Car Travel

Can Someone Else Drive My Rental Car?

Can another person drive my rental car? If you have a plan to hire a car in Uganda for self-drive and probably need an additional driver, there are so many things to be put into consideration. However, it is also important to ask yourself the outcome in case someone else drives your rental car and it collides with another one.

On the other hand, it is good alternating especially on long trips for you to have some rest. Usually, it is only one of you to be considered as the main driver and adding another driver is equally easy when renting a car with us. It is possible to have 3 additional drivers in a rental car and even more however, this may come at a daily fee for every additional driver. But luckily it is possible for you to also bump into a special deal online for 1 or 2 drivers at a free cost-incredibly a good deal that is why we advise our clients to always double check with various car hire agencies as well.

Generally, the main driver is a person who is legally in charge of the car and also who signs the contract (car hire agreement). He or she is the one who reserved a rental car. Although the extra driver usually depends on the car rental company, the guidelines, minimum age and driving license are similar to those of the main driver. That said, eligible driver should be about 21 years and he or she should have a valid driving license valid for 2 years. In the same manner, there are guidelines to be observed by young driver and senior driver fees.

How to add an extra driver

There are various ways to add an extra driver on self-drive tour in Uganda or guided Uganda safari and this normally varies depending on the car rental agency you choose to deal with. However, it is possible to add an extra driver when you reserve a rental car online or while at the car hire agency’s desk. Payment will be made on the date you will be picking up your rental car. To pick up an additional driver, you will be required to visit the company offices on date you will be picking up your rental car for a road trip.

Requirements for car rental pick up

On actual date of picking up a rental car, you will be required to have a valid passport and driving license. Note, the main driver will be the only one to sign the car hire agreement and details of an additional driver shall be added as well. The fee for an additional driver shall be made per day!

Where need to add an extra driver, make sure that your car hire company knows about it and ensure you have inquired if there is possibility for you to do so. If there is room to do so then the main driver plus additional driver should go to the counter to present a valid driving license, passport and also meet fees where need be.

Please take note of 2 potential issues; firstly, breach of contract/agreement and this may make the car hire operator go to court in case of damages. Your insurance policy should also cover damages whether it is the main driver is with or someone else is on road trip with it.

Safety Tips for 4×4 Car Hire in Uganda

The 4×4 Uganda car hire services have grown remarkably around the country in the last few years. Many travelers turn to the services for different travel purpose for example airport transfers, wildlife safaris, business tours and other transport oriented activities. The 4×4 car hire services are very yielding when you use them, you have to follow some of the tips when choosing a 4×4 vehicle to use.

4X4 vehicles are the most commonly hired cars in Uganda due to the fact that most of the clients that use these cars are tourists who travel to the different tourism destinations across the country. Most tourism destinations are found in the remote areas where the roads are ragged and rough that need combative cars that can maneuver on these tough roads. The 4×4 vehicles are made to travel on such roads and on top of that they are so comfortable for a self-drive trip in Uganda. Though these 4×4 cars are made for ragged and tough roads, there has to be some safety tips that are supposed to be put into consideration to have a successful car hire experience in Uganda.

Here are some of the safety tips for 4×4 car hire in Uganda;

When you are preparing your 4×4 rental car for a self-drive trip, make sure that you load the car with the moderate weight of the luggage. In context do not over load the car.  The main causes of accidents and vehicles overturning are over weighting and the poor weight distribution. The top heavy vehicles are likely to roll, and are not easy to control in case you need to suddenly veer your vehicle. Your heaviest baggage and the equipment should sit low in the vehicle, with as little weight as possible on your roof.

The speed compounds problems, any possibility you meet on the road becomes so easy to deal with the slower you are traveling. You have got more time to react and your momentum is easier to manage. In Uganda, it is commendable for the driver to drive at a speed of 50km/hr in places where there are settlement and 80km/hr on highways. It is also advisable to look at the speed limit indicated on the road signs.

The dirt and gravel roads in Uganda can have sloping shoulders, swerving on to these uneven planes increase the possibility of overturning the vehicle. In the process of wildlife blocking your path it’s often safer to maintain your course than to swerve onto a slopping shoulder. More so the low speeds can prevent this becoming a decision you have to make.

