{"id":12789,"date":"2021-05-18T10:15:12","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T02:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.carro.sg\/?p=12789"},"modified":"2025-11-05T18:00:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T10:00:51","slug":"renting-a-car-in-singapore-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/renting-a-car-in-singapore-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"10 things you MUST know before renting a car\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_14972\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14972\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14972\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/jenny-ueberberg-PEjIzb2bhAk-unsplash-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" title=\"\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14972\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@jennyueberberg?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jenny Ueberberg<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/s\/photos\/female-driver?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Undeniably, owning a car in Singapore is expensive but it offers one of the most reliable ways to get around without having to deal with the tediousness of public transport or the inconvenience of waiting for a\u00a0 taxi.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMaybe it\u2019s more feasible and budget-friendly to rent a car instead, but how do I go about it?\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sounds familiar?\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The entire process involved in renting a car can be daunting for both first-timers and veterans alike. Renting a car can be overwhelming if you have never done it before.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you decide if renting a car is your jam (<em>pun not intended but okay we're leaving it in there<\/em>), there are a few things you should know. We've summarised it into a handy 10-part checklist so you can have a smooth, fuss-free experience.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2><strong>1. Take note of the requirements to rent a car in Singapore<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nYou don't want to turn up and then be rejected!\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><b>Valid driver\u2019s license\u00a0 <\/b>- A valid driver\u2019s license would be the first prerequisite that any rental car company will ask for. For local drivers, a valid Class 3 or 3A license will suffice.Expatriates will have to produce either their home country\u2019s driver license, which has been officially translated into English or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Do convert your license into a local one if you plan to drive in Singapore for a period longer than a year!<\/li>\r\n \t<li><b>Age\u00a0 <\/b>- Generally, the age requirement for most rental companies is between 22 to 73 years old. Some rental companies do offer exceptions for 21-year-olds but at a higher insurance premium.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><b>No P-plate drivers <\/b>- Sorry newbies, but maybe stick to driving daddy's car for now. P-Plate drivers, also known as \u201cfresh drivers who received their driver\u2019s license less than a year ago\u201d, may not be permitted to rent due to a higher likelihood of accidents.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>2. Think about the kind of car you need<\/h2>\r\nIf this is your first time renting a car, it's easy to get carried away by the range of vehicle options you'll see, from sporty SUVs to luxury coupes. But your decision really boils down to what you need, not what you want.\r\n\r\nAre you driving around your brood of kids? Or do perhaps your elderly parents need a ride to hospital visits? Consider factors such as the type and number of passengers you'll need to ferry on a day to day basis. Also keep in the mind the kind of boot space and usage you need. Renting a car with the largest capacity may seem appealing, but it is not a cost-effective choice if you're not utilising it. Not only do larger cars consume more fuel that average, they also require some getting used to. So choose wisely!\r\n<h2><strong>3. Get car insurance\u00a0<\/strong><b><\/b><\/h2>\r\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12813\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_282272219-1.jpg\" alt=\"car rental singapore\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_282272219-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_282272219-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_282272219-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of auto insurance is usually included in the price, but make sure to read through the rental company\u2019s insurance policy.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To limit the user\u2019s liability, rental companies provide a Collision Injury Waiver, which covers you in the event of an accident, but you\u2019ll still be responsible for a portion of the cost of damage or theft. (otherwise known as Damage Excess)\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You could also rely on your existing insurance plan but do check if your plan covers potential accidents in rental cars.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TL;DR, don\u2019t drive a car without insurance. Ever.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2><b>4. Check your car petrol level<\/b><b><\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain car rental companies practice a \u201cfull-to-full\u201d policy, in which you\u2019re given the keys to a car with a full tank of fuel and you\u2019re supposed to return the car correspondingly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So before you drive off from the rental company, make sure to check that the tank is full. And of course, fill that baby up before you head back to the car rental company. Otherwise, you might find yourself facing a petrol refill service fee, which usually is more expensive than filling up in the first place.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2><b>5. Take time to inspect your rental car<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do yourself a favour and throughly check the car\u2019s exterior and interior are as described in the agreement. Flag up any pre-existing defects or concerns to a staff member prior to your rental or you may be held accountable for any scratch or dent found on the vehicle.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It will be good practice to arrive at least 15-30 minutes earlier than the agreed collection time, so you have ample time to do all the checks you need without affecting your next appointment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2><b>6. Don't forget the security deposit\u00a0<\/b><b><\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don't be shocked when you're asked to pay a security deposit when you pick up your rental car. The mandatory deposit serves to protect the rental company and would be used to cover their losses for any damages or violation of the contract\u2019s terms and conditions.