Tips for renting a car?

[Dezmo]

Sorry - was not sure where to post this....

I have my IDL (from USA) and may travel to Chiang Mai with a local Thai friend, and maybe rent a car to drive to her home town a few hours away.  

Any tips on car rentals:

• I assume shop for best price as it could vary (wonder if posted online)
• Do they accept credit cards (or does it vary)?
• Assume insurance is part or rental agreement
• Would it be better for her to rent the (and would they allow me to drive it) or for me to rent?
• I assume NEVER leave my passport with them
• If I get a ticket.... say speed radar (does that exist here?).... what may happen?
• Anything else I should know....?

Thanks!

[Jaggg88]

You have an IDP, not an IDL, which is essential if stopped by the police or you are in an accident but it is not a requirement for renting. Speed traps do exist and I think the fine is 500 baht although there is some new rules about deducting points but I don't think that will affect foreign licences. The larger companies accepts card payments. As for the question about who should rent then only the rental company can tell you that. With non rental cars a class 1 insurance covers all qualified drivers of that vehicle but I don't know about rentals so ask them. Never leave your passport but give them a copy and fully inspect and film the car with the rental employee so there is no issues on return.

[Faz]

I'd go for a reputable company, not a backstreet hire co.

If the car is taxed (check), then it will be covered by the mandatory government Insurance, but not necessarily comprehensive Insurance, so enquire.

[Chaimai]

I have used Chic and Thai Rent a Car from Chiang Mai. 

 

No problems with either. 

[Dezmo]

Thanks for all the info. Yes I have a IDP :) 

[Marc26]

I have rented a car in a ton of places in Thailand

 

I use https://www.rentalcars.com/ and https://www.vipcars.com/

 

Not all rentals offer full insurance but these sites will usually have the option to choose full insurance

 

I have never had an issue renting using these two sites, actually they have been fantastic

 

I have ever had 2 accidents and both covered by insurance, didn't pay anything

 

 

You don't need to leave your passport, they will take a copy of it

 

Renting at CM airport will be very easy..........

Actually renting at any airport in Thailand has always been very easy

Usually you will go to their counter booth and they pull the car right up in front of the airport exit in Arrivals

[Dezmo]

16 hours ago, Marc26 said:

I have rented a car in a ton of places in Thailand

I use https://www.rentalcars.com/ and https://www.vipcars.com/

Not all rentals offer full insurance but these sites will usually have the option to choose full insurance

I have never had an issue renting using these two sites, actually they have been fantastic

I have ever had 2 accidents and both covered by insurance, didn't pay anything

You don't need to leave your passport, they will take a copy of it

Renting at CM airport will be very easy..........

Actually renting at any airport in Thailand has always been very easy

Usually you will go to their counter booth and they pull the car right up in front of the airport exit in Arrivals

THanks... vipcars.com looks like an aggegator working with different companies. I'll check it out and maybe with the company directly

[Marc26]

6 hours ago, Dezmo said:

THanks... vipcars.com looks like an aggegator working with different companies. I'll check it out and maybe with the company directly

Yes both VIP and rentalcars.com are but I have rented about 20 cars in Thailand and found this is far easier than renting directly with the companies.......