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ByTazim Damji Updated on

Hiring A Car On Vacation? The Things That Could Go Wrong

We all find ourselves wanting to travel a little more when on vacation, and hiring a car can be a great way to get out and about. You can jump in the car and head out exploring, finding hidden gems and secret locations. But hiring a car is a big responsibility. It isn’t your vehicle, so it is important to be extra vigilant. With that in mind, here are some of the things that could go wrong when hiring a car on vacation. 

A white car that was hired on vacation

Image source – pixabay – cco license

A Car Accident 

The first thing that could go wrong might be getting involved in a car accident. It doesn’t matter if it is your fault or not, it can be a very distressing situation to be in. A car accident anyway is not an easy thing to handle, but one in a rental car on vacation can be a different story entirely. You are likely in a different country or region, you have their insurance to consider and the excess costs. While it is unavoidable, try to remain calm and safe on the roads. Abide by the road laws. 

A Traffic Offence 

Another thing to consider is traffic offences. It can be an innocent mistake to make, especially if you are used to particular road laws and speed limits. The traffic offenses may even be minor, so you may want to think about hiring a traffic ticket lawyer so that you are covered and can avoid any long lasting penalties and fines. Especially if it was only a minor ticketable offense. 

Damaging the Vehicle 

A damaged vehicle can be annoying, but when it is a rental car it can be so much more to think about. A damaged vehicle might be a slight scratch in a car park, or more damage caused when driving or maneuvering the car. If you do damage a rental car the best advice is to be open about it rather than hoping they won’t notice. If you are honest then you may be able to rectify it without a surprise big bill being charged to your credit card or an invoice coming through the post box. 

A Flat Tyre 

Another thing that can’t be helped sometimes is a flat tyre. A great tip is to speak to the rental company ahead of driving the vehicle and ask what the procedure is. The rental car might have a spare or a repair kit that can get you going. The company may have a specific garage or dealer they want to deal with. These things can happen so knowing the procedure is a good way to ensure that you won’t be caught out. 

Engine Failure 

Finally, things can go wrong with vehicles, engine lights can come on or vehicles can break down. Just like you would with a flat tyre, it is a good idea to ask what the procedure is, or find out what emergency number to call should this happen. The rental company should be able to help you get the vehicle to safety and also put you in another vehicle while it is being repaired. 

Let’s hope these tips help you avoid some of the things that could go wrong when hiring a car on vacation. 

Tazim crafts engaging content that inspires a sense of wonder, curiosity, and adventure. As a 40-something South Asian woman based in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, she brings a unique perspective to her explorations of new cultural experiences, connections with nature, and savouring delicious plant-based food.

Tazim was born in Metro Vancouver in 1980 and has lived there for over 20 years total. She spent her childhood in Calgary, Alberta and Houston, Texas. She is a certified Whistler expert from her time working for Whistler Blackcomb and currently works in the tourism industry.