Roads in Israel are well-marked in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, by route number and destination. When you rent a car, you have the freedom to create your unique trip and to alter it in real time. If a site interests you more than expected, stay longer; when a site disappoints, cut the visit short. Hot day? Head for the swimming hole and scrap the tour.

Our Israel self-guided tours are meant to give you confidence to rent your own vehicle and create your very own magical experience in this multi-hued country.

Car Insurance

Automobile insurance on rental cars is often covered in your charge card - VISA, AMEX, Mastercard - plan. However, read the fine print. Recently, the charge card companies have excluded Israel from the list of countries in which you are covered through your charge card. Be sure to contact your charge card company before you arrange your car rental. If your charge card company does insure car rentals in Israel, be sure to print out the agreement where this is stated. Read the fine print on the VISA card , updated June 2006.

Text from the updated VISA fine print:

When and where do I have this benefit?

This benefit is available on a 24-hour basis, in the United States and most foreign countries. No benefit is provided for motor vehicles rented in Israel, Jamaica, the Republic of Ireland, or Northern Ireland. Additionally, this benefit is not available where precluded by law or in violation of the territory terms of the auto rental agreement or prohibited by individual merchants. Because regulations vary outside the United States, we recommend you check with your auto rental company and the Benefit Administrator before you travel to make sure Visa Auto Rental CDW will apply.

Text from current AMEX fine print:

Coverage is for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles. The collision damage waiver (CDW) or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company must be declined. This coverage is excess to your other sources of insurance and applies for the first 30 days of an auto rental if rented from a Car Rental Company. No coverage is provided for vehicles rented in Australia, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Jamaica, and New Zealand. Certain vehicles are not covered and other significant exclusions apply. Coverage is only available to permanent residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Car rental insurance from credit card companies is a constantly changing scene. Before you shell out unnecessary funds in insurance coverage, or worse - under insure your rental - call your credit card company.

Toll-free Helplines for Credit Card Information

• Mastercard: 800-622-7747
• Diners Club: 800-346-3779 or 800-234-4034
• Visa: 800-847-2911
  
• American Express: 800-528-4800

Caveat emptor!

One last point: If you discover that your credit card company does in fact cover collision and liability, and there is no need to purchase insurance when you rent, be sure the insurance is not included in your rental rate. Know what you are paying for.

International Driving Permits

Car rental companies in Israel accept a valid driver's license from the U.S. and most other Western countries.