The United Kingdom or UK as some would call the amalgamated English countries is a well known destination for a lot of business activities as well as leisure and fun spot for the vacationers of this generation. The UK has many ways of welcoming its teeming visitors and tourists who come into the Kingdom in large numbers and one of these methods is by picking up the guest at the airport with a special car rental service which features a choice vehicle like SUVs, the latest model in saloon car or even a stretch limo. Car rental companies abound in the UK and they are known to offer very cheap rates for their vehicles either on daily basis or weekly but there are also some things that you may have to be familiar with, about UK car rental system although they are common with many countries’ car rental services. Some of these are the additional charges that come with the usual car rental rates and some of these are highlighted here. The first are airport surcharges: these usually apply when you pick up or drop off the car at the air port.
On the other hand, if you rent a car at an off-airport location, it will be cheaper for you. The next type is the drop-off fees: These are fees charged when you drop off the car at a location different from the pick-up point. Then the fuel surcharges which applies when the rental company delivers the car along with fuel, the auto rental company charges this fee. This fee is often much higher than in a gas station. Hence, it is better to get the car refueled by yourself in a gas station. Another type of fee is the mileage fees: These are set at per mile basis or as a flat fee when you exceed the free mileage cap or limit as set by the car rental company. Additional driver fees: If you allow an additional driver to drive the car, the company charges this fee. Fees for additional accessories: If the car is fitted with accessories such as infant seat, CD player, roof rack etc. the rental may include additional fees. Out-of-state and out of country charges: These are charged when you drive the car of the state or country from where you rented it.
If you are renting a car while in the U.S. your car rental company may charge this fee. As the abovementioned fees tell you whether a rental is cost effective or not, it is advisable that you compare details from different car rental companies before you decide and sign the rental agreement with the company. Car rentals cost less when booked in advance. If the car that you had booked for is suddenly not available at the counter, don't feel shy to ask for a free upgrade. Before driving the car, get the car's interior and exterior fully examined for any dents and scratches, and get it noted by the car rental firm. See that the car has good windshield wipers. Tourists must check the traffic signals to confirm whether a particular road is one-way or two-way road. You better make a short list of the frequently used travel words such as parking, mountain, beach, ocean, west, north, south, east etc. Taking a right turn during the red signal is thoroughly permitted in United Kingdom unless it is specifically prohibited.
Tourists using car rental services should know that in United Kingdom, horns are used very sparingly. You should honk the horn only to caution the other drivers or the traffic officer about an emergency situation such as a breakdown or an accident. United Kingdom’s driving laws are very stringent about drunk driving. If about 0.8% or more alcohol is present in the blood when you are behind the steering, you can be charged for drunk driving. You cannot decline to take the alcohol test. If you get a ticket for violating any of the traffic rules, you cannot render the fine to the ticketing officer directly. It is considered as an attempt to bribe the officer. The fine amount should be either posted or rendered in person to the clerk at the court of law. There are more laws that are applicable in the UK’s car rental system and knowing all will do you more benefit than harm.