Tag Archives: car rental

Your car can practically be your home away from home whether you drive for business or leisure. Therefore, you will want to take some precautions to protect it and your possessions inside. Ideally, you wouldn’t leave anything valuable at all in your car, but the reality of life is that your car is going to serve as much like a safe deposit box or a storage closet in addition to transportation. The following are a few tips to help you protect your car and everything in it while taking a car trip or even while just driving around town.

Keep your keys safe – even when you are at home

  • At home keep your keys safe, this goes for your extra or spare keys too. Don’t leave them in the car or on an entrance table or bench in the house. Secure them in an out-of-the-way place such as a drawer or somewhere safe that is out of sight so a burglar can’t easily find them and drive away in your car.
  • Don’t leave your keys in the car while you are putting gas in your car at the gas station, or when you go inside the station to pay. Don’t tempt or make it easy for a thief to jump into your car and drive away.
  • Don’t go back into the house during winter while you let the car warm up. Yes, we understand it is freezing cold but thieves take advantage of this time of the year. And don’t leave the car running but lock it with the spare key – a thief is most certainly going to forgo the cost of replacing the window to smash it when they’ll have possession of your car. Put your coat, gloves, and scarf on and stay with the car!

Choose your parking space wisely

  • When parking in airport lots, park in view of the exit toll booths or parking office if possible, or just within view of a shuttle pickup location or kiosk. The increased foot traffic will discourage potential thieves. Well-lit areas are next best; most airport lots have surveillance cameras in place, so making it easier for an attendant to see your car on a security camera will help.
  • Be careful when you park your car at a sporting or entertainment event such as a football game or concert.  These cars are a dead giveaway to thieves that you’re going to be away from your car for a set period of time. Never leave ticket or event information in the car that would indicate to a thief how long you’ll be gone. Again choose a well lit or well-trafficked area if possible. Never leave any valuables visible in the car either.
  • Park “trunk out.” If you are storing items in your trunk, you will want to point the trunk out into the lot aisle, where more people can see anyone trying to break in. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to use your car as cover while ripping you off.
  • When parking on the street, try to park within sight of a busy store or hotel entrance, under a street lamp, near a busy corner or out in the open away from things that might provide shelter to a thief (like thick or low-hanging trees). The busier the street, the better.
  • When you park your car in a pay parking lot  – take your parking ticket with you when you leave the car. That way, even if a thief gains entry into your car if they have to pay for a lost ticket and they’ll be getting themselves noticed.
  • Self park when you can so you don’t have to relinquish your keys.

When in doubt, use a parking garage

  • Parking on the street is the most vulnerable place to be, so if you are uncomfortable with your street parking options, by all means, use a parking garage instead. Parking garages often have surveillance cameras. Although you are safer in a parking garage, that does not mean that you are invulnerable.  Remove or lock up any really valuable items – that means accessories for your cell phone, loose E-ZPass apparatus bags, etc. to remove temptation. All of the same precautions above apply; no matter where you park, make it as difficult and uninspiring to potential thieves as possible.

Load and hide your stuff before you reach your destination

  • By the time you pull into a hotel lot, valet queue, parking garage or any parking spot, everything you plan to leave in the car should already be well stowed and hidden. To pull into your spot, and then take your most valuable items and pack them in the trunk, is to broadcast to anyone within view exactly where to focus their attention if they want to rip you off. The best approach is to put your things in the trunk or another safe compartment before you even get in the car at the beginning of your trip.

Don’t leave ANYTHING visible in the car

  • If you leave your radar detector attached to the windshield, your cell phone in the front console, or your handbag on the seat, then do not expect sympathy when it gets stolen.  A car alarm will not, ever, protect from a smash and grab. It takes a thief 5 seconds to smash the glass, grab the item, and be around the corner. Even with your alarm sounding he’s gone.
  • It’s not just electronics that thieves break into vehicles for.  Don’t leave gym bags, shoe boxes, shopping bags or anything in the vehicle.  If a thief sees a bag in a vehicle, they may think the bag contains something of value and smash your window to get it.

Unload your stuff away from your parking spaces as well

  • If you are planning to return to the same parking area, you will want to take your stuff out of the car away from the lot if possible. If you open the trunk and take out all the good stuff each time you return to your car, eventually someone will notice. The best case is to be able to pull over somewhere safe away from either your home base or destination and get your stuff then.

Make your car look protected

  • A huge part of the job an alarm does is to give a visual warning to a thief that the car has security measures. Make sure you put the alarm warning stickers on the window and the LED warning light in the dash is fitted. (And if you don’t want to get an alarm you can buy these little extras separately.)
  • Make it a habit to always lock your car doors, in your driveway, at a gas station, even while driving and certainly when parking even for a minute.

A neat car is less likely to be burglarized

  • A car that is filled with jackets or beach towels that appear to be covering items of value suggests that valuables may be under the pile of jackets or towels. If a potential thief sees nothing but car upholstery, he or she is less likely to be curious about what might be hidden in the car.

