Know this Before Going on Self-Drive in Rwanda

Renting a self-drive car is prevalent in western countries, but in Rwanda, it is on the verge of gaining the limelight status. Having a vehicle offers a great opportunity for convenience when traveling around Rwanda. You can move at your own speed, stop anytime you want to take photos and enjoy the amazing scenery and still, you can reach to different places that can’t be accessed by public transport.

Be that as it may, putting these things in mind before hiring a self-drive car in Rwanda will save you a lot of money, time, and even a big travel headache.

1. Reviews about the self-drive car company

Why not browse the internet and look for some reliable car rentals company before finalizing one? Car rentals market is expanding with more and more adding to the list. However, if you look at the reliability, not all car rental companies are maintaining a high-level quality. Looking for reviews and ratings before booking one is essential. You can even enquire with your friends who often hire a car for their weekend gateway.

2. Know the insurance Policy

Most of the car rental companies in Rwanda have a comprehensive insurance cover for their Vehicle and this contains, collision damage waiver, car theft and third party. The client is advised to Know how the insurance cover will protect him/her against the liabilities in case of an accident.

3. Valid driver’s License

Travelers must have a valid driver’s license to drive a car in Rwanda. The rental operator will request the license before he hires the car to you. Any country’s driver’s license is accepted but the international one is most preferred. It must be valid for not less than three months.

4. Minimum age Limit

The minimum age of driving a car in Rwanda is 18 Years but hiring a car is 21 years.

5. Ask all the details about the car

We positively didn’t deny on your familiarity about car models and how to drive them, but the things that you don’t know is, about the renting car’s mileage, oil levels, age of the vehicle, petrol or diesel vehicle, availability of road support, and more. Try asking questions about that particular car that you are going to rent and acquire all the required details.

6. Cross the border with the rental Vehicle

Some car rental agencies in Rwanda may not allow you to cross with their vehicle to other countries and some have a list of countries where their vehicles are not allowed to go and the common countries on most car rental agencies lists include; The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Central African Republic, South Sudan, and others. However, the list always changes according to the company.

7. Make Sure you have all the papers you need to pick the car

On the day of picking the car from the car rental agency, they will ask for your driving permit and any other means of identification from your country of origin. Having an international driving permit/license doesn’t mean that you should not carry your driver’s license or passport, the international driver’s license is just a supplement to the passport and the driving permit this means you should have both of them.

That means your passport, driver’s license are the common documents you need to be with when going to pick up the vehicle from the car rental agency and even if you requested the car rental agency to deliver the vehicle to your hotel, the agent will need to see them before he gives you the car keys.

8. Read the contract thoroughly before you sign

Don’t go easy on this part. You need to study the fine prints of terms and conditions also analyze their tariffs then choose. Some companies renting a self-drive car rental by limiting the kilometers according to the number of days you are renting. Some might ask for security or caution deposit and some come with hidden charges. It all differs according to the car renting company that you choose, so look for kilometer limit, cancellation policy, fuel charges, caution deposit, types of payment accepted, process while returning and fees for the delay, you can even check for discounts and refunds.

9. Take a better look at any damages

Take a walk around the car and also peep inside for any damages. You do not want to take up the responsibility of the last person’s reckless driving. Isn’t it? It is just going to take a few minutes to check the car for the damages. If you find any, ask the car rentals company to make a note of it on their paperwork. Why not click few pictures in your smartphone to have evidence? It helps you when you are surrendering the car and if your rental company is charging for the damage.

10. Check for the Fuel levels

The car rentals companies deliver the car with a full tank fuel. However, while collecting the keys, ensure the fuel levels to verify whether it is on a full tank.  Some companies offer, with or without fuel package whereas some covers the fuel cost in rental charges. Whatever be the package you are using, it is better to check by yourself the fuel levels to avoid any hiccups while returning the vehicle.