FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE HIRING A CAR

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Sometimes you want to get off the hassle of driving yourself. Sometimes you want to get to a deep remote area where a matatu can’t reach. Or sometimes you’d rather just want to drive yourself and avoid the hassle of a matatu. In all the above scenarios, the best alternative would be to hire car services to facilitate your movement around.

There are many services in the industry and settling for a good one may be a daunting task if you have not used one before. Below are some of the factors that you should consider making the process easy and efficient:

When and where?
First things first, you need to know where and when you need the car. This is crucial to make prior arrangement depending on your schedule i.e. attending flight or just a normal cruise in downtown.

Charges
It’s important to know how much they will charge you. The prices may be very high, and they can sideline you when you decide to ask for the charges after they have provided their services. Let them give you a breakdown of their services and charges before you make -a- decision.

Who is travelling?
This is important since you will want to keep the cost as low as possible. So, if you are just a couple, or a small group with little luggage then you would opt for a smaller car which are normally cheaper. If you need more space, you can decide to choose a bigger car to suit your needs.

Which car rental agent
Do you have a preference as to which car rental agent you want to use? Ensure to check other customer rating for the agency you want to settle for.

Which car hire offer extras?
If you are looking for optional extras such as additional drivers, child seats then its worth comparing the overall cost inclusive of the extras. Sometimes you may find that the total cost of the extras you require is cheaper with a more expensive rental car.

Know your rights
You should know of the safety policies that your prospect service providers offer. Another paramount factor is the insurance policies. You must know their policies and get an evidence. This is because some of them only cover the vehicle instead of covering both the vehicle and its occupants. It is safer to ride in a vehicle that has also insured its clients

It is after careful consideration that you should go ahead and settle on the agency and vehicle you need. Even though a driver’s license is enough document for you to drive on the Kenya roads, there are several factors you should consider as you drive around the country roads;

1. Seat belt laws
Although many Kenyan drivers don’t bother with seat belts, it’s a legal requirement for all drivers and passengers to wear one and, given the safety record of Kenyan drivers, its highly recommended too

2. Drinking and driving
For all drivers the legal maximum of alcohol in the blood is 80 mg per 100ml blood. Any level above this then you will be charged and face a fine.

3. Speed limits
The speed limits in Kenya are 50 km/h in town and 80 km/h outside of town and cities. You should adjust your speed for the road conditions and the type of car you’re driving.

4. Minimum driving age
Kenya sets the minimum age for motorcycle, cars, vans and trucks at the age of 18. To hire a car, you must be 23 years old and have held your license for 2 or more years.

5. Insurance
You must have at least third-party insurance on any vehicle driven in Kenya.

6. Speed cameras
Speed cameras are becoming very common in Kenya with mobile cameras being used increasingly. Its not unusual to not be warned that you are entering a controlled zone, so the best advice is always to watch your speed.

7. Using your mobile phones while driving
You are not allowed to use any mobile phones whilst driving unless with a hands-free kit and passengers may not use devices as they are likely to distract the driver.

8. Emergency
The emergency numbers in Kenya are 112 for the police and 999 for fire and ambulance.

9. What to do in an emergency
In an emergency, you are likely to be surrounded by a small crowd. If possible, call the police as soon as possible. Insist that none of the vehicles are moved and if possible, photograph the scene as the police may take some time to arrive by which time some of those involved are likely to have driven off.

The above precautions are supposed to guide you as you drive within the country. You are not limited to any of the points mentioned above, but rather you should always be careful as you drive to ensure you arrive safely in your destination.

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