These security devices will help you guard valuables in your vehicle. They are portable, so you can take them from your vehicle to your RV to your home or your office.
PORTABLE SECURITY
LOCKBOX +  MOUNTING SLEEVE
Built like Fort Knox, this security lock box is perfect for locking your valuables inside your vehicle. Currently used by several U.S. law enforcement agencies.
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TRAVELSAFE X15 ANTI-THEFT PORTABLE SAFE
This water-resistant portable safe is designed to protect your valuables when you need to leave them behind. It easily secures a 15″ MacBook, and DSLR Camera.
SENTRYSAFE PORTABLE SAFE
W/STEEL CABLE
Secure your valuables inside a well-made mobile safe that lockdowns in your vehicle or to a fixed object. A great feature when security is needed in an office, hotel, or car.

Want to drive when you get there? You should be able to, however, the laws governing car rentals do differ from country to country. Here’s an overview of what you need to know before you go and hit the road.

License/IDP
Most countries will accept your valid state driver’s license with another form of photo ID such as your passport. Some countries may also require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) which is available by visiting the American Automobile Association ( AAA). Check with an AAA travel office before you travel. You don’t need to take a test to get an International Driver’s Permit; all it does is explain (in a number of languages) the type of license you have, any limitations that apply and when it will expire. You don’t have to have an AAA membership to get an IDP from AAA. There is a small fee, but AAA is authorized by the US State Department to issues permits. For the small fee and inconvenience, it is worth having an IDP. And get it here before you go, don’t trust unauthorized sources particularly overseas. They may be scammers who charge you more and you’ll end up with a worthless and fake permit not recognized by the authorities in your destination countries. In these European countries: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, or Spain you’re technically required to carry a permit to drive, so get one if you’ll be driving in these countries. If you ended up dealing with the police and don’t have an IDP, you could be fined if you don’t produce one, and the fine will no doubt be more than the cost of getting one here.

2. Insurance
Your personal automobile insurance policy may have restrictions or limitations on driving in foreign countries. Check your coverage, including the terms of your credit card policy, before you rent in a foreign country. Ask them if you should buy additional coverage offered by the rental agency.

3. Fines Paid While Driving
In some countries, the police will take your license if you are involved in an accident or stopped for a moving violation, and will not return it until you have paid any applicable fine. Get receipts for all payments you make, and report any mistreatment or apparent scams to the American embassy or consulate in that country.

Certain European countries track traffic violations with street cameras that photograph cars at intersections. The police trace the drivers using the license plate number of the car and request payment from the rental car company for the ticket. The rental car company is within its rights to collect the fine from you, even if the company is informed of the violation after you have returned and paid for the car.

4. Age Matters
The age which you must be to rent a car varies by country and rental company. Younger renters can get stuck with extra costs, such as being required to buy extra insurance or pay a surcharge of $15–40 per day. Most companies will not rent a car to someone under 21 (with some exceptions, depending on the country and type of car), but those who are at least 25 years old should have no problem.

If you’re over 70  you may have trouble renting in the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Greece, Northern Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey. In Denmark, you may have trouble if you are over 80. If you’re over 69, you may be required to pay extra to rent a car in the Republic of Ireland, where the official age limit is 75 (although some rental companies will rent to those ages 76–79 if they provide extensive proof of good health and safe driving).  Find out the rules for age by country before your leave. Then also compare the cost to rent from here vs. walking into a rental agency at your destination.

5. Border Crossings
In Europe, borders are a hot issue now and rules regarding if you can drive a rental car between certain countries could change. Your best bet is to check with your rental company as to what they allow, what additional fees are involved and what additional paperwork you will need to have. Be sure to state your travel plans up front to the rental company when you book. Some companies may have limits on which eastward countries you can drive to because of the higher incidence of car thefts (for example, you can only take cheaper cars, and you may have to pay extra insurance fees. The best advice is to do your research ahead of time.  One alternative to get the freedom a car offers is to consider hiring a private driver for the day or for the duration you’re in a specific country. Hotel concierges and travel agents can help connect you with a driver/private tour guide.

6. Great International Driving Tips Resource
Learn about local road rules when visiting a new place or foreign country by first visiting the website of the national transport authority. If you’re planning to rent a car in Europe, AAA  publishes some great advice. Also, ask the car-rental company about any unusual road rules you should know about (in New Zealand, for example, left-turning traffic must give way to opposing right-turning traffic, which is completely counter-intuitive for American drivers).

 

Even the most careful driver can be faced with an emergency situation. If the emergency happens in an unfamiliar area or at night, it becomes even more stressful. Don’t panic and start to gather as much information about your situation.  Also planning ahead of time what you can do to stay if your car breaks down will help get you through the situation with less fear and stress.

