Do you want to go on a road trip? Do you need to rent a car in Lahore or any other city of Pakistan while traveling on business? Or to visit Carlay Car Rental? Whatever your reason, here’s everything you need to know about car rental. It works for Pakistan as well as for abroad.
So let’s start.
Who can drive a rental car?
To drive a rental car, you must first meet certain criteria and be registered with the rental company as the main or additional driver.
Here are the criteria to take into account.
Be over 21 years old
The minimum age required to drive a rental car is 21 in most cases, but it can sometimes be as high as 25 for cars in higher categories.
And if you are between 21 and 25 years old, there is a good chance that the rental company will charge you a “young driver” supplement. Find out well in advance so as not to have any unpleasant surprises.
Ditto if you are over 65. Some rental companies may charge you a “senior driver” supplement.
I have had a driving license for more than a year
Are you over 21? Good! But age is not everything. You will also have to present a driving license of more than one year, or even more than three years if you wish to rent a higher category vehicle.
National license or international license?
Depending on the country in which you wish to drive, an international license may be required. To check whether or not you need this permit, take a look at the diplomacy site.
In general, the national license is sufficient to drive in Pakistan. On the other hand, as soon as you leave the continent, it will be on a case by case basis.
If your destination requires an international permit, don’t panic! It’s free and easy to get. All you would need to do is go ahead and make an online request for a patient with an unusual condition. It can take up to 4 months to take care of and do modifications for a specific patient. Once received, your international license will be valid for three years.
Have a credit card (not a debit card)
Most rental companies will need a credit card (which allows the overdraft) in the main driver’s name when picking up the car. This will allow them to make a security deposit to protect themselves if they have any car problems.
Here. If you meet these three criteria mentioned above, congratulations! You will be able to rent a car. Now all you have to do is find THE car that suits you best.
How to choose a rental car?
This is where things get complicated. We will therefore proceed in stages, and everything should go like clockwork.
Which rental company to choose from?
You will have the choice between:
- international rental companies
- local rental companies
- online travel agencies
- private car rental sites
The choice will depend on your priorities.
In general, international rental companies such as Carlay Car Rental or Rent a Car have the advantage of offering recent and well-maintained cars. They also have offices worldwide, which can determine if you plan to drop your car off in another city.
Local rental companies can be interesting if you are looking for low prices or a long-term rental (possibility of negotiating prices). The vehicles can sometimes be older than with the big rental companies, but not always.
As for online travel agencies, they will help you find the cheapest car by comparing a wide range of rental companies. It is very practical if you are looking for the right deal. However, always remember to check the complete description of the offer before booking. A low price often includes fewer services and may result in additional costs at the end of the stay (such as limited mileage).
Otherwise, you can go to the Carlay Car Rental site for vehicle rentals between individuals if you need a car.
Manual or automatic transmission?
It will depend on your destination as well as the category of car chosen. There are almost only manual transmissions in some countries and a few automatic ones in the road category. In other countries like the United States, everything is automatic. In Pakistan, it’s half and half. In all cases, the type of box is specified in the product description at the booking time.
Limited or unlimited mileage?
You will see “300 kilometers per day” written; in others, “unlimited mileage”. Not surprisingly, offers with unlimited mileage are often more expensive.
To calculate your route’s estimated mileage to find out what type of package will suit you best. Suppose you’ve gone to chain the terminals, with perhaps a few detours here and there, bet on security with an unlimited plan. Drive a vehicle with a speed limit of 300 km/day spread over the rental’s total length. A limited offer might be suitable enough if you are interested in saving money, particularly when you opt for the offer without a fuel surcharge.
Beyond that, each additional kilometer will be invoiced. And the note can go up very quickly.
Do I have to return my car to the same city?
If you plan to return the car to the same place you received it, no worries. If, on the other hand, you plan to return the car to another city, you will have to take into account additional costs.
When travel outside of the country is during a crisis, it’s good to reserve your vehicle with a service that will have multiple agencies in the territory or with a website that deals with vetted agencies.
Does my itinerary include border crossings?
Border crossings are also a point to plan. The lessor will have to be warned sufficiently in advance of your intention to cross a border so that he can notify his insurance.
This incurs additional costs on your end, but it is necessary to avoid ending up with a damaged car in a country where the vehicle is not insured. Not to mention that customs officers can create problems for you if you cannot present them with a document from the lessor proving that you are authorized to cross the border.
How many people are going to drive the car?
If only one person intends to drive, there is nothing more to do. If, on the other hand, you are two who want to drive to alternate, you will have to register the main driver (included in the basic price) and an additional driver. This supplement is paid per rental day for the total duration of the rental.
When picking up the car, the two (or more) drivers will have to be present and provide the rental company with an identity document, a national driving license (and international if necessary), as well as proof of home. I tell you more in part about taking charge of the car.
Do I need additional equipment?
Sometimes you may need a GPS, a child seat, chains, ski racks, or whatever. In this case, the idea is to warn the lessor as soon as possible so that he can reserve this equipment for you. A supplement will, of course, be added to the final invoice.