Safety for children when driving

adminonMarch 18, 2022February 11, 2022Leave a Comment

Children need special protection as road users. As a parent or accompanying adult, you are responsible for the safety of the children in the car.

the youngest and smallest passengers are exposed to the greatest dangers in cars. For small children there is inadequate restraints pose a considerable risk of skidding and injury during braking maneuvers and accidents. The risk of an unbelted child suffering a serious or fatal injury in a traffic accident is about seven times higher than for an adult.

We have therefore compiled the most important rules for driving with children:

Legal requirements for child restraints

As with all passengers in a car, the same applies to children a seat belt obligation. in addition, section 21 (1a) of the german road traffic regulations (stvo) stipulates that children up to 12 years of age or 150 cm tall require a child seat. Drivers who take children with them without using a restraint system not only endanger their children to a great extent, but also their parents safety, but also risk penalties. Anyone who fails to secure a child in a car by buckling up will pay 40 euros and receive a point in flensburg. If several minors are not secured, the fine increases to 50 euros. Anyone who does not use a restraint device in accordance with the regulations will pay 30 euros (1 child) or. 35 euro (multiple children) penalty fee.

The placement of the seat is also relevant

Child seats may only be located in seats marked with safety belts are equipped, i.e. suitable for passenger transport. The manufacturer will provide information on this in the operating instructions for your vehicle, which seats it recommends for child restraint in the car. If the installation of child seats on the middle seat of the rear bench cannot be avoided for reasons of space, however, the legal requirement for the safety of the smallest passengers takes precedence over the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Which child seats are available and for which groups are they suitable??

When classifying child safety seats, it is not the size or age but the weight of the child that is decisive. There are the following levels:

Child seat classes special feature

class 0 (0 – 10 kg)	for small children, the so-called baby car seat is used. This must always be fitted in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.
Class 0+ (10 – 13 kg)
class I (9 – 18 kg, approx. Up to 4 years)	in this weight class, systems with harness belts or safety catch systems are generally used.
Class II (15 – 25 kg, approx. 4 to 7 years)	these child seat classes are primarily booster seats, often equipped with a backrest or sleep support. Unlike in Classes I and II, the safety of children in Classes I and II requires the use of i. D. R. The vehicle’s standard three-point safety belts used.
Class III (22-36 kg, approx. 6 to 12 years)

Besides the weight but in principle also include the body proportions as well as the needs of the child on the decision criteria for buying the right safety accessories.

belts in the right place even for small persons

When using child seats, care must be taken that pelvic belt and shoulder belt run in the intended places. This is the only way to avoid, for example, a cutting of the material on the neck or belly prevent. It is therefore recommended that small persons (under 150 cm) always use a booster seat even if they are no longer required to do so by law due to their age. This does not necessarily have to be a child seat, but can be z. B. Also be a simple cushion.

Until when should a baby car seat be used?

the change from an infant carrier to a forward-facing seat should not be made too soon. Basically, the rule of thumb applies: the car seat can be used as long as the baby’s head is completely in the fixed car seat, d. H. As long as it is sufficiently supported and protected. Since april 2009 all child seats must have the test standard ECE R 44/04. Further information can be found in the "baby seats" section.

By the way there are prenatal safety measures like z. B. Special belts or cushions for pregnant women. Information on this can be found in the "safety for pregnant women" guide.

Other safety precautions for young passengers

In addition to using the correct child seat and properly restraining all passengers, there are other important safety issues when children are on board. For the sake of children’s health, do not smoke while driving under any circumstances. In order to prevent the youngest passengers from opening the car door during the journey, a locking of the door required – keyword child safety.

Electric windows should be deactivated or marked with a intact pinch protection be equipped. Because otherwise there is a risk of young passengers getting their fingers caught in the windows or throwing objects out of the window.

risks for children in summer and winter

In summer, it is recommended that children z. B. Through roller blinds protect from direct sunlight. Sufficient drinking fluid should be on board, taking into account the length of the journey. Alternatively, substitutes can be provided during breaks in the journey. Interruptions to the journey are especially useful for longer tours. The air conditioning should not be set too cold. If the temperature fluctuates too much between the inside and outside of the car, there is a risk of catching a nasty cold. Under no circumstances should children be left in the car when the temperature is warm. The danger from heat stroke should not be underestimated.

