How to Rent a Car In Cochin

Renting a car for self drive is a daunting task especially when you are in a tourist destination like Cochin, Kerala. Hiring a vehicle is much organized in major cities in India but it is still a challenge when it comes to God's Own Country Tourists in Kerala have to go to unorganized tour operators who rent out cars without proper self-drive permits. The following are the tips you can follow while taking rent a car in Kochi

Tip 1: Never Take Private Car for Self Drive - Never take a private car. These cars have number plate with black lettering on a white background and are meant for personal use only. As per the law, these white board cars are not supposed to be given to strangers/tourists and in case of any un-fortune event claiming insurance for the Car or the victim is not possible

Tip 2: Never Take Taxi for Self-drive: These yellow board taxis are supposed to be driven only by chauffeurs who have Taxi Badge or Taxi permit. Never take Taxis for self-drive. Taxis are commercially registered vehicle, having number plate with black lettering on yellow background.

Tip 3: Take Car which has Self Drive Permit: Self Drive Cars have number plate with Yellow lettering on Black background. These are commercially registered vehicles and can be given to individuals with a national or international driving permit for hire. All Self Drive cars come with ‘Car Fitness Certificate’ & ‘Self drive Permit’ which allows you to drive anywhere across the country. Please note that you need to pay a nominal entry Tax while crossing from one State to another within India.

Tip 4: Take Self Drive Cars from Organised Tour Operators: Currently the majority of the car rental businesses in Kerala are illegal operators. They might request you to provide a new post-dated cheque or hold your original ID proof till the Car returns. Never agree to such practices, as your ID documents can be misused.

Please note that cars with self-drive permit with certain documents which the user of the car should carry at the time of using the car. These documents should be produced at times when officials such as traffic police ask for the same. The following are the list of documents that should be provided by the car rental service provider while taking a car for rent.

1. Car Registration Document – This is a plastic card with all the vehicle details mentioned in it. A photo-copy or original copy of the same should be kept in the car

1. Car Insurance – All Self Drive Cars should have car insurance and ensure that the document is valid. Usually Insurance document is valid only for a year
2. Road Tax Receipt – This is a tax receipt stating that your car rental service provider has paid tax to the government to drive the car across India
3. Self Drive Permit – This is a permit document which should come along your car as this ensures that your car is under "Rent A Cab" Scheme and legally entitled to given out to anybody for a consideration.
4. Pollution Certificate – This is required if the vehicle is over 1 year old.

Co-founded India’s First Asset-Lite Legally Compliant Self Drive Car Rental Company with Market Presence over 5 locations with in 2 years of its existence.