Car Rentals In The Caribbean: Renting a car in the Caribbean is the perfect way to explore, particularly on the smaller islands. While taxis are available, many travelers prefer the freedom of having their own vehicle with which to discover remote beaches or stay out late into the night. If you’re considering a car rental for your Caribbean vacation, these simple tips will help prevent unpleasant surprises.
Research Your Destination
The regulations around car rentals vary from island to island, according to the local laws. These differences can affect insurance, deductible amounts, waivers, and taxes, so be sure you’re asking questions and reading the small print. Typically you will be required to buy a local driving license through the rental company, but on a few islands an international permit will suffice. Certain islands, like Jamaica, are noted for having crowded roads and aggressive drivers, and some travel experts discourage first-time visitors from renting a car. Study road maps in advance or purchase a travel guide to prepare yourself for the local conditions.
Identify Your Car and Insurance Needs
Many car rental companies do not provide seats for infants and children. Furthermore, rear seat belts are not legally required in most of the Caribbean and so may not always be available in rental cars. If you are traveling with children, be sure to find a company that can cater to your needs. The standard insurance you get with a car rental will include a large excess, which is the amount you have to pay if an accident occurs before the policy will cover the damage. Standard insurance usually does not cover damage to the tires, roof, or windshield, or injury to anyone involved in the accident. Extra insurance policies to prepare for these possibilities will be offered through the rental company.
Shop Around Before You Rent
Websites like Definitive Caribbean and Caribbean Car Rental Shopper offer comparison services for car rental companies. However, websites tend to focus on the bigger companies. You may find a better deal with small local operators, but on the other hand, they may not be able to satisfy your particular safety needs. Shop around to find the best rental package for you, and be sure to ask whether the local taxes are included in the price quoted. If you have friends or coworkers who have been to the Caribbean, ask for a recommendation. With a little research and preparation, your Caribbean vacation can go off without a hitch, car rental included. Drive safe, breathe deep, and enjoy the island breeze.
Henery rarely leaves home, the only time he leaves is for work, so on the rare occasion he does travel with his wife and pet cocker spaniel, they make sure to do it in style, Henery is a mathematics professor and writes on the weekends to use his creative side, hope you love reading “Car Rentals In The Caribbean And What You’ll Need To Know”. Share your view in the comment section below.