Introduction
Renting a car in London can be expensive but is it worth the cost? You’ll need to factor in the price of the rental, the cost of gas, and parking fees to determine if it is cheaper to take public transportation or rent a car.
If you’re only going to be in London for a few days and you’re not going to drive very much, then taking public transportation may be your best option.
But if you’re spending a week in London and you plan on driving around the city, renting a car may be cheaper than paying for gas and parking.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of renting a car when visiting London so that you can decide if it’s right for you.
3 Things to Keep in Mind Before Renting a Car in London
If you’re planning a trip to London, chances are you’re going to want to rent a car. After all, there’s a lot to see and do in this historic city, and public transportation can only take you so far. However, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before signing on the dotted line.
Here’s what you need to know about renting a car in London:
1. Age Restriction
In order to rent a car in London, you must be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, you may be subject to an additional young driver’s fee.
This is important to keep in mind if you’re planning on renting a car with a group of friends. Make sure that everyone who plans on driving is of legal age, or you may be stuck taking public transportation.
Age restrictions are in place for a reason. Young drivers are considered to be high-risk, so rental companies charge higher rates to offset this risk.
If you are under 25 and you want to rent a car, try to find a company that doesn’t charge a young driver’s fee. This can save you a significant amount of money.
2. Driving Licence
You must have a valid driver’s licence. You will need to present your licence when you pick up the car, so make sure you have it with you.
Have you held your licence for at least a year? You’re good to go. Just make sure it’s valid and up-to-date.
If you’re coming from overseas, you may need an International Driving Permit in addition to your regular driver’s licence. Be sure to check with the rental company before you travel.
It’s also important to note that most rental companies require you to have a clean driving record. This means that you shouldn’t have any accidents or speeding tickets on your record. If you do, you may be subject to an additional fee.
If you have a clean driving record, you shouldn’t have any problems renting a car. Just be sure to bring your licence with you when you pick up the car.
3. Car Insurance
When you rent a car, you will be required to purchase car insurance. This is mandatory in London, and it protects you in case of an accident.
Most rental companies offer two types of insurance: Third-party Liability and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
Third-party liability protects you if you damage someone else’s property. CDW protects your rental car in case of an accident.
A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is usually included in the price of the rental, but it may not cover everything. For example, it may not cover tires, windows, or undercarriage damage.
Be sure to read the fine print of your rental agreement so that you know what is and isn’t covered by your insurance.
On average you’ll be charged somewhere around £10 – £45 per day for insurance. This is important to keep in mind when budgeting for your trip.
How Travellers Can Save Money By Renting a Car?
If you travel a lot, it’s best to sell car online and instead use rental cars. By doing this, you can avoid the hassle and expense of owning a car.
Here are a few reasons:
- Rental cars are generally more reliable than personal vehicles. This is because they are subject to regular maintenance and inspection by professional mechanics.
- Rental cars are often cheaper than personal vehicles, especially when you factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and repairs.
- Rental cars offer a greater degree of flexibility than personal vehicles. You can choose the make and model of the car that you want to rent, and you can also rent it for as long or as short a period of time as you need.
So if you’re a traveller, selling your car and using rental cars instead is a smart choice.
Is It Worth Renting a Car When Visiting London?
Now that you know what to expect when renting a car in London, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. After all, public transportation is cheaper and you don’t have to worry about parking.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Renting a Car:
- You can go anywhere you want, anytime you want.
- It’s great for exploring the city or taking day trips outside of London.
- You don’t have to worry about missed trains or buses.
- Parking can be expensive and difficult to find in London.
Taking Public Transportation:
- It’s cheaper than renting a car.
- You don’t have to worry about driving in a foreign country.
- Public transportation is convenient and easy to use.
The decision of whether or not to rent a car when visiting London comes down to personal preference.
If you want the freedom to explore the city at your own pace, then renting a car is a great option.
However, if you’re on a budget or you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving in a foreign country, then public transportation is probably your best bet.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to plan ahead so that you can make the most of your trip. And enjoy your time in London!