The same applies to the threat of hypothermia on cold days. In winter, pay attention, children should be strapped in without a thick anorak if possible. On the one hand, as in the summer, there is a threat of colds. But even more dangerous is that due to thick clothing the Seat belts are often not tight enough. So-called beltless. This means that the shoulder belt can slip off the shoulder or the lap belt can press into the abdomen. The result is high stress on sensitive parts of the body and a high risk of injury. If the child is cold without a jacket, it is advisable after correct securing spread blankets over the child.

Bored children in the car should be kept busy

Many parents let easily distracted by your children at the wheel and that’s why children are also among the most dangerous distractions on the road. Even if you only take your eyes off the road for a few seconds to turn to your protege, there is a risk of dangerous blind flights. It is therefore ideal if, during a tour with small children, the following persons sit next to the driver at least one second adult on board is. Important is v. A., that all safety precautions – such as attaching the child seat and seat belt – and stowing cargo before departure are properly executed.

How to keep children occupied in the car?

The youngest children are usually reluctant to give up their cuddly toy, a teething ring or something else familiar. In order to prevent the objects carried on board from landing on the floor of the vehicle at regular intervals, it is advisable to keep them in a safe place to be attached to the baby car seats.

For the "older little ones" there are numerous entertainment options to shorten the car ride. Popular are z. B.:

Music or audio books
coloring books
games such as the magic cube or the card game black peter
Quartets

modern media also offer good options for keeping young passengers occupied. In this way z. B. Tablets or small-format DVD players attaching them to the backrests of the front seats with appropriate brackets.

Timeless travel games and puzzles like "i see something you don’t see" or car license plate read epub. These offer the advantage that the children can look ahead during the ride.

Prevent motion sickness

Looking in the direction of travel is especially important for those passengers who quickly suffer from the so-called travel sickness suffer. This term includes complaints such as nausea, dizziness and vomiting. The following tricks help i. D. R. To prevent the symptoms:

Fresh air – ventilate regularly and take breaks during longer journeys
Keep interior temperature as cool as possible
do not dress the children in clothes that are too warm
Avoiding odors in the passenger compartment
Do not serve greasy or too sweet food, water instead of cola or limo
No loud music
Do not smoke!
Provide additional support for the child’s head, e.g., by a pillow. B. With a small pillow
Attach a sun visor to the side window to direct the view forward
Keep a steady pace – avoid fast starts or heavy braking. In addition, winding country roads and serpentines should be avoided.

The administration of travel medication like antihistamines, you should always check with your family doctor and only consider them if symptoms have already occurred several times. Travel gum or ginger preparations can represent alternatives under certain circumstances.

Waterproof spit-up bags, wet wipes and a change of clothes should be packed in case countermeasures are not successful. In the case of small children, watch out for restlessness, paleness and sweating. It’s better to take one more rest than too few. Incidentally, the most effective way for children to combat their motion sickness is to use sleeping during the journey.

Which car or. Which segment is best for which age of child??

there is no such thing as "the right recommendation" for the perfect family car. Popular models due to their generous space following vehicle classes:

Safety equipment and isofix is important

In principle, it is recommended to use a pay special attention to safety features the models to be placed. It is worthwhile z. B. Check whether the vehicle is equipped ex works with an isofix child seat fastening system for easy installation and removal of seat systems. If child seats are already available, determine whether they can be used in the vehicle. If possible, take existing accessories with you when choosing a car.

Vehicles should have performed well in crash tests

Other criteria when buying the car are the child safety lock and pinch protection for window regulators. It is also interesting to know which airbags and safety systems are included in the equipment and how the vehicle performs in the euro NCAP crash test in terms of child safety. In addition to the NCAP, other test results from testing organizations such as the ADAC may also be useful.

For the transport of baby car seats it is important to find out if the passenger airbag easy to switch on and off leaves. To install the shells on the back seat, it is important that the distance to the front seat is large enough and that the belts are long enough. The car seat must not be positioned too steeply. There should be a minimum distance of 55 cm between the child’s head and the front seat.

