Guide to car rental for international travelers

Renting a car in a foreign country can be filled with unexpected challenges, from navigating unfamiliar rules to dealing with language barriers and surprise fees. We get it, and we’re here to help. 

But how do you get around NY and NJ cities without a car? This is a solid advantage that brings freedom of movement, saves time and gives independence from public transportation schedules. Which means you can take care of business, but also go exploring the gems of the city and its secret beautiful corners at your leisure! 

In this article Drivo shares tips to make your trip more smooth, what to pay attention to when booking, what documents to have with you and how to behave in unforeseen situations. Join us as we make your travel better and easier! 

Choosing Car Rental Service

The most important thing when renting a car in NY or NJ is to choose the right car rental company. And here's why Drivo is a great option of a car rental for beginners:

• Our rental locations are conveniently located across the city, ensuring you can start your adventure quickly, regardless of how you arrive. Locations at Newark International Airport, LaGuardia Airport (Terminal B) and near John F. Kennedy Airport will be the most convenient option for those traveling by plane.
• Our terms are straightforward, making booking easy for international customers. 
• Additionally, our multilingual team is ready to assist in several languages including English, Spanish, Russian, Uzbek, Tajik and Arabic, ensuring clear communication and an enhanced travel experience.

Drivo will be the best choice for those who are going to travel around New York and New Jersey. Details on how to choose a rental, as well as all the Drivo locations, available cars, and opening hours are described in this article.

Understanding Rental Requirements

Rental requirements can vary from country to country, but here are a few common things you should definitely have if you're renting a car in the USA:

Documentation 

• Passport.
• Valid Foreign Driver’s License. Accepted if it is in a language understood by the rental agency.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) (may be required). You may be asked to show it if the ID from your country is not in English.
• Credit Card. Is usually required for a security deposit. The rental company will place a hold on a certain amount as a deposit during the booking period, which is released when you return the car undamaged.

Age Restrictions and Surcharges

• Minimum Age. The minimum age for renting a car can vary by country but typically ranges from 21 to 25 years. The USA allows young drivers to rent cars, but this comes with additional fees.
• Young Driver Surcharges. Drivers under 25 may face a daily surcharge. This is because statistically, younger drivers are considered a higher risk.

Navigating Insurance and Protection Options

Here are some smart tips for choosing the right rental car that'll fit both your needs and your wallet.

Understanding Rental Insurance Options

Drivo offers two key types of insurance to keep you covered on the road:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This takes care of any damages to your rental in case of an accident, although it doesn’t usually cover tires, windscreens, or the undercarriage.
• Third-Party Liability (TPL): Super important for covering damages to other cars and injuries to other people if you happen to be at fault in an accident.

Picking the Best Insurance Source

• Rental Company. Grabbing insurance directly from the rental company is easy and ensures you meet all rental terms — it’s definitely the most straightforward route.
• Existing Policies. Sometimes, your current personal or travel insurance might already cover international rentals, which could save you some cash. It’s worth checking out your existing policies to see if rental coverage is included.
• Credit Card. Using your credit card to pay for the rental can activate additional insurance coverage. This usually acts as a backup, kicking in after other insurances have been used up. Remember to decline the rental company’s coverage to use this benefit.

Emergencies or Accidents

Before hitting the road, ensure you have easy access to the rental agency's emergency contact, local emergency services numbers, and your insurance information.

Here are the memos for New York:
 

Steps to Take in Case of an Accident:

1. Prioritize everyone's safety. Move to a safe spot if it’s feasible.
2. If injuries are present, dial 911 immediately.
3. Contact the rental agency using the emergency number they provided to get instructions on next steps.
4. Document the accident scene with photos and gather the names and contact details of witnesses.
5. If necessary, file a police report; this is typically required for insurance claims.
6. Complete an accident or incident report for the rental agency.

Handling Disputes Over Damages or Fees

• At pickup, inspect the car and photograph any pre-existing damage. Confirm that all damage is recorded in your rental agreement to prevent future disputes.
• Retain all related rental documentation, receipts, and correspondence.
• If disputes remain unresolved, reach out to your credit card company for help. 

Effective Contact with Customer Support While Abroad

1. For immediate assistance, use your local SIM card to contact the rental's customer support, avoiding expensive roaming charges.
2. For less urgent issues, consider using email or engaging with the company on social media platforms, where Drivo is known for quick responses. On the left you can see icons with links to our social networks. If you have any questions or suggestions, be sure to text us!
3. If language barriers arise, tools like Google Translate can aid communication. At Drivo, however, you won’t face such issues as our team speaks multiple languages and is ready to assist you.