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t worry, this amount is completely refundable after you return the vehicle.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b>\r\n<h2><b>7. Take note of the return time\u00a0<\/b><b><\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure to return the rental vehicle at least 30 mins before the deadline. Late returns might incur additional costs, which may be the full expense of the next day or a half-day. Another thing: don't forget to check if rental companies allow 24\/7 returns, or if you have to do it during operating hours.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rental car will be inspected for damages, and if any, you\u2019ll be responsible for the repair costs if the vehicle isn\u2019t properly insured. (Hence, reiterating the importance of car insurance)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be also liable for cleaning fees if the vehicle is excessively dirty. So take good care of the car as if it\u2019s your own!\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h3><b>8. Factor in your rental dates and duration<\/b><b><\/b><\/h3>\r\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12814\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1238577805-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1238577805-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1238577805-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1238577805-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Dates<\/strong>\r\nIdeally, try to slot your rental dates at least 2 weeks to a month in advance. You\u2019re more likely to secure your desired car and avoid a potential surge in pricing.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rental companies tend to differentiate their prices for peak period rentals, public holidays and weekends. Due to the increased demand, rental rates are priced higher than usual.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b>\r\n\r\n<b>Duration\r\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Likewise, rental rates vary according to your rental duration. The shorter the rental duration, the higher the cost.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a rental company can quote you SGD$70 for a day\u2019s rental of a Toyota Altis, but SGD$220 for a 5-day period. (SGD$44\/day)<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to rent a car for more than a month, it\u2019s termed as car leasing rather than car rental. It\u2019s less expensive if you commit to a one-year period or longer. For example, the cost to rent a car for a month might cost SGD$1,600, but if you sign a one-year lease, the rental cost reduces to SGD$1,500\/month.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h3><b>9. Think about rental packages\u00a0<\/b><b><\/b><\/h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To those who rely regularly on personal vehicles but can\u2019t afford to maintain one, consider committing to a rental car package.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although packages are a cost-effective choice, it\u2019s recommended to fully maximise the given vehicle usage or you\u2019ll risk underutilising your package fees. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrarily, it\u2019s wiser to opt for hourly car rental rates if you\u2019re not a frequent driver.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2>10. Consider a car leasing subscription<\/h2>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/category\/car-bites\/car-subscription\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Car subscriptions<\/a> work similarly to how other subscription services like Netflix and Spotify.\r\n\r\nYou pay a monthly fee for the car of your choice and the car is practically yours. Additionally, unlike traditional car rental or leasing plans, the commitment period is usually really short and flexible.\r\n\r\nSo you don\u2019t have to feel tied down by the car, giving you more freedom and flexibility.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/leap?utm_source=carro-blog&amp;utm_medium=blogpost&amp;utm_campaign=renting-a-car-in-singapore-guide&amp;utm_content=leap-blog-banner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12774 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/070421_BlogBanners_R3_LEAP_970x250-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"970\" height=\"250\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/070421_BlogBanners_R3_LEAP_970x250-1.png 970w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/070421_BlogBanners_R3_LEAP_970x250-1-300x77.png 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/070421_BlogBanners_R3_LEAP_970x250-1-768x198.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/><\/a>\r\n\r\nAt Carro, you can subscribe to a car from as low as $1,399 a month for brand new cars. These prices are even lower for pre-owned cars too. Additionally, the subscription fee conveniently covers almost everything a car owner would need -- from maintenance, road tax and more!\r\n\r\nYou\u2019ll also potentially be able to save up to $800 a year with Carro\u2019s exclusive pay-as-you-drive insurance and maintenance, where you\u2019ll be charged based on how much you drive. So, if you drive less, you\u2019ll pay less!\r\n\r\nPlus, unlike traditional car ownership, there\u2019s no need for a hefty downpayment! So you won\u2019t need to take out a car loan to pay for the car or fork out your hard-earned cash for the high downpayment, which gives you more flexibility with your finances, allowing you to use the money for more important things in life.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/leap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Start browsing and find your next car to lease<\/a>.","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Undeniably, owning a car in Singapore is expensive but it offers one of the most reliable ways to get around without having to deal with the tediousness of public transport or the inconvenience of waiting for a\u00a0 taxi. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s more feasible and budget-friendly to rent a car instead, but how do I go &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14973,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[726],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-renting-car-leasing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12789","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12789"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14976,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12789\/revisions\/14976"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}