Not everyone finds it necessary to hire a car when they travel, but it’s absolutely worth considering if you’re off to the US. In larger cities and denser populations, public transport will get you where you need to go, but that isn’t the case across all the states. So, hiring a car may well be your best bet. From paperwork and rental rules to road laws, there are a few key things to know before hitting the open road.
You can indeed, but for how long varies. Usually you’re ok for up to 90 days with a full UK driving licence, provided it’s printed in English and has been valid for at least a year. However, driving laws vary between states, so you need to get clued up on the local rules before you cross any borders.
An IDP is an International Driving Permit. It’s an official document containing translations of your UK driving licence in multiple languages, and confirms to authorities abroad that you can legally drive and that your licence is up-to-date.
You can grab one for £5.50 from the Post Office, and although you might not need one it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It’s valid for a year and you can’t get one once you’ve left the United Kingdom - so get it early, but not too early.
Important note: Most states will accept the 1968 (Vienna) version, but check first, as a few still use the older 1949 format.
Well the main one is that in the US, you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road. This means that the steering wheel is on the left, and that you’ll overtake on the left. You’re also way more likely to find intersections than roundabouts, and you can turn right even when a traffic light is red (given it’s permitted).
However, just like in the UK, all passengers should wear a seatbelt, you’re not allowed to use your phone while driving, and speed signage is in mph.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the USA also doesn’t have national rules about the kind of safety gear you should keep in your vehicle, and it varies per state. Warning triangles, high-vis, and first aid kits might still be required by your hire company though, so it’s always worth asking when you pick up the car.
Generally speaking you need to be 21 to rent a car in the US, but in states such as New York or Michigan, drivers can be as young as 18 to rent. However, you’re probably going to be charged for being under 25. A “young driver surcharge” is often added to the cost of rental, and can be up to $60 a day. You’re also likely to be limited to the most basic of available vehicles, so don’t go expecting a Dodge RAM upon arrival in America.
If you’ve ever rented a car in the UK, it’s much of a muchness really. You’ll need your passport, driving licence (and/or IDP), and a credit card in the name of the lead driver. Always check the requirements of the hire company ahead of time though - some might ask for proof of driving history or any recent convictions.
Bring any additional paperwork or documentation with you too, like additional insurance or excess cover. It might also be a good idea to take along a copy of your travel insurance policy number, and a few emergency contacts, just in case.
In short, insurance is absolutely mandatory. Basic liability cover is the minimum legal requirement, and as a result you’ll usually find that car rental companies include this in the cost of the hire. However, as you may know already, this kind of insurance will only protect other people and their property, and offers no protection for drivers, passengers, or the vehicle itself.
It makes sense that you might want to up your insurance. You can add a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to cover the vehicle itself, and supplemental liability insurance to increase your third-party cover. Car hire excess insurance can also be an incredibly useful option, so that you can avoid paying big for the smallest scrapes.
Pro tip: take pictures of the car before you leave the rental forecourt, just in case.
Get QuoteIf the car you’ve hired gets damaged or stolen, you’ll have to pay an excess. This can be quite a chunk of cash, and car hire companies in America can charge significantly more than you might expect, even for the most minor damage.
Car hire excess insurance is there to foot the bill if you find yourself in such a position - it covers those extra costs, so that you’re not left with a hefty bill at the end of your trip exploring the USA. It’s cheap to add on, and it means one less thing to worry about while you’re away.
For more information on the US, check our USA Country Guide.
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