Common Mistakes that Self Drivers Make When Renting Cars

Are you planning to rent a car for your next self-drive trip and would like to avoid any issues that would jeopardize your journey or cost you more than planned? When planning to travel to the different safari destinations of Uganda and have the flexibility of choosing where and when to go, there are high chances that you desire to do it via self-drive. Nonetheless, this comes with challenges of unraveling and being comfortable with different Car rental guidelines to avoid any mistakes.

Regardless of how many times you have rented Cars before, surprises and issues are sometimes inevitable. Therefore, just don’t make the following mistakes;

Not filling the Fuel Tank yourself

Being too lazy or too much in a haste will cost you a lot. One of the questions we ask our clients at the reception when picking up the Rental Car is whether or not they wish to fuel for themselves. While travelers opt for the easier option, we recommend fueling the Rental Car by yourself because it is relatively cheaper. Interestingly, it also avoids groans and complaints of being cheated.

Not re-fueling the Rental Car before returning it

If you were given the Rental Car with a filled-up fuel tank, you will also be required to make a stop at the Fuel Station before dropping off the Vehicle. At Maranatha Tours and Travel, we usually rent out our Vehicles without including fuel and therefore it is your duty to fill them up before using them. Nonetheless, some clients will demand fuelling on their behalf and when this happens, we expect you to refill it before returning. Some self-drivers make the mistake of returning cars empty thus charged for the fuel. After successfully picking up the Rental Car, always be on the lookout for nearby Fuel stations to plan in advance to avoid risks of missing flights while trying to find a place of refilling.

Buying unneeded/or extra Insurance

Travelers planning self-drive trips in Uganda also make the mistake of buying unneeded insurance policies, just because they have been offered at the Counter while picking up the vehicle. This however doesn’t happen with us because the Insurance Policies we opt for usually cover the Rental Car thus travelers only have to purchase their personal covers-Travel and medical insurance. However, also keep in mind that insurance policies differ so much, and therefore be certain that you are covered before turning down insurance covers offered at the reservations office.

Not bargaining for better rates

Another common but avoidable mistake made when renting cars is self-drive trips is not utilizing the available option for discounts.

Not properly checking the rental Car before leaving Company premise

Thoroughly checking the vehicle before leaving the Company premises is a very important part of Car Rentals. During this process, look out for any damages that include loose parts, stains, scuffs, and scratches among others. This seems like a minor thing but you would be saving yourself from paying extra fees in the future and while you think to keep issues are already noted by the Rental Agency, it is not always the case. For this reason, always inform the reservations team with evidence to avoid paying extra charges for what you are not responsible for.

Paying for GPS and other extra services

Driving through a new Town might tempt you to pay for GPS for getting around but why would you pay over $10-$15 per day to rent one when you can actually just use Google Maps on your Smart Phone. Downloading off-line Maps for your safari destination before leaving home can also provide directions.

Other common mistakes made during self-drive trips in Uganda include crossing with the rental car over the border without informing the Company, not dropping off the Rental Car on time, and not inquiring about toll roads among others.