What do I need to do before I leave the rental lot?

You're in a big hurry now that you're got the car, but take afew minutes to familiarize yourself with this new car. Check thecar for interior or exterior damage. Find the lights, radio,wipers, turn signals, cruise control and side mirror controlsbefore you leave the lot. Set the seat and the mirrors to alevel where you are comfortable. It's also a good idea to studythe map and find the route to your destination before you begindriving.

Insurance is a good thing to already own Taking a risk might begood with poker or with your stocks, but when it comes torenting a car, do you really want to forgo insurance? Sure carrental insurance is complicated (even the counter agents don'tknow everything), but it is an unwise decision to drive withouta safety net. Your cheap car rentals might not be as cheap asyou think they are if you option to buy the car rental agency'sinsurance.

The best way to answer your questions about car rental insuranceis to check with your credit card company, personal and autoinsurance carrier, and the rental car company itself. Be advisedthat you should not feel pressured to buy the rental company'sinsurance. Why pay for something you might already have? Takethe time to check your own existing policy first. Note thatthere could be certain restrictions to your own policy and thatcertain rental vehicles might not be covered. If you're thinkingabout renting that Jaguar, you might want to reconsider if yourown policy won't cover such a high-end vehicle.

It is unfortunate to note that rental cars are moving targetsfor theft. However, most rental companies have recently stoppedlabeling their rental vehicles with their corporate logos. It isa good idea to ensure there are no logos or stickers on yourparticular rental car. If there is one, you could ask for theirimmediate removal.

Here are some safety tips:

1. Always be wary of pulling over, especially if it is dark orif you are unfamiliar with the territory.

2. Never exit your car until you are sure that the situation issafe.

3. Keep all your luggage in the trunk. Do not draw attention tothe fact that you are a visitor.

4. Stay on the the main roads and stick to your planned route.

About the author:Daniel Reed is the author of "Car Rental Safety During Traveling". Visithis website: http://www.travellodge.info for more informationon traveling.