7 Things You Should Know Before Renting A Car In Singapore

Are you a tourist coming into town looking for private transport? Or a resident who needs a car for a while? Either way, this article is for you. It covers what you should know about daily car rental services. Most people booking this are after a self drive car rental Singapore, where you drive the vehicle yourself for the days you need it. For first-time renters especially, this guide brings you up to speed, from the pre-rental process and collection to time on the road and returning the car.

1. Introducing the Car Rental Industry

A few things are worth knowing about the car rental industry before you start.

First, you have a wide choice of brand, type, and size of car. More importantly, you have the flexibility to switch your choice of car often. Unlike buying, where you are more or less stuck with one vehicle for years, rental lets you change cars between each booking.

Second, beyond the choice of car, there are many rental companies to pick from, from large international brands to smaller local operators. Most have websites and social channels, so you can compare from your seat.

Third, information is not always readily available. In this industry the details matter, and they can be the difference between a fair deal and a poor one. So take the time to find out the full terms before you collect the car.

2. Choosing the Right Car

When choosing the right car, start with how you will use it: the number of people it needs to carry, how much luggage, the occasion, and where you will drive.

The number of passengers and bags decides the capacity you need to move everyone comfortably. A range of configurations is available, from saloon cars to hatchbacks, from SUVs to MPVs, so you will find a model that fits. The car rental rates vary by vehicle class, so it is worth checking how a saloon compares to an MPV or SUV before you decide.

It can be tempting to take the largest car so everything fits without planning. That is usually inefficient, since larger vehicles use more fuel and do not always fit tight spaces. Take a large MPV into an older, narrow multi-storey carpark and you are setting up a stressful afternoon.

3. Your Choice of Dates Matters

We recommend booking your rental dates at least 2 weeks to a month ahead. This reduces the chance of missing out on the car you want, and it protects you from peak pricing. Most of these trips are a short term car rental of a few days to a couple of weeks, so locking in your dates early secures both the vehicle and the rate.

Rental rates are fairly steady through the year, with two exceptions.

Companies usually price weekdays and weekends differently. Weekend rates run higher because of demand. That said, some companies offer a discount if you take the car for the whole weekend, with a Friday pickup and Monday return.

The other exception is festive periods such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Christmas. Expect a surge in rates during these windows, as demand climbs and many families rent cars to travel together around the island.

4. You Will Need Your Driving Licence

To reserve and rent a car, you need to produce a driving licence valid for the category of car you are renting. Local drivers need a Class 3 licence. Depending on whether you hold a Class 3, 3A, or 3C, you may or may not be eligible for certain cars.

Expatriates need to produce one of the following:

• A driving licence issued by your home country, officially translated into English
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed by an authorised body such as the Automobile Association (AA)

With these, you can drive in Singapore for up to a year. If you plan to drive longer than that, you should convert to a local licence, which involves passing a theory test on Singapore’s traffic rules.

If you are a probationary driver with less than a year of experience, not all companies will rent to you, and those that do are likely to ask for a higher insurance premium to cover the added risk.

5. Collecting the Car

When collecting the car, show up about half an hour before your pickup time. Bring your licence, identification, deposit (if required), and booking confirmation. Arriving early covers the collection process, which can take 15 to 30 minutes.

During collection, the details of your rental are confirmed and you are briefed on the important points. If you requested child seats or probation plates, confirm they have been arranged.

Inspection is the other key part. Run through the car’s current condition with the company’s staff member, and make sure any dents, scratches, worn paint, rim damage, and other marks are found and acknowledged by both parties.

Beyond the exterior, check the interior too: the seats, steering wheel, and spare tyre, and note the car’s mileage.

Both parties should agree on the condition of the car, so you are not held liable for damage caused by a previous renter.

6. Renting for a Road Trip to Malaysia

If you need a car for a road trip to Malaysia, be aware that not all companies allow entry into Malaysia, because their vehicles are not covered for it. Check specifically whether there is a cross-border surcharge, since some companies levy an extra charge for taking the car across.

7. Returning the Car

When returning the car, aim to have it back about 30 minutes before the end of the rental period. This gives the company time to process the return and gives you time to clear your belongings from the car.

Rent Your Next Vehicle from Singaporecarrental.sg

Singapore Car Rental provides a full suite of services for both corporate and individual needs. Our clients are secure in the knowledge that we offer quality cars and professional expertise, so that every ride is smooth, comfortable, and safe.

The best part is that you get all this at competitive prices: our quotes are all-inclusive with no hidden charges. We also deliver cars to your doorstep island-wide at no charge, and offer car rental service to both Changi Airport and hotels.

Discover our car rental service in Singapore today!