With one or two children, there are already appealing models in the small car segment or the compact class. However, many vehicles in these segments are less suitable for transporting large baby carriers and seats. The small vehicle types are also rather unsuitable if longer car trips are planned with the family. The higher vehicle classes score here i. D. R. With larger trunk volume as well as more comfort and storage space inside the car. Spacious vehicle classes such as station wagons and suvs are also recommended for safe accommodation of more than two children. In addition to the space required for the restraint systems, older children need more legroom and often have a greater urge to move around.

Popular family cars from meinauto.De customers include: skoda octavia kombi, ford kuga, mazda CX-5, opel mokka, VW tiguan and skoda yeti.

which interior materials are (not) suitable for children?

As far as the materials used in the interior of the car are concerned, the main thing is to make sure that they are sufficiently hard-wearing and robust are. An important criterion is also the care of the surfaces. Because especially with children Eat and drink in the car or get in with dirty clothes, stains are to be expected.

Leather or fabric upholstery in the family car?

Whether leather or fabric upholstery which seats are the right choice for car trips with children is often discussed on internet forums. In principle, leather has the advantage of improved hygiene compared to fabric upholstery if it is well cared for. Because leather is easier to clean. liquids, for example, are absorbed more strongly into fabrics. However, leather is sensitive to sharp edges. For example. B. scratches or cuts caused by incorrect installation of child seats or by sharp objects such as crayons. Here can be remedied under circumstances by covers or protective covers create. The same applies to the coolness of the leather in winter or. The heat in summer. For cost reasons, many drivers choose alcantara, a high quality microfiber, instead of full leather. Whether it’s fabric, leather or alcantara: the choice of materials for the seats in the car remains a question of money and also very much a matter of taste. Because the seats should be cared for with the appropriate means, regardless of the upholstery material.

Plastic rather than carbon fairing

For hygienic reasons, the side panels on the inside of the car must not be filled with gas. D. R. A resistant plastic with a fabric cover preferable. The plastic can be easily washed off with a damp cloth.

Since carbon has frequently been criticized in the past as a construction material in vehicle bodies, it may be advisable as a precautionary measure to consider as an family car is not preferable to a car with carbon elements to choose. Some scientists are of the opinion that the hydrocarbon-reinforced plastic releases pollutants that are hazardous to health in the event of an accident. especially smoke, dust and splinters with the composite material should be dangerous and should not be inhaled or touched. This problem, if clearly confirmed for vehicles with carbon elements, would pose a safety risk, especially for children.

Your safety while driving is our concern

Here you will find further information on various topics relating to your car safety:

1 due to the close cooperation with many german dealers you will get a certain minimum discount depending on brand and model. Your actual discount as a rule significantly higher lie. The maximum discount we can offer you if you and your configured vehicle meet the criteria set by the manufacturer. These can be, for example:

you purchase the vehicle for your business
your vehicle is configured with certain features
You have obtained your driver’s license in the last 24 months
You own a vehicle of another brand
You are the holder of a severely handicapped license
You want to sell your used car
And many other criteria

for details on the possible maximum discount, please refer to the conditions overview at the end of the configuration. our sales advisors will be happy to determine, together with you, the highest possible discount for you. Get advice.

2 your leasing or. Vario financing partner is mobility concept gmbh (grunwalder weg 34, 82041 oberhaching). Sufficient creditworthiness is a prerequisite for the acceptance of an application. All data are subject to change and at the same time correspond to the 2/3 example according to §6a abs. 4 pangv and are without warranty. The displayed ab-rate was calculated with a term of 48 months or. 12 months, 10.000km mileage and 0€ down payment calculated.

If you use the free allianz service for schwacke car review. Always the opportunity to rate vehicles online free of charge via the schwacke list. you can find out the value of your car with the schwacke-list and free pocket calculators. You can request the evaluation online or by phone. The best-known representative is probably the schwacke list.

The schwacke – free vehicle assessment (allianz-autowelt-aktion)

with the allianz car world promotion you can have your used car price evaluated for FREE by the schwacke list. otherwise the price inquiry is 7,90? Paid! With a schwacke vehicle appraisal you will receive an individual appraisal of your vehicle including all relevant aspects such as first registration, mileage and special equipment with a value of 7.90 EUR". For vehicles over 12 years old, no classification is possible" information (name, address, etc.) is entered at the end of the evaluation.) read in.