Always be aware of the vehicle’s fuel capacity, fuel consumption as well as the distance between fuel stops. The terrain, speed, tire pressure and load all influence your consumption. Carry spare fuel in a gas can to be on a safe side. If you don’t have a gas can, it is best you identify the nearby gas station in the tourism destination you would be leading to. For instance when going to the national park for a game drive, make sure that you refill the fuel to full tank and then get to the park.

This tip is under looked by very many travelers but an established and reputable company guarantees the traveler safety as it has the experience to deal with any situation that make arouse. Therefore it is advisable for clients to look at the reputation of the rental company before making any booking of the 4×4 vehicle. The clients must make sure he/she first keeps track of their past records that are by either looking at their customer reviews and the duration of time they have been in the car rental business. What the past clients say about the rental company is what the company offer in terms of services. With these reviews, you will have certainty that car operators are experienced and have much skills that can give you good service delivery and also can bail you out in case of any problem while driving.

Safety precautions; always check the safety measures that are put in place while choosing a 4×4 Uganda car hire service. The rental car should always have comprehensive insurance that carters for the damages that might occur to the car while on the road. There should be road assistance that is immediate in case of a car breakdown. There must be emergency equipment in the car like first aid box to treat the causalities, fire extinguisher to stop the fire in case of a fire outbreak, jake, inflator and wheel spanner for tyre fixing in case of a flat tyre. The clients must also be given emergency numbers of social amenities like the police and health centers. This is because they might need help from these social authorities in case of any problems like body damages and robbery.

The overall car rental service quality; each and every person likes to be associated with something of good quality because it gives a peace of mind and creates a good impression. So while choosing a 4×4 Uganda car hire services, you should look for a rental company with very beautiful vehicles that are well maintained. The company should have balancing services like GPS, extra baby seats, camping gears and travel maps or the guide books that make the trip more enjoyable and classy one. This means that you shouldn’t just choose car hire services in Uganda by the prices you have to look for the attributes to hit the right services that will make your road trip a successful one.

7 Simple Car Rental Tips for Uganda Visitors

Planning to travel to Uganda? Wondering about how you can easily get around the country? You may need to a good car rental in Uganda to make your travels around the country easy. Once you visit Uganda and you are interested in traveling independently, here are some travel tips where to begin from. Please read through some of these simple car hire tips to answer your some of your car hire questions;

1. Choosing a Vehicle

Before renting a vehicle you should consider not only how many people you will be transporting but also how much luggage you may have. If you have a lot of gear than perhaps an SUV / 4WD may be the best option. Alternatively, if you’re looking to save money on rates, gas / petrol then you are probably better off with a smaller vehicle.

You should also know that sometimes smaller cars aren’t necessarily cheaper, for example, if smaller cars are in demand it may be worthwhile to check vehicles the next size up, which may be better value if there is more of them available.

2. Booking Your Vehicle

Always try and book your car as far in advance as possible. This not only gives you a better chance that your vehicle will be available, but also may give you better rates. If you’re travelling from overseas, try booking your vehicle at the same time as your flights, and always confirm your car rental booking before making the flight out.

Car Rental Uganda will give you the best choice of availability and also the best rates per season.

3. Personal Belongings

While on holidays, it’s often easy to forget about small items like wallets, phones, keys, cards or other personal belongings. Always make sure you check the car thoroughly before you drop it off  because at times vehicles tend to be re-rented straight away, and if you accidently leave something then you may find it difficult to retrieve it.

It’s a good idea to keep a small checklist of your items and quickly go through it whenever you leave a place, for example, leaving the airport, or a shuttle bus, a hotel, and your car rental.

4. Driving in Uganda

In all parts of Uganda, vehicles must travel on the left hand side of the road. In many other locations around the world this is the opposite and some drivers find it difficult to adjust.

If you rent a vehicle and are not used to driving on the left hand side, then perhaps first drive in a low traffic area and get accustomed to the different road position. This will help you to adjust and minimise the risk of having an accident. Ensuring that you are comfortable with driving on the left hand side is a must before you take any vehicle on the road, otherwise you could cause an accident. Alternatively inform your rental company that you can drive on the right to get you a solution.

5. Driver Age Limits

Before renting a vehicle it’s important to know that many rental companies in Uganda will not allow you to drive the car if you are too young or too old. These restrictions are mostly imposed by insurance companies who evaluate the risk involved in having a young or old driver behind the wheel.

