Car Hire - a Guide to Driving in California
Engulfing the majority of America’s west-coast is the “Golden State” of California. Many of us will be all too familiar with the landmark images of California, which have been portrayed through popular music, TV and cinema over the years. Whether you have come to love or loathe the state for this, there’s no escaping its unique summery lure and examples of some of America’s most beautiful natural regions.
California is not only America’s most populous state, but also one of its most culturally and naturally diverse. From the grid-locked cities strung out along the beautiful coastline to the soaring forests and snow-capped mountain ranges – the state is jam-packed with things to see.
This, coupled with the fact that the state of California was practically designed for cars means that hiring your own car when holidaying is highly recommended. A great deal of urban and suburban planning assumed that people would be travelling by car, for this reason the majority of the state is practically inaccessible without your own transport, especially the vast countryside areas.
Hiring a car in California is easily achieved with the main rental companies situated in all of major cities and large towns, along with pickup points available from the international airports. To hire a car anywhere in America you need to be at least 21 years old, and in most cases costs will be higher for those in between 21 and 25.
Insurance is a legal requirement, and is generally arranged through your chosen car rental agency. If you intend to stay no longer than a year then a valid driving licence from your home country will usually suffice, breakdown cover may also be offered and it is wise to accept if you are not already covered.
As mentioned, California’s a car culture, therefore the majority of its roads are well developed and maintained, and the only real problem is the risk of earthquakes. If you do find yourself out when a minor earthquake strikes, it's advised to pull over and wait in your car until safe.
Albeit this may seem a daunting prospect for some, it is however, a small price to pay as California is one of those places that should be visited at least once during your life time.
Car hire in California is easily arranged with a great deal of car hire agencies offering airport pick-ups. This is by far the best method to ensure you get a cheap car hire deal.
Car hire in California is easily arranged with a great deal of car hire agencies offering airport pick-ups. This is by far the best method to ensure you get a cheap car hire deal.