Alternative to the schwacke list, free car test

you can find out the current dealer purchase value of your vehicle on the DAT germany website under the category used car values. The service is a good addition to the schwacke list and is available free of charge. With the free vehicle evaluation, you can either enter the HSN and TSN from the vehicle registration document or enter all vehicle data manually.

The schwacke list

anyone who has ever bought or sold a car has already been in contact with it or at least seen it before – shaklist. if you don’t know what this is and how to find out the value of your used car with this useful tool, you can find more information in this guide.

for more than 50 years there is the schwacke-list, with which you can make a car evaluation and thus determine the actual use of your own car in EUR. The schwacke vehicle appraisal takes into account many market-related aspects such as z. B. Special equipment etc. Included in detail.

The advantage is obvious. Yes. as a car driver, you usually don’t know enough about the automotive market to really assess what you can get for your own car under the given circumstances. If you go to a car dealer or an auto dealer, you will see through it very quickly and move the purchase price wherever you can – you will spend much less by ignoring it.

But with a vehicle evaluation in your pocket you have enough counter-arguments. In addition, the valuation of your vehicle also provides you with security if you want to sell your used vehicle to a private individual. Are the schwacke lists free of charge? No, any vehicle appraisal is subject to a fee. There are a number of alternative valuations that are free of charge. The residual values of the vehicle are calculated on the basis of static tables without taking into account brands, equipment o.a. Calculated.

the free variants are therefore in no way comparable in their scope of application. In just a few moments, the online evaluation of a vehicle is complete and no further knowledge is required. in the following description you will be shown how to carry out a car valuation using the shak list. the following screen appears: it is more convenient if you have a vehicle registration document available, by entering the key numbers your car will be recognized without error.

The next step is the selection of the additional equipment, which is very complex depending on the vehicle and the year of manufacture. It is especially important that you enter the information as accurately as possible, because in the end it is your price. When all details are completed, you can pay the vehicle evaluation, here you have many possibilities.

After that you can print your evaluation of the vehicle and now you have "something in your hand" in the race for the best car. You can start the evaluation here. in the shak list not only cars but also motorcycles, off-road vehicles as well as transport vehicles can be evaluated. tip: it is also possible to evaluate a car other than your own used car.

Unlimited expanses, a phrase you hear more often in connection with the united states of america. And these endless expanses with their many sights, national parks, the sea and other attractions not only have a lot to offer, but can also be explored wonderfully by car. also, in the united states, it is difficult to really get from one place to another if you don’t have access to your own car during your vacation.

Whether it’s boston in massachusetts, niagara falls, new york city and washington D. C. in the east, los angeles, san francisco with the golden gate bridge, the gambling city of las vegas in nevada, santa ana, the fascinating grand canyon in arizona, bryce canyon national park in utah, death valley on the west coast, chicago (illinois) and the great lakes in the north, the alamo in texas in the south, yosemite national park, a trip to hollywood, the rocky mountains or even to canada, hawaii or any other destination, a rental car is always a good choice if you want to take as many unforgettable impressions as possible on your dream vacation in the usa.

The dream of a road trip through the USA

A special adventure and highlight is a road trip with the rental car over the highways of the USA, where you can experience and discover so much more of America’s unique attractions from the highway.

And it doesn’t matter what climate zone you’re in, whether you’re headed for the west coast or the east coast, whether you’re traveling along the coastal highways of the glistening pacific, gazing across the atlantic, or whether you’re heading north from the interior toward new england or south toward new orleans or florida’s tampa and key west in the fall.

Car rental in the USA offers great flexibility

A rental car can be a great help in the USA.

Because with a rental car you are always flexible on the road, as it offers you the greatest possible freedom. Rental cars can also be booked for a visit to sunny hawaii with its dream beaches.

But before your dream of freedom in the vast expanses of america can come true and you can visit attractions like the breathtaking mountains of the rocky mountains in colorado, chicago or yellowstone in wyoming, there are often a lot of unanswered questions.

Does it make a difference whether you book a larger or smaller rental car for the days as a rental car?? What to look for when booking a rental car? What are the pitfalls of renting a car? These questions and more are answered in the following overview.

