Renting a vehicle at home or abroad can certainly be a lifesaver, adding convenience and saving costs.

Below is the checklist to keep in mind when finalizing your car rental.

Driver’s license: Your driver’s license will be requested at each rental. You must ensure that your driver’s license is issued by your country of residence and has a minimum duration according to local laws or conditions. In addition to your normal Driver’s License, your International Driver’s License is also required if your driver’s license is written in a language other than the country of rental and/or in characters that cannot be read in the country of rental. Please note that your international driver’s license is valid only if it is accompanied by your normal driver’s license.

Do not forget your Credit Card: All travelers are required to provide their credit card for authorization purposes. The rental company usually has an amount that is estimated based on the length of the rental, the applicable rate including taxes, additional charges such as gas, etc. This amount is not debited but is simply blocked and is usually released a few days after the rent and all charges have been paid.

Document identification: A valid passport or your national identity card must be carried for all rentals abroad.

While the above mentioned items are mandatory for the car rental company. Below are some tips to keep in mind before driving your rental car.

Sure: Although insurance can be very expensive in most countries, it is always recommended to include insurance to avoid unexpected expenses. Reputable car rental companies generally include third-party insurance that covers third-party property and vehicles, but does not cover the vehicle you drive. Therefore, it is always advisable to buy at least basic insurance, as it will still be a cheaper solution in case of damage, even if you have to pay an excess in excess.

Check the vehicle thoroughly: Before you leave, make sure that all external and internal damage, if any, is recorded on the paperwork the company has given you to sign. As a precaution, take your own digital photos of the car.

Extras / Equipment: While on new terrain, it is always recommended to have a GPS or navigation system to avoid losing your way and wasting time. Owning a GPS would definitely be a cheaper option, but if not, your rental car company may provide it along with your rental vehicle at an additional cost. Don’t forget to request an infant/child safety seat in advance if you are traveling with a baby.

Fuel tank: It’s always best to choose a refueling plan that allows you to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up.