Top 10 Tips for Renting a Car in Lagos, Nigeria

Driving in Lagos is not for the faint-hearted. The traffic is notorious, the roads are challenging and finding parking space can be a nightmare. You will have to drive a car if you want to visit any of the historical sites or take part in any activities such as shopping or visiting friends. You may also need it to get around when you’re there on vacation. It’s not easy renting a car in Lagos – there are so many things to keep in mind when trying to figure out how, where and when you can rent a car. But worry not! We’ve got you covered with these top 10 tips for renting a car in Lagos, Nigeria.

Plan ahead

If you plan your trip in advance, you will be better equipped to handle any situation or hurdle you may come across. If you are visiting Lagos for business, you’ll need to know how long your meetings will last and the days you will be in the city. If you’re on a holiday, you will have an idea of the places you want to visit and how long each one will take. Once you have a rough idea, you can plan your car needs at the same time.

Check the condition of the car

When you arrive at the car rental office, check the condition of the car you will be renting. Make sure the car is clean and has the necessary documents. A car that is not clean may have been driven by several people before you, and one that has missing documents may have been involved in an accident and reported to the insurance company. You don’t want to be behind the wheel of a car that’s dirty or been in a serious accident. Make sure you check the car condition and take photos if possible so you can use that as evidence if something happens.

Choose your drop-off location wisely

Always take note of the drop-off location when you pick up the car. You may want to choose a place that’s easy for you to pick up the car and not somewhere that’s far from where you need to go. Make sure the place you’ve picked is secure and close to public transportation so you don’t have to walk too far with your luggage.

Check for any excess charges and hidden costs

Make sure you know what charges you have to pay upfront and what fees you will be expected to pay at the end of the rental period. Read the terms and conditions carefully. Some companies charge for missing documents such as the logbook and roadworthy certificate. If you’re renting in the rainy season, you may be charged for cleaning the car at the end of the rental period. Make sure you know what the charges are so you don’t get surprised later.

Never hand over your credit card upfront

You may be asked to provide your credit card details when you are picking up the car. Make sure you don’t hand over your credit card to anyone. Some rental companies are fraudulent and have been known to take advantage of tourists who don’t know the industry well. If you’re asked to provide credit card details, make sure you have someone with you or you can do it over the phone when you’re in a safe environment.

Ask for a drive-around to check the condition of the car

Once you’ve signed the agreement and are ready to drive off, ask if you can take the car for a drive-around before you leave. You can test the car’s condition, get a feel for it and ask the company representative about any problems you find. This is a good way to double check the condition of the car and the representative should not have any issues with it.

Negotiate on price and know your boundaries

If you’ve done your research and know the going rates for car rentals in Lagos, you can try to negotiate the price. Some rental companies have a special rate for tourists and you can ask if they have a special rate for locals. If you know the average price for renting a car in your area, you can try to negotiate a lower price. If the representative doesn’t budge, you can walk away. There are plenty of car rental companies in Lagos and you can always try your luck with another one.

Don’t forget to check the tires and brakes

Before you start driving, check the tires to make sure they are in good condition. Also, take the car for a test drive to see how the brakes work. If you notice that the car is driving differently than usual, don’t drive it any longer. You can also try to get it checked by a mechanic.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Lagos can be a challenging and daunting task, but with proper research, you can make the process easier. Keep these tips in mind when you’re looking to rent a car in Lagos, Nigeria.