TRAVEL
How to Rent a Car Overseas
Planning to rent a car on your next adventure abroad? A bit of advance preparation will make for a smoother experience.
By Vivian Vassos | Illustration by Ane Arzelus
When you’re away from home, renting a car is a great way to discover new places. But if you’re travelling internationally, taking a few steps in advance will make renting a car — and navigating unfamiliar roads — that much easier.
Get the right permit and vehicle
Did you know that your provincial driver’s licence may not be sufficient to drive in some countries? Before travelling, purchase a globally recognized International Driving Permit (IDP) in-store or by mail through AMA, the only authorized IDP provider in Alberta. The permit is good for one year, and anyone over 18 with a valid Canadian driver’s licence can apply. Your IDP doesn’t replace your driver’s licence; both must be carried in countries where an IDP is required. And it’s a good idea to check if there are requirements from your vehicle rental company.
“Even if a country doesn’t officially require an IDP, most international car rental agencies will ask for one before handing over the keys,” says Kelsey Baron of AMA Travel. “[An] IDP... ensures that you won’t face unexpected roadblocks at the rental counter, and it provides an extra layer of photo identification for peace of mind.”
Confirm in advance that your booking is for a car you’re comfortable driving. In many countries, the default rental car has a standard transmission, and there may be a limited number of automatic vehicles available.
“Even if a country doesn’t officially require an IDP, most international car rental agencies will ask for one before handing over the keys.”
Learn the rules of the road
Do speed limit signs look the same in Iceland as they do in Canada? Not exactly. Before you go, educate yourself on local road rules through official tourism and government websites. Once you’re behind the wheel, follow all local road rules carefully. “In France, I didn’t know the zero-tolerance rule on obeying the speed limit,” recalls Loren Christie, travel journalist and CTV travel contributor. “I went two km above the limit and received a speeding ticket two months later.” And because the speeding ticket was delivered via the rental company, Christie says, he was subject to additional fees on top of the original ticket. “Be a strict rule follower,” Christie advises.
Check your coverage
While many credit cards provide car rental insurance, it’s wise to confirm what they cover, including possible exclusions and limitations and whether a deductible applies. Ask your auto insurer if you have coverage on your personal policy and how a claim might affect that policy. AMA Travel* can provide Rental Vehicle Damage insurance to cover damage to a rental car. That way, you’ll be protected and ready to hit the open road with confidence. AMA
*AMA Travel is a trade name of AMA Agencies Ltd. o/a AMA Travel. AMA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A medical questionnaire may be required if you are 60 years of age and older.