Some companies may allow a driver as young as 20 to hire a vehicle, but only if they purchase extra insurance and liability cover. However, if you are thinking of hiring a commercial vehicle, for example a truck, then you may not be allowed to do so unless you are at least 25-45 years old.

On the other hand, if you are over 70 you may also find it difficult to hire a car. If you do fall into the too young or too old category, then you may like to travel with a younger or older friend, and they can act as your personal chauffeur while you sit back and relax on your trip. Although, you will probably have to shout them a few drinks with the money you save on any insurance cover.

6. Automatic or Manual Transmission

In Uganda, the majority of cars have an automatic transmission, with manuals being the cheaper option to both buy and rent. Car rental companies who purchase manual vehicles will often rent them out at a much lower rate. However, if you’re after an automatic you may find that it’s not always available on the smaller and cheaper cars.

If you only hold an automatic transmission licence then be sure to always check the type of transmission before making a booking. Also, if you’re hiring a car and plan to drive around town or during peak hour traffic then an automatic option may be easier, more relaxing and worth that little bit extra.

7. Know the Mileage Limits

Many travelers hire a car without asking whether the car is on unlimited mileage. Always ask the mileage terms before confirming your reservation. Every car rental company has a different policy when it comes to mileage limitations. Always select Uganda car rental deals with unlimited miles if available. Those rentals often come at the same price and will reduce a ton of stress.

Car Rental Uganda is a Ugandan owned company designed to provide you the opportunity to compare affordable car rental options. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Secrets to Finding a Rental Car Upgrade in Uganda

With the ever new car models that feature nearly every year, it is of no doubt that almost everyone desires an upgrade the fact that hitting the road in a fancy car is one way to make your safari a memorable one. Perhaps you are planning to spend your holiday in Uganda this coming season and you wish to find a rental car upgrade and you do not know how best you can do it. Well, check out some of the tips below and you will certainly get your dream car;

Request for a better one

Try to be open as much as possible and ask for something you need. By asking for what you desire won’t have any harm to you. Imagine you keep quiet higher chances are that you will not find that dream vehicle for car rental in Uganda! Probably, you need something bigger than the one you have been provided or would like fancier features then the best to find it is by asking what else they have available and how much that may cost. This may land you into that dream car even at no additional charges.

Haggle on an upgrade offer

Try not to go with the first offer, just in case you are told that a better vehicle is available but comes with extra charge per day then why not put your haggling skills to the test to see if you can find a price down little. In case you like the vehicle offered, but not its high price, then don’t fear to haggle, the fact that every counter staffs have room for negotiation.

Make sure that you are a frequent visitor

Return visitors are always on better position. If you do frequent to your favorite holiday spot higher chances are this may land you a great upgrade. Frequent visitors or clients are always favored and it is good manners if you even reminded them that you once hired a car with them.

Be relaxed on the details

Once you find a bigger or better car, you may have a higher deposit to pay and use more fuel. Alternatively, perhaps you have purchased additional insurance meaning, this should cover any car rental you need to drive.

Time it right

With car rental services, it is normally about supply and demand. Once you bump into rental desk late higher chances are you may not find that dream car. This means that you have try to get there as early as possible so that you get someone at the counter and you will have opportunity to ask for upgrade.

Try to be nice at the desk

Car rental staffs are humans and they are likely to provide a treat to friendly clients. Car hire is more like flights and hotels-a smile at a desk may earn you something better at the end of the day. What earns some people something better in most cases may not necessarily that they have that huge sum of money but how nice they can be at the encounter does. This means you should know how best you can conduct or interact with staff members.

Be aware of car groups you want

Car rentals do come in different groups and so on the other hand different people as well as have different car preferences. Depending on what your travel needs are in Uganda, it is important that you know which kind of car is the best for your road trip. Car rentals cover family trips, executive, self-drive tours, group tours among others and our fleet range from Toyota Rav4 to Coaster buses. Your choice may depend on travel needs in your dream destination but we have you covered. Simply get connected to one of our staff and we shall you sorted and you live to realize your dream this coming holiday in this magical country.

In summary, with everyone today desiring that classic car to hit the road to their dream destination, find the latest or upgrade car rental may seem very challenging but just few secretes can land you into that dream car. Consider the above tips and you won’t be left in regrets.