10 Things you Need to Know Before Renting a car in Thailand

10 Things you Need to Know Before Renting a car in Thailand

Thailand is a great tourist destination with its tropical South-East country’s beaches and sultry islands along with its unique cuisine and culture. While there you do not want to have to depend on a taxi to take you sightseeing and many places to visit are too far to walk. So what do you do? There is only one solution and that is to rent a car. There is no better way to explore Thailand in a rental car but there are some things that you need to know before doing this.

Cost of renting a car:

It is economical to rent a car in Thailand with an average of THB 1600 each day for a medium-sized sedan. During the off-season, you could negotiable the rate for a luxurious BMW 3 for 10,000 THB.

Essential documents:

Some of the documents you will need include:

  • Valid passport with a non-immigrant visa
  • Home country driver license
  • Some passport-sized photos
  • Credit card
  • International driving permit unless you are a citizen of the ASEAN Countries and then you can use your national driving license

Process:

One of the first things you will need to sign is a rental agreement, which is a legally binding document. This is what specifies all terms and conditions of the rental company and what to do if the car breaks down.

Insurance:

Every car rental has its own set of rules. Some will ensure that there is premium insurance for full protection. You also need Compulsory third party liability, Theft Protection, and Personal Accident Insurance. You will also need Third-Party Liability for the protection of the tourist. If you intentionally drive into danger or violate any traffic rule you will be held responsible and could result in the rental company charging you a hefty fee.

Inclusions:

Some car rental companies may overcharge you when you rent and drive a car in Thailand so make sure that you read the rental agreement very carefully before you sign it. You want to make sure that there are no faulty clauses that can deceive you. Most of the rental car agencies have a VAT charge of seven percent. It should be included in the package.

Recovery Policy:

There are things the rental company can do in regards to the different insurances:

  • Collision Damage Waiver Insurance—they ensure the person hiring of damages and a few dents that are mentioned in detail in the contract.
  • Under Personal Accident Insurance—the person that is hiring the rental car is insured with any medical expenses if an accident happens.
  • Under Super Collision Damage Waiver Insurance—you are ensured of the maximum damage of the car in case you have an accident. This policy only covers the loss of the vehicle but not the person that is driving.
  • Under Theft Protection Insurance—the one that is renting the car is insured of most of the replacement amount in case the car is stolen.
  • Third-Party Liability Insurance—this covers expenses of any injury up to THB 80,000. In case of accidental death up to THB 300,000.

Pick up and Drop:

When you rent from an international company like Avis you can choose where you want to pick up and drop off the rental car. Before you accept the vehicle check it for any damages and make sure it is equipped with what the rental company said, like a spare tire. When you drop it off an associate of the company will check for any damages, which you will pay for. You will need to also refill the fuel tank.

Hiring a Driver:

Some hire a driver when renting a car. Make sure the driver also speaks Thai and English.

Laws and Speed:

The minimum age to drive is 21 years of age. You always have to carry valid documents to avoid any legal problems. In towns, the speed limit is 50-60 kilometers per hour, highways, 90-100 kilometers per hour, and on motorways, 120 kilometers per hour.

Rules:

  • Driver seats on the right-hand side
  • Seat belts are mandatory while driving
  • Avoid traveling late at night because traffic is slow and if tailgating, it can lead to rental agreement violation.
  • Before renting a car, you will have to pay a deposit, which depends on the engine size how much.