Travel Tips

Things to Know before Renting a Car in Uganda

Although you can tour Uganda extensively by bus, sometimes renting a car in Uganda is the best way to explore to out-of-way villages, historic sites, and verdant countryside. Here are some useful things to know about Uganda car hire;

1. Age Restrictions

Minimum rental ages vary by company and range from 18 years. Rules regarding older drivers also vary from company to company. The rules are usually driven by what insurance provider they use. Maximum age limits, when they are present, vary from 70 to 80. Even when no maximum age limit exists, extra charges may apply or insurance clearance may be required prior to renting. In some cases, that may involve providing a doctor’s certificate.

So if you are a younger or older driver, find out the requirements before you make rental arrangements, and be prepared to shop around.

2. Transmission Type

The default for most car rentals in the Uganda is automatic and manual. So feel free to rent out what is more comfortable.

3. Filling Up

Rental cars may be fueled by petrol or diesel. So find out which one your rental car uses so you select the correct pump when you refuel. Putting the wrong type of fuel in the tank can cause damage that you may be liable for. Almost every Uganda petrol station is not self-serve, so make sure to pay attention. Note that petrol and diesel in the Uganda are sold by the liter rather than the gallon.

1. Roundabouts

Roundabouts, circular intersections in which traffic flows around in Kampala an excellent means of keeping traffic moving, but they can be challenging to drivers not used to them. There are a few basic guidelines for navigating roundabouts.

If you are taking the first roundabout exit to the left, stay in the left lane and signal left. If you are taking an exit to the right or going full circle, signal right and enter the roundabout in the right-hand lane. Keep to the right until you need to change lanes to exit and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want to take.

2. Narrow Roads

But there are a few things you should know before driving on such extremely narrow roads.

First, take it slow. Second, pay attention when you pass a widening in the road or a pullout/turnout. Be prepared to back up to those spots when a car approaches from the other direction.

Similarly, if a car behind you seems to be in a hurry, pull into the first widening you come across and allow it to go on ahead.

Third, approach every curve in the road, especially ones where trees block your vision of what’s around the bend, as if another car is definitely approaching.

Fourth, enjoy the scenery! You can plan your trip to avoid narrow roads, but they are often picturesque, and will lead you to quaint villages with welcoming pubs and inns.

7. Insurance

As is the case in many other countries, car rental insurance in Uganda can cost more than the basic cost of the car itself. The insurance terminology used may be unfamiliar to you.

Third Party Liability Insurance, is a legal requirement and is generally included in the baseline car rental. This covers accident-related damage to anyone or anything outside the car. Other insurance coverage’s relate to damages to the rental car itself.

Essential Tips for Car Rental Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs

Are you considering renting a car? This article brings you the essential tips to consider when picking-up and dropping-off the Car Rental. Whether you are a first-time customer or frequent Car renter in Uganda, the procedure of picking and dropping off vehicles tends to be tricky sometimes. Therefore, here are the essential car rental pick-up and drop-off tips;

Important tips when picking up the rental car

Carry the essential documents

Regardless of how much money you are willing to pay, the Car rental Company has the right to deny you the vehicle if you don’t fulfill some important requirements. For this reason, don’t forget to carry a valid driver’s license, passport of any other valid ID as well as the Credit Card when picking up the Rental Car.

Read and understand the Car Rental Agreement before signing it

At the time of picking the Rental Car, it is important to go through the agreement and make sure you understand each clause before signing it. In the agreement are terms and conditions of the Car Rental, which you have to understand before jumping into putting pen to paper.

The Reservation voucher

Having booked your Rental car already, one of the most important things to pay attention to is the reservation voucher, which provides detailed information on your booking, pick-up and drop-of day, all required documentation, insurance included and other important information. This Voucher has to be presented at the Car rental office.

Payment of security deposit on the Rental Car

Another essential tip for Car Rental pick-ups is related to security deposits, which is money paid to the Company during the Rental period, for purposes of guarantee. However, this shouldn’t worry you as it is not charged as a purchase and is withheld only when the Car is with the client. The full amount is refunded when the car is dropped to the Car Rental Company in a good condition as it was taken. For clarification on Car Rental security deposits, please don’t hesitate to reach us.

Always sort fuel and mileage before taking the Car

Some Car Rental Companies have full-to-full fuel policies while others don’t. However, fuel tanks can be half full or less hence it is always important to work it out with the paperwork. For this reason, feel free to ask from the Car Rental counter whether the Car uses diesel or petrol. Also, don’t forget to check if there’s a mileage limit because some drivers that don’t pay attention to these details get charged extra for driving over a limit they initially didn’t know about.

Also, always inquire on how to use Car features like GPS, Alarm systems, radio, lights and others in you don’t know to avoid breaking them while trying to forcefully operate them,.

Essential tips for car Rental drop-offs

Rental Car inspection

Before you hand over the rental car, their staff will ensure that it is not damaged, scratched or bent in anyway, compared to when they do during pick-up. For this reason, you also have to be keen on inspecting the car before driving off, with photo evidence to avoid been pinned for something you didn’t do. Make sure that you inspect the car together with the Company staff as proof of its condition (this is especially important during unstaffed after-hours’ drop-offs). If possible, go with the copy of the final conditional report and keep it safely until you have received your credit card statement.

Check the drop-off grace period, if any

Some Uganda car rental companies give a grace period of dropping the Car (in terms of time) and it is important to always check and note it because you might be charged an extra fee for going beyond the indicated time.

Fuel tank

Depending on how your reservation was made (full tank or empty), it is always essential to check the fuel level before dropping off the Rental Car. One important factor to note is that Companies have different terms and conditions, whereby some will require a full tank when the car is being dropped off while others don’t. Just check with the Company’s rules and comply accordingly.

The return receipt

When dropping off the Rental Car, the Company’s staff will also print out a receipt, as proof of returning the Vehicle with the exact dates and time. Make sure that this receipt is kept safely to avoid being implicated later.