So you have recently passed your driver’s license and are celebrating the holidays in South Africa. To enjoy your holiday to the maximum you will have to approach a rental car hire company to procure a reliable vehicle while you holiday in South Africa.

Renting a car for the very first time need not be a daunting task. In this article you will find out how simple and easy it is to hire a car (even if you’re only 21 years old or younger). Before you locate a reliable rental car hire company, it is important to first research the specials that they have on offer such as competitive rates, a wide range of mileage or insurance options and the variety of vehicle models available. Thereafter you will find that the vehicles on offer are typically divided into two seasonal periods. Once you’ve established these perimeters, you should then consider the costs involved and set up a budget to guide you on just how much you’re willing to spend on rental car hire. A factor to consider before choosing a vehicle of any class is the amount of people you will be travelling with during your journey. A diminutive vehicle such as the VW Golf that can comfortably carry four or less individuals is ideal but if you will be travelling with a larger group, then perhaps a larger vehicle such at as an MVP from Toyota would be best. Once you have made your choice, peruse the contract carefully and enquire about what is inclusive of insurance charges such as whether the insurance includes claims for accidents, fire, theft and personal damage.

The duration of your holiday and the amount of time you will spend in the vehicle is another important factor. If you’re only staying for a few days you will automatically have access to unlimited kilometers and prices that are already inclusive of all taxes. Should you be staying in South Africa longer and will be crossing the borders of friendly neighboring countries such as Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Zambia, you may even find it’s possible to continue your journey with the same rental car hire company!

Hiring a car is not as costly as often imagined, which is why it is imperative to seek an affordable, top quality car rental hire that will lease out a vehicle that is of high quality and includes safety features. A friendly dealer will be able to put your mind at ease by providing answers to any queries you may have. Below is a set of guidelines that will assist you in leasing your very first rental car hire:

1. Be 100% clear about what is and isn't included in the insurance package provided by your rental company.

2. If you do purchase a separate policy to cover the excess, make sure you know what's covered.

3. Allow enough time for collection and drop-off of your vehicle to carry out the necessary checks.

4. If you find any damage, no matter how small, mark it on the car diagram that comes with the contract and get a salesperson's signature agreeing to the damage.

5. Before you drive away, check all parts of the car thoroughly even if it takes a considerable amount of time.

6. Also look at the spare tyre – ensure that it is not punctured or overly worn.

There’s nothing to hold you back from getting on the road, certainly not age and certainly not the price if you lease your vehicle with a reputable rental car hire company in Cape Town.