Book rental car in advance online or directly in the USA?

There is a lot to be said for booking the car for the desired routes from Germany. In this way, the booking is usually cheaper, the place of jurisdiction in the event of a dispute is in your own country and there is a German-speaking contact person. In addition, you have the opportunity to read the contracts in peace and do not run the risk of rashly agreeing to unnecessary services during the travel period. Members of automobile clubs and other institutions can sometimes enjoy discounts when booking a rental car in the U.S.

it makes sense to compare prices before you rent a car. When planning your trip to the USA, you can use one of the many online platforms to find and compare car rentals in the USA that offer the best value for money. In the meantime, the market has become so large and confusing that it doesn’t make sense to check out every single rental car provider separately. Even if you find what you are looking for, it is by no means certain that the object you have found will carry the best price.

Test of different comparison platforms

In our test of various comparison platforms, the provider billiger-mietwagen came out on top.De, who takes care of the price comparison at the same time. The site compares almost 150 providers from over 170 countries and also has a comprehensive range for the USA. According to its own statement, the company has more than 181 rental cars.000 satisfied customers. The airport filter is particularly popular. With the help of this system, cars can be rented directly at the airports. By simply entering the city and the date incl. the rental car in the USA is found quickly at any time of day or night.

What was especially important to us is the fact that the cancellation of the rental car is free of charge up to 24 hours before the rental. The portal has also been voted "best car rental agency" by "FOCUS-MONEY" several times. We have already been able to convince ourselves of the website three times. Once in new york city (227 € per week), once in las vegas (177 € per week) and once in washington (185 € per week). In all three weeks we had nothing to complain about. So, if you are looking for a rental car in the USA, cheaper-rental-cars.De choose.

By the wayrental car and hotel are often cheaper than a motorhome vacation.

What are the reasons for renting a car in the USA??

There are many reasons to rent a car in the USA.

the united states of america is a huge driving country with an impressive variety and perfect for a car rental trip. the distances in california and the other states are of course enormous, and if you want to make trips to national parks, the famous grand canyon and other sights outside the big cities with good infrastructure like chicago or in the northeast new york city with the empire state building and the one world trade center, you can hardly do without a rental car.

Although the long-distance bus network is well developed, for example with the greyhound buses, these also only serve the major traffic arteries and do not stop at sights such as the alamo in the south, which you cannot visit in this way.

Even in new york, renting a car can make sense if you are traveling from new york to other cities in the northeast or east that are close by, such as the capital city of washington D. C. With the famous lincoln memorial, toronto in canada or orlando in florida want to visit. In autumn, a trip to the forests is worthwhile, when the Indian summer dips them in the most colorful colors. Hardly feasible without a rental car.

With the car you travel flexible through the USA

Pedestrians are an absolute rarity in this part of the world, except in the metropolises. Because the typical american gets into his own car even if he only has to cover a distance of one kilometer. Accordingly, the range of car rental companies in the USA is very large and renting a car is possible at lower prices than in Europe. In almost every major city in the country, you should be able to rent a car for your vacation at the airport.

Another point in favor of a round trip with a rental car is, of course, the flexibility. in contrast to round trips by bus, with a rental car you can decide very freely whether you want to stay at the beach or in a hotel, for example in summer. if you want to enjoy the sea at the coast or at the gulf of mexico or if you prefer to visit an amusement park like disney world in orlando, miami or if you want to cross the border into mexico. Or you can visit the artists’ village in santa ana on the pacific coast. also alaska is always worth a trip for tourists. As a car renter, you can plan your trip and the routes you take very flexibly here.

Which rental car should I choose and which type of car is suitable for which purpose??

Which is the right rental car during the USA trip depends on many factors.

The question of the right rental car for experiencing the country and making your own experiences depends on the budget, the number of people, the routes to be covered, your own demands on comfort and the amount of luggage. If you are planning a round trip through the unique landscapes on the west coast with metropolises such as los angeles including hollywood and san francisco in california along the coast of the pacific and las vegas in nevada and you expect many hours of driving in the car a comfortable vehicle is often worth its weight in gold.

Of course, this is not only true for los angeles, san francisco, las vegas and co. In the west, but for any road trip that keeps travelers glued to the car for a few hours at a time. Especially if you plan to travel around the USA for a few months.

