Introduction
When planning your travels in Panama, you’ll likely find renting a car is the most efficient course of action. It offers the convenience to explore destinations at your own pace, with the freedom to choose when and where you go. Or, perhaps you live in Panama and only need a car for a 3-day excursion to the mountains. In this case, it’s possible that you may not need some options that would be important to a vacationer. Either way, you likely have some questions about what add-ons are necessary or essential. It’s important that we address these options upfront so you can make informed decisions on your next car rental. Here, we’ve put together a list of 7 must-have Panama car rental add-ons.
7 Must-have Panama Car Rental Add-ons
1. Insurance: Why It Matters
We’re highlighting this point first because it's a crucial rental car add-on. In Panama, as in many other places, all drivers are required to have liability insurance to cover potential accidents. You need to purchase this insurance separately from your rental, and it’s often not included in the initial price, adding to your overall car rental costs. It’s mandatory and can NOT be replaced by your credit card insurance, so be prepared for this additional cost, which can sometimes match the rental fee itself.
Being aware of the varying costs based on your selected level of insurance is important, with cheaper packages typically including a higher deposit and deductible. It may seem like a chunk of money; however, it's the law, and should you have an unfortunate accident or breakdown, you won’t regret it. If you have more questions, we have a detailed article on rental car insurance that you can read here.
2. Location Services: Convenient Pick-up and Drop-off
You should consider this one while you’re planning. If you’re arriving and departing by plane, see what companies are at or near the airport. For those already in the country with a means of transportation, adding this option may be unnecessary. Either way, you should be aware of the pick-up and return locations. It may be worth paying an extra fee to have the car delivered or to have a convenient return location. At Chiriqui Car Rentals, we offer flexible delivery and drop-off locations and times! This allows you to organize your travels without planning around the car rental.
3. Additional Driver Options: Share the Wheel
An option that many times comes in handy is to have a secondary driver listed. This may be an extra fee, but if you dislike always being the driver or would like the flexibility, it may be worth it. Perhaps your spouse or another family member could be added to the contract, and the driving be broken up that way. This one’s up to you. It very possibly may not be worth it, but definitely consider it before you continue.
4. Wheel and Glass Protection: Covering Damage Costs
One Panama car rental add-on that may initially sound completely unnecessary is wheel and glass protection. To put it simply, it’s for damage caused by road hazards such as potholes, rocks, or nails. The insurance company behind the agency won’t cover things like flat tires or window chips from rocks. In these situations, the add-on acts as a waiver that shifts the responsibility for repairs—such as fixing a flat tire— from you to the car rental company. We think it’s a must-have add-on when renting a car in Panama. Usually, it’s only a few dollars a day, and you’ll be able to travel with peace of mind.
5. Accident Protection: Personal Coverage
Another Panama car rental add-on you may see when renting a car in Panama is Personal Accident Protection. We include this because you may have questions about what it covers and if it is necessary. This add-on provides coverage for personal injury if you’re at fault in an accident involving the rental car. If you are traveling without health insurance abroad, we recommend considering this if it’s available.
However, you may be better off purchasing a travel health insurance policy, as it could cover not only incidents involving the rental car but also other situations. Often, you can find a reasonably priced plan for the duration of your stay, providing peace of mind and financial assistance should you experience a health issue during your travels.
6. Roadside Assistance: Support When You Need It
One more must-have rental car add-on in Panama is Roadside Assistance. Often, but not always, it comes at an extra charge. This usually includes 24/7 assistance if the vehicle has a breakdown and/or needs to be towed. We recommend it; however, you can get by without it. If this is important to you, look around. You may find a company that includes it or has it for a cheaper price. For your convenience, we include Roadside Assistance as part of our package.
7. Extra Add-ons: Perks for a Better Trip
Lastly, there may be extra add-ons like a beach bag with towels, snorkel gear, an ice chest cooler, or umbrellas for a little extra money. Depending on your plans, it can be a helpful addition to your vacation. Often, they are reasonably priced, and it makes more sense than carrying your snorkeling gear and a towel halfway around the world! These fun Panama car rental add-ons can make your travels so much more enjoyable.
Selecting the Best Add-ons for Your Panama Rental
Including all the necessary Panama car rental add-ons to make your trip a fun and stress-free experience is important. With the information you’ve learned, you’ll be able to make informed decisions regarding your upcoming rental. If you have any more questions, we’re here to help. Providing current and applicable information is one of our priorities, and we hope that your questions have been answered. If not, feel free to send us an email at info@chiriquicarrentals.com or message, we’d love to chat!
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