Carissimo

© simone.brunozzi

The greatest thing about travelling with an international driver's license is the ability to drive. While this may not apply to those travelling from the UK to the US or vice versa, it is definitely a great thing if you are used to the same rules. Here is the greatest tip on car hire.

Rent it early. Early is the keyword here. Early is what makes the difference between a jammed up car that will leave your legs aching and a car that will make your trip enjoyable. Early is what makes the difference between a cheap 2000 dollar car and a nice Toyota. Early is what makes the difference between that 3 digit contract and that 4 digit one. Early is your biggest friend. Make sure you reserve your car early.

© saebaryo

Sen. Charles Schumer proposed a bill to make car rental safer by using the same set of laws for car rental agencies and car dealerships.

Dealers are not allowed to sell cars that have been recalled before they are recalled, but a loophole allows car rental agencies to circumvent this rule. The senator pointed the case of the two women in California who died when their rental car, whose model was under recall, caught fire.

He also attacked the car rental agencies further by quoting the National Highway traffic Safety Administration report the only 50% of rental cars were repaired a year after they were notified. He said that the current practices of car rental agencies are dangerous and must be stopped.

© Strange Ones

One of the greatest factors concerning car hire is price. Price is relatively subjective, and many agencies have different rates. Here is how to find the cheapest rate.

Get familiar with rental agencies. Read up online before you travel what the best and most reliable car rental agency is. Then check out their prices and find the cheapest one.

Read up on insurance policies. All rental agencies have an insurance policy. Read up on the law and see what is really necessary and what is not. Also, think about what you will do and what might possibly happen to the car.

Keep your eyes peeled and stuck to the paper. Make sure you know what you need and not what they want you to buy. Purchasing unnecessary things such as high risk driving insurance is just a way for them to earn extra money.