Do you drive in your home country often? Driving in Singapore is equally convenient and enjoyable.
Expats settling into Singapore turn to car leasing options to avoid the hefty sum needed to buy a car. With that said, the cheapest is not necessarily the best. What are the things you need to look out for before leasing?
Here is a checklist of 7 things every expat should look out for if you are interested to lease a car:
Reliable Car Maintenance and 24/7 Recovery Hotline
Car Maintenance - You have work, family and errands to worry about and car maintenance should not be one of them. Find companies who offer good car maintenance services as an added service in the contract.
24/7 Recovery Hotline - No one likes a breakdown. Not having reliable recovery service can really spoil your experience especially when you are new to the country. International brands like Avis have a larger fleet and are able to guarantee such recovery services.
Expat’s Recommendation: Mr CH Chin, Regional Legal Counsel who moved from Perth Australia, recounts his favourable recovery experience with Avis, “Before a road trip to KL, I asked AVIS at the last minute if we could send in the car for a quick safety check; Fadil (my main point of contact) responded immediately and arrange for a replacement vehicle for my use during this time.”
Young and New Cars
Low mileage and new cars prevents the occasions of car issues such as engine problems and worn out tires. Avoid the fear of insects in your vehicle. Choose leasing contracts with new vehicles or young used vehicles with low mileage.
Expat’s Recommendation: For Mr Van Oerle, Avis had friendly staff, easy procedure and good quality cars. He commented in his last experience with Avis, “I've always had a good experience with Avis across the world, and this Singapore branch specifically is always great”
Favourable Leasing Terms
Changes may happen in your company and you may accept new opportunities overseas. Find a leasing company that has favourable expat diplomatic clauses.
Expat’s Recommendation: Mr Neil who was originally from Surrey, UK saw little possibility of relocating in the near future. However, the Expat Clause that he could only find at Avis made him feel more assured. Should new opportunities arise overseas, Mr Neil knows that this clause could give him the flexibility he needs.
Excellent Comprehensive Insurance
Finding a reliable company that sells zero-excess insurance can be very helpful, especially if you are funding your own vehicle.
Many travel managers found the zero-excess option at Avis very attractive for their employees and upgraded their insurance. Expat employees who are new to the roads of Singapore feel more assured when they purchase this option. Furthermore, for individuals funding their own car, any damages can be very costly. The zero-excess option is definitely an add-on to look out for.
Competitive Rates
Though it’s not always about the money, getting a good deal when you lease is important. Compare the rates of various companies to find the best fit for your budget.
Expat’s Recommendation: Mr CH Chin found Avis’ rates to be very competitive. He and his wife enquired with at least four other car rental companies for comparison and Avis had the best rate and most holistic service offerings.
One-stop Mobility Solutions
If you are a frequent traveller, be sure to look out for firms that can grant you access to car rentals and other mobility services worldwide.
Most car leasing companies allow you to drive the vehicle from Singapore to Malaysia for business or leisure purposes. However, very few have low excesses in the case of theft or damages cars. Choose the right company that offers you reasonable insurance options.
Expat’s Recommendation: Mrs Victoria Sutehall recommends Avis to other expats because she trusts in Avis’ properly maintained vehicle. Her Kia Forte K3 is capable of bringing her and her family to and from Malaysia safely. She drives with peace of mind with her youngest daughter safe in the back seat.
Image: Mr and Mrs Sutehall in Malaysia with their white Kia Forte K3
Sincere and Dedicated Sales Staff
In leasing, having a sincere and honest salesperson service you is important. A good second opinion can go a long way in helping you find the perfect car for your journey. You should not feel coerced into committing to a deal. Instead, the process should be stress-free, comfortable and set at the pace you desire.
Expat’s Recommendation: Mr CH Chin shared his Avis experience: “Service with Avis was great! The paperwork was quick and easy, and the staff responsive. I’ve never had to wait more than five hours for an email reply. They take care of everything from automatic road tax renewal to providing a replacement vehicle when you send it in for servicing.”
Interested in leasing a car? For more information, visit AVIS Car Rental in Singapore. Arrange for a consultant and test drive with no obligations today.
