Are you planning on renting a car during your travels abroad this summer? While you may have visions of effortless cruising in your mind, you may have to prepare for things like car breakdowns or accidents that may throw a wrench in your travel plans. Before you get behind the wheel in a foreign country, there are a few things you should keep in mind about driving in an unknown place.
Firstly, you should check with an insurance provider or rental company to see if auto repair is covered. Your decision may be swayed depending on which companies offer the best policies and options, as you should be looking for whatever has the best value and protection for drivers.
"Many car hire suppliers do not allow people to take their cars to garages to be repaired without their approval as they tend to have their own mechanics that they prefer to have check their vehicles," said Briony Fairbairn of an English rental service. "It is extremely important to know before traveling what the country's specific regulations are regarding breakdown and accidents and also to confirm, if hiring a car, the rules your supplier has in place."
You also should take a look at the basic driving laws in the country you're visiting. Some destinations have specific procedures that need to be following in the event of an accident or last-minute car repair, like in certain European countries where a reflective jacket and warning triangles must be on hand.