Car Renting Tips

Renting a car it is usually cheaper in Santiago and more expensive in Patagonia.
Most companies in Chile say that their price includes CDW insurance, but they do not mention that their CDW insurance has a deductible (amounts usually run between USD 300 and USD 700). This amount would be your maximum responsibility in case of an accident and is “per” accident. Small companies do not have offices in other cities besides Santiago, so in that case there is a risk if you need assistance or a vehicle change.
Leaving Chile with a car rental vehicle it is not a simple procedure. You have to get a legal authorization in advance. Permits cost approx USD 125 for 15 days or USD 250 per month. This extra payment will include the same Liability (third party) and CDW insurance in Argentina that you have in Chile. You also have to take into consideration that crossing the Chilean and Argentinean borders takes more time and patience then you are used to.
There is no rental company that authorizes their rental vehicles to cross to either Peru or Bolivia. This is because too many cars stolen in those countries, and also because the relationship between Chile and those countries is …let’s say "somewhat strained" on occasion.
Your country's driver licence is good enough to drive in Chile but we would highly recommend to get an international drivers licence of you are planning to cross to Argentina. If stopped in Chile, the police usually will ask for your International drivers licence, but nothing so far has happened to a customer of our company for not having it (that's 20 years car rental business experience).
If you are planning to rent a car in order to drive in Patagonia, the best alternative is a pick up truck (because of its higher clearance) or jeep. Double traction would be even better. We recommend to take 2 spare tires and a spray for emergency flat tires. But on the other hand we have had many clients that have travelled through all of Patagonia with a simple compact sedan (you obviously would have to drive slower and preferably with less weight).
Always try to park your vehicle in a safe parking place and do not leave things inside where people can see them. Try to always to leave your stuff in the trunk. Also take out the panel of your radio every time you leave your car alone (if possible).
Chilean roads are quite good. I guess you have heard there is nothing free in life, well, let me tell you that there are many, and also expensive, toll roads in Santiago and Panamericana N° 5 (main road that goes from North to South) so carry enough cash in order to pay them.
Santiago has recently inaugurated new modern roads that make your driving experience much safer and way faster. In order to use these roads you pay by passing underneath new electronic free flow tolls (you pay while you drive....that’s without stopping, just a sound will be heard) If your rental starts in Santiago it is normal that you will pay an extra of approx. USD 10 daily because of these new underground toll roads. The cars we offer are equipped with a device in order to be able to drive in these "free flow toll roads" which is called TAG.