Take Note of Your Location

  • Know where you are in relation to cross streets, or if on a highway an off-ramp or mile marker.
  • Get off the roadway, or pull to the side, even if you do have to drive on a flat tire. The tire is replaceable. Stay visible.
  • Turn on your emergency flashers. If you have emergency roadway flares in your trunk, position them conspicuously, do this only if it is safe.
  • Raise the hood and tie a handkerchief to the aerial or door handle, only exit the vehicle if you feel it is safe to do so.
  • Use your cell phone to call for help. Make the call from inside your locked vehicle if you are safely out of traffic. Otherwise, do so at a safe distance from the vehicle and roadway. Have your roadside assistance phone number entered in your phone contacts and have a printed copy of it in your glove box.
  • If a roadside telephone or call-box is handy, use it. If not, sit in your locked car and wait for help.
  • If a motorist stops to render assistance, it’s better to remain in the car and ask him to call for or get help. You can use your phone camera to record the conversation  (Likewise, if you see a stranded motorist, it is best to notify the police via phone than it is to approach the car.)

If  You Think You are Being Followed, Don’t Drive Home

  1. Driving home will only tell the follower where you live.
  2. Drive to an already identified safe spot. Once there sound your horn and flash your lights. Do not leave this safe location until you’re sure your follower is gone. Suggested safe spots are police stations, fire stations, public and well-lit places. Do not engage whoever is following you and keep your doors locked. Assess if you need to call 911 to protect yourself from a threat.
  3. Flash your lights and sound your horn long enough to attract attention to you and consequently, the person following you. Your goal is for him to leave. If you are stopped and not driving take a photo or video using your phone.
  4. Remember, your common sense is your best protection.

    Protecting Yourself

  • Always drive with your car doors locked and windows up far enough to keep anyone from reaching inside.
  • At stop signs and signals keep the car in gear and stay alert.
  • Travel on well-lit busy streets. You can spare those extra minutes it may take to avoid an unsafe area.
  • Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight, even when you are driving in your locked car. It is better to place them on the floor than the seat.
  • Always lock your car, even for a short absence. And before unlocking your parked car, quickly check to make sure no one is hiding in the vehicle.
  • Never pick up a hitchhiker. Even the most harmless-looking stranger can be dangerous. Don’t find out.
  • When you arrive home, leave your headlights on until you have the car in the garage, and the house door unlocked. If you can have a remote control garage door opener installed, it will allow you to remain in your locked car until your garage door closes.
  • Check the daily routes you travel and pick out safe spots-24 hour gas stations, convenience stores, and police and fire stations. If trouble should arise, drive straight to one of these locations.

Choose your parking space wisely

  • In airport parking lots I recommend parking in view of the exit pay booths, parking lot office, or within view of a shuttle pickup location or kiosk. The increased traffic at these locations will discourage potential thieves. Well-lit areas are next best location; most airport lots have surveillance cameras in place, so making it easier for an attendant to see your car on a grainy camera will help.
  • Park “trunk out.” If you are storing items in your trunk, you will want to point the trunk out into the lot aisle, where more people can see anyone trying to break in. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to use your car as cover while ripping you off.
  • When parking on the street, try to park within sight of a busy store or hotel entrance, under a street lamp, near a busy corner or out in the open away from things that might provide shelter to a thief (like thick or low-hanging trees). The busier the street, the better.
  • Remove or lock up items such as GPS units, accessories for your cell phone or MP3 player, a loose E-ZPass apparatus –  to remove temptation.
  • Similarly, visual cues that might deter a thief can be critical – even if they are just for show. Things like a steering wheel lock or a blinking alarm system light will inspire thieves to move on to the next vehicle, even if you don’t have the alarm activated.
  • A neat car is less likely to get broken into.
  • A car that is filled with jackets or beach towels that appear to be covering items of value, or that has wires sticking out here and there suggesting that electronic devices may also be stowed, are much more likely to attract interest. If a potential thief sees nothing but car upholstery, he or she is less likely to be curious about what might be hidden in the car.
  • Check for your valuables as soon as you return to your car.
  • If you have any suspicions, you will want to make sure nothing was stolen before you pull out. If your car does get ripped off, you want to figure it out at or near the location the theft occurred in case you have to file a complaint. When surveying your vehicle, keep in mind that thieves know what to take- often items you won’t notice until you are long gone. For example, a common tactic is to take a camera out of a camera bag, but leave the bag behind; it looks like it was undisturbed so you won’t figure it out for hours or days.

Rent wisely

When renting a car, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Rent models that are not easily exposed or broken into and that have a trunk big enough to store anything you want to secure.  A hip convertible style car sounds like a great idea, but it is easier to break into than a hard top.
  • The more modest and nondescript the rental model, the less likely to attract attention it is.
  • Don’t leave your rental contract in the car, as this document has just about all the information you will need if the car is stolen – and also all the information a thief will need to evade detection if he or she is stopped for any reason before you report the vehicle as stolen.

Protect valuables left inside your vehicle by using a portable safe designed to be used in your personal or rental car.