Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Car-Rental Insurance
Car-rental insurance usually costs $25 or
more a day. If you hold a private auto insur-
ance policy, you are
probably
covered in the
U.S. for loss or damage to the car, as well as
liability in case a passenger is injured. The
credit card you use to rent the car also may
provide some coverage. Double-check with
your insurance company and your credit
card company regarding what may or may
not be covered on both ends.
Note:
Many
car-rental companies now charge steep out-
of-service fees, if the car is out of commission
for any reason after its return. Also note that
some car-rental companies have been known
to lie about the amount of coverage you need
in order to get you to sign up for policies that
make them quite a bit of profit. Always do
your homework on what is and isn't covered
by your policy before you get to the rental
counter.
Car-rental insurance probably does not
cover liability if you caused an accident
(some companies may, however, offer sup-
plemental liability insurance for an addi-
tional daily fee). Check your own auto
insurance policy, the rental company pol-
icy, and your credit card coverage for the
extent of coverage: Is your destination
covered? Are other drivers covered? How
much liability is covered if a passenger is
injured? (If you rely on your credit card for
coverage, you may want to bring a second
credit card with you. Damages may be
charged to your card, and you may find
yourself stranded with no money.) You
don't need any surprises spoiling your
vacation, so look at your coverage before
reaching the rental counter.
Driving in Town
SPEED LIMITS
Obey posted speed lim-
its. On highways and interstates, they're
usually 55 or 65 mph but as high as 70 mph
in some rural areas. In residential areas, 30 or
35 mph is usually the case.
Note:
The corri-
dor between the attractions and downtown
Orlando is a speed trap with fines for speed-
ing starting at $80 (and reaching as high as
67
$305). Fines double in construction areas
and school zones. It is best to stick to the
speed limit for safety reasons as well, not just
because of the threat of a monetary penalty.
With so many tourists, most of them having
no idea where they are going (and who are
probably paying more attention to their
maps than their driving), you will be able to
react much more quickly if you are not
speeding along.
SEAT BELTS
Seat belts are required for
all passengers. Children ages 3 and younger
must be buckled into a car seat, children
ages 4 and 5 must be in a safety restraint
(whether a car seat, booster seat, or seat
belt). Police will issue tickets to parents
who don't put their children in the proper
restraints while driving. Many car-rental
agencies offer car-seat rentals, though if
you will be here for more than just a few
days you may want to consider bringing
your own, as the rental cost will almost
add up to the price of a new car seat.
AIR BAG SAFETY
Children, in or out
of car seats, should ride only in the back
seats of cars that are equipped with air
bags. Air bags have been linked to the
deaths of several young passengers in the
U.S. If you do not know if your car is
equipped with passenger-side air bags, you
will need to ask the car-rental attendant;
air bags are, however, a standard feature on
most new-model cars.
DRINKING & DRIVING
Don't. It's that
simple. Florida's rules are strict and strictly
enforced. If you're planning to drink (alco-
hol that is), especially after an exhausting
day in the theme parks, designate a sober
driver or find an alternative means of
transportation (there are plenty of options).
Some clubs even provide free soft drinks to
designated drivers. If you don't obey the
law, your accommodations may change
from a four-star hotel room to a Florida
jail cell in short order.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Drive with
extra care in tourist-heavy areas. It's not
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