If you are exploring the U.S. as a couple, a small car may be sufficient for a round trip through the metropolises, but the limited space in the trunk and the frequent lack of legroom may mean that space is at a premium if you have a lot of luggage or tall passengers. In cities like new york city, miami in florida, boston and philadelphia on the east coast, or los angeles in california, a small car is more maneuverable and it’s easier to find a place to park.

Number of kilometers is a decisive factor

however, before renting, keep in mind that there is a difference between taking your rental car on short trips of just a few miles to the beach and driving it on a round trip of thousands of miles or more. miles and many hours from city to city should be your faithful companion. The familiarization effect also plays a role. If you drive a large car at home, you may not be happy with a small car on vacation in the USA. Maybe not even if he just wants to experience a little history and culture in the surrounding cities.

The USA has well-developed roads

The roads in the country are for the most part well developed, so if you are traveling primarily to cities, you don’t necessarily need to rent a 4×4 for your vacation. For routes through landscapes such as canyons, the desert and the prairie, a four-wheel drive vehicle can make sense as a rental car, however, the insurance coverage does not apply if you think you have to drive off-road, for example in the desert. If you like to sit higher in the car, you are nevertheless well advised with an SUV not only on the prairie, but also on the highway.

When making your choice, consider the time of year and the region in which you are traveling. in winter, depending on the area, you may have different requirements than in summer. A convertible, for example, is more likely to be rented when temperatures are warm.

Most rental cars in the USA come with air conditioning. However, especially in hot weather, remember to stop at a gas station and fill up before you leave. Because fuel consumption is higher on average when the air conditioning is on.

And if you don’t have the nostalgic desire to drive from one place to another with a map, it is worthwhile to book a navigation system as well.

The individual vehicle classes

Economy ECAR
Compact CCAR
Midsize/intermediate ICAR
Full-size sedan SCAR/FCAR
Premium limousine PCAR/PDAR
Luxury limousine LCAR/LDAR
Midsize SUV IFAR
Standard SUV SFAR
Full-size SUV FFAR
Minivan MVAR

Tipas a general principle, you will often be well advised to sit in a class higher than the one you actually need. Especially if you want to cover longer distances with your rental car.

With the family on the freeway – car rental with children

If you are traveling with children, it is a good idea to book a child seat when renting the car.

In all states of the USA children have to be transported in child seats. However, the requirements vary by state as to the age, weight and size of the children. A booster seat is mandatory in all states except florida and south dakota for children who have outgrown the child seat. If you are flying to the u.s. with children who need a car seat or booster seat here in europe, it is important to familiarize yourself in advance with the regulations of the state to which you are traveling.

it is not recommended to bring your own child seat from europe to the USA, because they are not allowed to be used in the USA because they do not comply with the NHTSA regulations. While use is tolerated, it is unclear what the situation would be in the event of an accident. In addition, the seat could be damaged during transport in the airplane.

Tips: the easiest variant is usually to book a suitable child seat when renting the rental car.

An alternative would be to purchase a child safety seat before the rental begins in the U.S. However, american child seats cannot be used in germany because they do not have an ECE test mark. A commercially available foldable child seat failed a test by the stiftung warentest foundation due to significant safety deficiencies.

Where can fall or hidden costs lurk when booking the rental car?

We know it from flights: 9.90 euros per flight quickly becomes 99.90 euros. Even with rental cars, there are many hidden costs and sticking points that you should watch out for.

It also makes sense to read the small print of the rental car contract in advance in order to avoid unwanted additional costs. Among other things, pay close attention to what is included in the offer, what handling fees are charged for, what happens in the event of damage (e.g., if the car is damaged), and what is the cost of the service. B. Gearbox damage) and how the tank regulation regulates the filling of the tank. You should also pay attention to the minimum age of the driver(s), as well as whether additional drivers can be registered.

Also conditions like that the cancellation up to 24H before pickup is free of charge can be useful. Also pay attention to how toll roads are handled. Does the toll have to be paid directly by the user or is a pay-by-plate system used??

1. Book from home

we recommend that you always book your rental car from home. Firstly, you will have more time to check the price and services in detail. Secondly, you will usually have a German-speaking contact person. In addition, get the best deals around three to four months before the booking date.

