions, another driver may flash their headlights to indicate that you should proceed first. If you are renting a car in USA with UK driving licence, I do recommend paying extra for the Sat Nav (or for free data on your phone during the trip) as this will help you greatly with directions. Studies have shown that slowing everyone down in high traffic situations results in traffic flowing more smoothly and quickly. Below are the rental car tips that will put Americans firmly in the driver’s seat of renting a car. An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket). Just keep breathing and remember that it is best to arrive alive. Make sure that is the true intent of the flashing and that it is safe to proceed before doing so. Your 23-year-old daughter may have a spotless driving record, … Laugh at yourself, breathe it all in, stop and take too many pictures, and enjoy the little mistakes you make along the way. What do I Need to Rent a Car in the UK? I started Passports and Preemies in 2017 when I was volunteering in Skopje, North Macedonia. The UK is one of the world's most popular destinations with numerous attractions located beyond major city centers. ), I decided that it was time to bite the bullet and live out my dream of driving across England and Scotland. We compare car rental deals at UK airports, coastal ports and at convenient downtown locations across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Renting a car in the UK can make for a truly lovely holiday away, and the process does not have to be stressful. 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