Hiring a Car in the UK- Useful Tips
The UK is a haven for those who love historical monuments and the beauty of rural countryside.
The see the best of the UK you need good means of transport to get you to those places which you can’t afford not to visit. One of the best modes of transport is to hire yourself a car. Even though public transport is generally reliable and plentiful, hiring a car could certainly make a difference to your trip.
Hiring a car means that you are more flexible, and not subject to bus, coach or train timetables. Also, some attractions may not be accessible by public transport, so in these cases a hire car is the best option, especially if you don’t want to be confined to one area.
There are two options to consider when hiring a car. You can hire a car from the town you are staying in, or hire one directly from the airport. This decision depends on how close your destination is to the airport. If you are familiar with the UK, then hiring from the airport is a great option to avoid unnecessary coach or train transfers.
Before hiring a car, make sure you are familiar with the UK driving rules, for example, you drive on the left, so make sure that you will be comfortable with that transition. Some parking rules may also be different here, so it is best to do some research before you start driving.
When you have actually hired the car, it is a good idea to invest in a map of not only the area you are staying in, but of the whole country in case you decide to venture across the country. This seems like a pretty obvious tip, but it could end up being very useful! Also, the importance of having insurance is paramount. As in most countries, it is illegal to drive in the UK without insurance, so make sure you are covered before you leave the rental lot. Also, make sure you keep your rental contract in your car at all times, in case of emergency and for your own information.
Before committing to the first car hire company you see, it may be worth comparing companies online. Car rental can be quite competitive.
by: Rachael Miller