2. Compile the necessary documents

Before you pick up your rental car, you should gather all the necessary documents. Vouchers, credit card and driver’s license at the ready? This is how you usually pay your deposit. If you don’t have a credit card, for example, some rental companies require you to take out additional insurance.

3. Question upgrades on the spot

Employees of rental car companies who sell additional services on site usually receive commissions. this is the biggest reason why almost every company will offer you a top-up service for an extra charge. Your luggage in particular is often used as an incentive to offer you a larger car. Be careful and read all the documents carefully!

4. The time is crucial

An official rental day lasts 24 hours. If you pick up your rental car at 10am, you must return it by 10am the following day to be charged for a full day. If you return the car later, you will usually have to pay a surcharge. So book the rental car only at the time when you really need it and plan enough time buffer for the drop-off.

5. Price is not everything

We recommend that you do not base your decision solely on price. Of course, lower costs are often a high motivation for booking a rental car. However, you accept poor service, long waiting times and cars in poor condition. Use previous customer reviews as a guide! These can be positive even if a rental company has a rather low price structure.

6. Consider insurance

Rental car insurance is often dubbed a cost trap. However, an accident can be expensive for you. We recommend the conclusion of a fully comprehensive insurance without deductible. This costs only slightly more than a fully comprehensive insurance with deductible. Please also pay attention to the coverage of the liability insurance, which should be at least one million euros. Note: there are some credit cards that offer this insurance included: click here.

7. Make a refueling agreement

Before the start of the trip, it is important to clarify whether the rental car must be returned with a full tank of gas. It is not uncommon for rental car companies to charge extra for filling up the tank after use. If possible, make the agreement "pick up with a full tank, return with a full tank". However, those who "pick up with a full tank" and "return with an empty tank" must expect higher costs.

8. Handover protocol

Before you start driving, check all damage and insist on a handover report. It is also a good idea to document any existing damage with photos. Also pay attention to supposed trivialities such as tire pressure, brakes, lighting, turn signals, steering, first-aid kit, warning triangle and warning vest. Even if you return the car, you should insist on a handover protocol, which proves that no new damage has occurred.

9. Do not forget anything in the car

If you notice that you have forgotten something in your rental car after you have dropped it off, it is often already too late. We therefore recommend that you check carefully in the trunk, under the seats or in the glove compartment to see if you have forgotten anything. The rental companies often charge a very high fee for the forwarding of forgotten items.

Known car rental companies in the USA

There are numerous car rental companies in the country from which you can choose as a traveler. On the one hand, there are the rental car stations of the well-known, globally operating providers such as avis, budget, hertz, rent a car or sixt, but also many local providers such as alamo or dollar. In addition, there are rental car brokers such as cardelmar, drivefti or sunny cars, which do not have their own fleet, but only broker rental cars. Booking through these brokers is sometimes cheaper than booking directly.

However, the price comparison should never be the sole decision criterion when renting a car. More important to compare are the car rental requirements, available quotes, rates, insurance and included benefits. For example, drivers under the age of 21 have a difficult time finding a rental car company. Some car rental companies charge a young driver fee for drivers between 21 and 25 years of age or, like hertz for example, exclude drivers under 25 years of age on principle. Sunny cars, for example, also rents cars to young drivers between 21 and 24 years of age for a fee.

When is which tariff useful??

Much more important than the price is the comparison of the insurance benefits of the individual car rental companies z. B. As for the deductible. We recommend that you take out fully comprehensive insurance without a deductible for damage to the rented vehicle during the travel period, which also covers self-inflicted accidents. It can also make sense to have liability insurance (LIS) for all damage that does not affect your own rental vehicle, as well as insurance against glass breakage and tire damage. However, the latter is included in very few car rentals and must be concluded additionally.

The amount of coverage of the liability insurance should be one million euros. US dollars lie. In addition, insurance against the loss of the car key, theft insurance and passenger and luggage insurance may be recommended, depending on individual requirements. even with insurance, luggage should never be left in plain sight in the car. Especially not in a convertible.

Attentionin case of irregular behavior, the complete insurance coverage expires! Unregulated behavior can include unregistered drivers (e.g., a driver who is not registered with the airport). B. An unregistered additional driver) and driving on unauthorized or unpaved roads include.

