Essential Car Hire Checklist for Uganda Self Drive

Renting a car for Uganda self drive gives you all the freedom to explore the Pearl of Africa! However renting a hire car can be a bit of a headache if you don’t plan your trip properly. Time and time again, we hear from holidaymakers who run into conflicts with car hire agencies. So, to prevent this scenario, we spoke to a number of experts in the field to compile our ultimate car hire checklist and here it is!

1. You have to book ahead as possible for the best deal.
2. Always check the levels of collision damage waiver and the thief protection excesses. In case they are high it’s definitely worth taking out zero excess cover. Compare the cost of the broker’s own top up waiver with an independent excess reimbursement policy.
3. In case you buy an excess reimbursement policy from the broker, always make sure it’s in the same name as the lead driver on the rental voucher otherwise it may not pay out.
4. The cost of adding extra drivers and hiring child seats can be high and varies largely so shop around
5. Always check the driving section of the AA’s website for some advice on local driving regulations.
6. Make sure you have enough capacity on your credit card to stand a hefty deposit. The debit cards are not accepted because they have no pre- authorization facility to ring fence funds to cover damage.
7. Always enter the correct start time for the rental. In case your flight is delayed by more than one hour you must let the rental office know otherwise your reservation may be cancelled, as cars are only held for two hours at busy times.
8. At the car desk, make sure the cr5edit card to be used is in the name of the lead driver on the rental voucher, otherwise you will have to pay again.
9. Always have a second card handy to put paid to the scam of the suppliers who claim that the card has been declined if you have refused their insurance.
10. In case you reject the local CDW top up cover, the agent may to sell you the road side assistance cover covering vehicle recovery if of breakdown, getting locked out, flat battery as well as mis fueling.
11. Once the contract is given, please read it carefully before leaving the office, most especially items that have been tricked as accepted or declined. In case there are charges you don’t understand, ask about them. If the total shown is more than that printed on your voucher you may without knowing have signed up for optional insurance you do not need.
12. Before driving away, check the fuel type. This is because putting in the wrong fuel is regarded as negligence and all CDW cover might be withdrawn.
13. Inspect the car well; make sure every tiny scratch is marked on the contract. The body work, you should check the windscreen, wheel hubs, the underside of bumpers and the edges of wing mirrors.
14. Open the boot and check that It has a warning triangle, high visibility jacket, spare bulbs, and any other items legally required in that country otherwise you might be charged for their loss.
15. You can use your camera to take photos of all the four sides of the car.
16. Check the clutch if it’s not burning out.
17. In case it’s too dark to inspect the car, go over it with a fine tooth comb the following morning and report further scratches, noises or mechanical concerns immediately.
18. In case on an accident; call the police if another vehicle is involved, even if the damage is mirror. Fill in the legally binding accident statement form. The form is divided into two sections and each driver in their version of events.
19. On returning the car, keep the receipt from the petrol station where you filled up the car on the final day. Always get the vehicle signed back in. in case it’s not possible, make sure that you take a new set of photographs to prove it has been returned without any damage.
20. Always settle any disputes with the car rental company.