Due to the high demand for car hire services, many rental companies have been
established. Once in Rwanda and there is an urgency of renting a car to fulfill your travel
needs, we advise that you adhere to a few essential tips as explained in this article.
1. Know the Insurance Policy
Most of the car rental companies in Rwanda have comprehensive insurance coverage for their vehicle and this contains, collision damage waiver, car theft, and third party. The client is advised to know how the insurance cover will protect him/her against the liabilities in case of an accident.
2. You must have a valid driver’s License
Travelers must have a valid driver’s license to drive a car in Rwanda. The rental operator
will request the license before he hires the car to you. Any country’s driver’s license is
accepted but the international one is most preferred. It must be valid for not less than three months.
3. Security Deposits
Some rental companies in Rwanda may ask for a security deposit before handing the car keys to you. Payment can be made by either credit card or cash. The security deposit is
reimbursed if you don’t get any car damage or get any fines on the road.
4. Minimum Age Limit
The minimum age for driving a car in Rwanda is 18 years but for hiring a car is 21 years.
5. Read about the Terms and Conditions of the Rental Company
There is normally a black-and-white document given to you when hiring a car in Rwanda.
Endeavor to read it thoroughly and ask questions if you have not understood. The terms
and conditions give a comprehensive picture of how the rental car must be driven, the
insurance cover and the fines charged in case you violate the contract.
6. Cross-border rental is possible
Travelers are allowed to go beyond borders specifically to the neighbouring East African
countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and The Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, you must inform the rental company that you wish to drive the car beyond the
borders of Rwanda so that it can organize the required paperwork for vehicle border
crossing. Also, note that rental operators charge higher rental fees if you are doing cross-border driving.
7. Read the Accident Policies
In case you get into an accident, immediately call the rental company to advise on how to go about the police procedure since every accident must be reported to the police. Most of the time, the rental operator will come to your rescue to handle the matter with the police and also replace the wreckage with another car to enable you to proceed with your journey.
8. Traffic Fine Rules
The traffic fines are your obligation as a hirer in case you break the rules and the fine is
issued. The rental company is not liable for your road offenses. You must meet the fines
when slapped at you by the traffic police department.
9. Extra Facilities Charges
GPS, camping gear, and extra baby seats are charged separately from the rental car.
Therefore, if you need any of the facilities you will have to pay an extra fee.