What documents do I need to book the rental car and pick it up in the USA??

There are many car rental companies in the USA.

In order to receive your booked rental car at the airport upon arrival in the united states, you will need proof of identity (ideally your passport), a credit card, a national AND an international driver’s license. In some cases, a rental car can be rented without a credit card. However, for a trip to the USA, this is generally sensible and recommended.

Also, at the start of the rental period, insist on a handover report documenting any existing damage to the vehicle. This form usually lists all the parts of the vehicle that can be marked as defective or in perfect working order.

It is best to familiarize yourself in advance with the traffic regulations in the USA. For example, as far as driving at intersections is concerned. Here, for example, the intersections with four stop signs are to be mentioned as a special feature.

What to look for in a driver’s license?

In order to rent a vehicle in the USA and to prove that you are able to drive, your national driver’s license is sufficient. To be on the safe side, you should also obtain an international driver’s license, which can be obtained for a fee of 15 euros from your local district office. The international driver’s license is a multilingual document that is valid for three years and facilitates the work of the authorities in the event of an inspection.

It can also be an advantage for you if you have an international driver’s license that you can hand over in case of a police control. so you don’t have to give out your "real" (national) driver’s license.

If you plan to stay in the U.S. for a long time, or even if you want to buy a car there, you should consider applying for a U.S. driver’s license. For this you need an address in the USA (e.g. B. A friend’s), you will have to pass an eye test and there will be a fee of 20 US dollars.

If you are thinking about applying for a U.S. driver’s license, you should fill out the I-94 form in English, which will be distributed on the plane shortly before landing.

What are the special features of the vehicles and the traffic rules compared to germany??

The traffic signs in the USA are very similar in their meaning to those known in the German-speaking world.

When getting used to a rental car in the U.S., the most challenging part for most drivers will be the transition to an automatic transmission vehicle. However, once you get the hang of it, the switch from manual to automatic transmission is easily mastered.

In general, most drivers on american roads behave in a disciplined and law-abiding manner. At least outside of major cities.

Be sure to obey the speed limit. The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 20 to 30 mph, respectively. 40 to 48 mph. In front of schools you are only allowed to drive with a maximum speed of 15 mph, you are not allowed to overtake stopping school buses (pay attention to the warning lights)!). Outside built-up areas, speeds between 55 and 65 mph are permitted, on some interstates 70 to 75 mph is allowed. 0.62 mph equals 1 km/h.

There are some traffic signs in the USA that are unfamiliar to Europeans. But most of them are self-explanatory. In many states, slow right turns are allowed at red lights after a complete stop, unless prohibited by a "no right turn on red" sign. When parking, always keep a distance of three meters from hydrants.

Beware of high fines

The fines are generally quite high in the USA. For example, you have to pay 270 euros for driving through a red light. If you don’t stop for a school bus, it can cost 240 euros and a speeding ticket of just 10 km/h can cost you around 180 euros.

It makes sense, therefore, to adhere strictly to the applicable traffic regulations and the blood alcohol limit when renting a car in the u.s., and not just for your own safety and that of others. An unpaid traffic ticket alone can cause problems the next time you enter the uSa.

Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle for persons under 18 years of age. the blood alcohol limit in most states is 0.8.

How to return the rental car?

When returning your rental car, you should pay particular attention to the refueling regulations that have been agreed upon. Have you agreed to receive the vehicle with a full tank and fill it up at the gas station (F/F), have you agreed to receive the vehicle full and return it empty (F/E) or is there a rule that the first tank of gas is included in the rental price and the vehicle is returned with an empty tank (FP)??

Note: in the USA you fill up in gallons. One gallon is equal to 3.785 liters.

It is also worth keeping to the agreed rental days in order to avoid being charged for additional days. If, for example, after a round trip through california and the west, you have agreed on a return location that differs from the pick-up location (one-way rental), the same conditions apply, except that the drop-off location is different.

On a coast-to-coast tour, for example, you can start your trip in california at an airport after your flight and then drop off your car at the end of your route in new york or atlanta, for example, before heading home. One-way rentals, where the car is dropped off at a different destination, are subject to a one-way fee with many rental companies.