Are you thinking about renting a car in India for your next trip? The first thing is first. This country is known for crowded yet colourful cities with truly crazy traffic. That is why driving on city roads can be quite an overwhelming experience. On the other hand, exploring the countryside, smaller towns, and villages on the wheel may be a more liberating and fun way to know India.
If you are an Indian with driving experience, it can be a good idea to rent a car to drive yourself. On the other hand, it’s more common for foreigners to hire a car with a chauffeur. This is because professional drivers know the backroads, lax rules of the road, shortcuts, etc. Now, whether you are an Indian citizen or a foreign tourist, if you have decided on renting a car for an India Trip, here are a few crucial things to keep in mind.
Remember These Essential Tips While Renting a Car in India
Book From Home
If you are a foreigner, don’t wait until you get to this country to rent a car. You can book your car from your home since sometimes it is cheaper that way.
Opt for an International Driving Permit
If you want to drive in India, you will have to either be a legal resident of this country with an Indian driver’s license or else, you will have to have an International Driving Permit.
Always Drive On the Left
India previously had been a former British colony and therefore, is a place where people drive on the left. If you are not easy with that, you better rent a car with an experienced driver. Do not risk your trip.
It is Better to Pay For the Rental in Rupees
While for foreigners it may seem easier to charge in dollars instead of rupees, this option is likely to cost you more in the long run. Instead, try to pay in the local currency since thus, you can avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees.
Cross-check your insurance coverage
Before you leave for an India trip, make sure you contact your credit card company to see what collision coverage it offers on rented cars abroad. Generally, a contract for car rental in this country requires third-party liability and fire insurance. These supplemental fees tend to be automatically added to the rental cost.
A Self-drive Rental car Comes With a Deposit
If you are choosing to self-drive a rental car, you’ll likely have to pay a deposit. The amount of the deposit will depend on the type of car you are renting. In the case of any damage, the deposit will be kept by the rental company.
Road Rules Here are More Like Guidelines
Well, in most cases, drivers in India do not take rules on the road very seriously. If you are a foreigner and choosing to self-drive a rented car, don’t expect other drivers on the road to stay in their lanes. Many of them do not properly obey traffic lights or do not even stay on the road (you will find many on the sidewalks).
Traffic is Notorious in Big Indian Cities
If you are a foreigner and have no idea of the traffic conditions in the big Indian cities, having a self-driving rental can become a nightmare. This is because there will be few drivers sticking to the rules of the road. Parking too can be very difficult. Considering this, it will be better to rent a car with a chauffeur.
Here is a small tip for you. Inspect the car carefully before renting. Make sure you take all measures to protect yourself from false damage claims and ensure that you won’t have to pay for them later. You can contact India Tours Cabs, a trusted Jaipur-based, GST-registered car rental company, for the best experience. They are trusted and reputed for offering the best prices and customer services for both self-driving and chauffeur-driven vehicles.
