A Complete Guide to Rent a Car in the USA with a UK License
Renting a car in the USA with a UK license is a simple process and a perfect way to explore the country with complete freedom. This article will walk you through the requirements and steps to rent a card in the USA.
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Requirements for Renting a Car in the United States
If you have a UK license and want to rent a car in the USA, you will need:
- A valid UK driving license
- Your passport
- A credit card in the driver's name (for the deposit)
- You must be at least 21 years old (25 for some car categories)
Note: Although it is not mandatory, it is advised that you get an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a backup. If there is a crash, a few rental or insurance companies might request it.
Important Insurance
When you’re renting a car in the USA, basic insurance is usually included. But you should consider some additional coverage options, like:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
- Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP)
How to Choose the Right Vehicle?
When selecting a car, answer the following questions:
- How long is your trip?
- How many passengers are there?
- How much luggage do you have?
- What is the route you have planets? (city driving or long highway trips)
- How much fuel would you need and what fuel efficiency?
For longer trips, a medium-sized car might be more comfortable. Smaller vehicles, however, might use less fuel.
Thinking of a road trip? Read the Guide to Unforgettable American Road Trips
Driving Tips for UK Drivers in the USA
When you’re driving in the US, you need to keep a few things in mind.
- You need to drive on the right side of the road.
- The speeds are displayed in miles per hour (mph), so get familiar with that.
- Generally, right turns on red lights are permitted unless otherwise indicated.
- The first-to-arrive car at a four-way stop intersection has the right-of-way.
- Be prepared for long, straight highways and large vehicles.
Speed Limits in the US
In the USA, speed limits differ depending on the state and road type. Generally:
- In urban areas, the limit is 25-35 mph.
- On rural two-lane roads, it’s 55-65 mph.
- On interstate highways, you can go for 65-75 mph (even up to 80 mph in some states)
Since local signs can change often, always check the signage.
Important Road Signs
Here are a few important road signs that you must know:
- Red octagon: Stop
- Yellow diamond: Warning
- White rectangular: Regulatory information
- Green rectangular: Directional information
- Brown rectangular: Recreational or cultural interest points
Alcohol Limits in the US
In the United States of America, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Nevertheless, if you intend to drive, it is best to avoid drinking anything at all.
During an Emergency
Keep these numbers handy in case there is an emergency.
- Emergency services: 911
- Your rental company's roadside assistance number
Always carry your driver's license, insurance paperwork, and rental agreement with you.
With these suggestions in mind, you’ll be exploring the USA in no time. But before you do that, you need to make sure that all your documents are ready for your trip.
Have you applied for your US ESTA? If not, check the eligibility criteria and fill out the online ESTA application form.
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Read along to explore some of the best and easy road trips from New York City but beware as you might be left with a difficult choice with options too good to leave. Learn more at Unforgettable Journeys: Best American Road Trips from New York.
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