"I'm scared to drive after a long time..." "I'm a paper driver, but I want to rent a car and travel!" Some people considering a rental car have such anxieties.

When a paper driver uses a rental car, it's important to know how to regain driving feel, safe driving tips, and how to choose insurance.

This article details **3 important points** for even beginner drivers and those with a driving hiatus to use rental cars with peace of mind.

What you'll learn in this article

1. Three points paper drivers should prepare before renting a car

2. Three points for beginner drivers to drive a rental car safely

3. Details of insurance and coverage to check when using a rental car

1. Three points paper drivers should be aware of while driving a rental car

Even when it's time to drive, it's good to keep the following points in mind so you don't panic.

These are all "

common rental car experiences" that even experienced drivers can encounter, so there's no harm in knowing them.① Can't start!? Confused by rental car-specific operations

For paper drivers, rental car equipment can be unfamiliar.

In most cases, it's "completely different" from the cars driven in driving school.

For example, the parking brake might be in a different position (lever, button, foot pedal), the shift lever operation might differ (dial, button type, etc.), or the push-start button might not respond (requires pressing while stepping on the brake)...

Once you pick up the rental car, make sure to check the operations in the parking lot before departing.

② Which side!? Panicking over the fuel cap location

If you don't know the location of the rental car's fuel cap, you might panic at a self-service gas station.

Especially for long-term rentals, refueling is a must, so you'll want to know it well.

The arrow next to the fuel gauge indicates the fuel cap's location, so just remember that.

③ Car navigation traps! Being led down the wrong route

Actually, rental car navigation information isn't always correct. If there are roads that became unusable due to construction since the navigation data was created, you won't be able to follow the route.

Also, there are cases where you might take a different route than the navigation suggests, and route correction leads to an incorrect path. It's reassuring to check the entire route set on the navigation before departure, or have a passenger assist with a smartphone navigation app.

2. Three points for beginner drivers to drive a rental car safely

① Practice in areas with light traffic

② Utilize paper driver training courses

For those who feel anxious about practicing driving alone, are you aware of paper driver training courses where you can receive professional instruction beforehand?

Some driving schools offer these courses in addition to lessons for obtaining a license.

While it may incur some cost, being able to drive with confidence means a more enjoyable trip.

If you consider it an investment for an enjoyable trip, it's a necessary expense.

③ Choose a rental car suitable for paper drivers

It's important for beginners to choose a rental car that is easy to drive.

Compact cars and Kei cars are easy to drive due to their maneuverability, and checking if the vehicle has navigation and a rearview monitor is also a key point.

It's even more reassuring if the vehicle type is equipped with collision avoidance and lane keeping assist functions.

3. Details of insurance and coverage to check when using a rental car

Even when using a rental car, there's always the risk of **accident trouble**.

What you should know in case of an emergency are the Collision Damage Waiver and Non-Operation Charge (NOC) system.

While it's not mandatory as it incurs an additional fee, we strongly recommend considering it for paper drivers due to their higher accident risk with unfamiliar driving.

What is Collision Damage Waiver?

What is the Non-Operation Charge (NOC) system?

This is compensation for loss of business when a rental car becomes inoperable due to an accident or breakdown. Generally, a 20,000 yen business interruption compensation needs to be paid, so adding this can reduce this risk to zero.

In the case of Sapporo Rent-a-Car, if the vehicle is returned to the scheduled store (self-drivable), it's 20,000 yen, and 50,000 yen otherwise, so it's reassuring to join this as well.

"Complete Peace of Mind Package" which combines bothWhen renting a vehicle from Sapporo Rent-a-Car, you can also subscribe to the "Complete Peace of Mind Package

," which combines Collision Damage Waiver and NOC.

For standard vehicles, it's 3,850 yen for one week, and for RV class/minivan class, it's 7,700 yen for one week.

In the event of an accident...

Even if you're fully covered by Collision Damage Waiver and NOC, being able to calmly handle an accident when it occurs is another matter.

In the unlikely event of an accident, the contact information will be provided on paper on the day of the accident, so keep it safe, perhaps in the car, to avoid forgetting it at your accommodation.

Summary: Eliminate paper driver anxiety with advance preparation!

Even paper drivers can use rental cars safely and securely with proper preparation and by keeping key points in mind!

First, bridge the gap with pre-driving practice, keep "

common rental car experiences

" in mind, understand key points, join a rental car compensation system, and prepare for emergencies.

For a safe and enjoyable drive, covering unforeseen risks with a small additional cost is a huge benefit.

With thorough preparation, enjoy a comfortable rental car experience!Rental carあるある」を意識して注意点を押さえ、Rental carの補償制度に加入し、万が一に備える。

安心して楽しいDriveを楽しむためFor:少しの追加コストで万が一のリスクをカバーできるのは大きなメリットです。

万全の準備で、快適なRental carライフをお過ごしください！