Self-Drive vs Driver-Provided Rentals in Islamabad, What’s Safer?

[daniiabdullah786]

I’ve seen a lot of mixed opinions on whether it’s better to rent a car in Islamabad with a driver or go for self-drive. Personally, I’ve seen many visitors face scams or issues with self-drive rentals, so I’m curious about your experiences.

I work with a local rental service in Islamabad/Rawalpindi where we only provide cars with professional, well-trained drivers to make travel safer and stress-free.

What do you guys think? Which option do you prefer and why?

[kameetaha]

Horror stories like these makes me run away from self drive rentals. Happy Independence.

Toyota Vigo - Rent-a-car Scam

Respected Gurus, I was on the annual trip to GB with my family, on return while driving towards Babusar Top, my Vehicle (Vigo) wasn't taking power and it was unable for me to drive it further. I applied 4x4 but it goes in vain, then i applied "Special Gear" and after 500 meters the CAR stopped and the engine switched off. It was the rented vehicle and i have no previous experience with 4x4 handling. Upon consulting a mechanic in Chilas, he told me that the Gen Kit and Gas Kit has been burn…

[chinyoti]

Their are good people too.

Self drive and with driver both have different pros and cons.

A local driver can take u places without effort. Self drive you can start and park where ever u want.

With driver ur privacy is compromised. Rest it's okay

[hash4u]

bus 2 inch ka scratch parnay ki dair hoti hai on self driven car
then tables turn

car rental will make u regret the day u wr born

but like Murtaza said. few good people doing the business as well......but again
kitna good ?

my friends brother started car rental business. they threw the car down a ditch and ran away.....total loss

[chinyoti]

Both cases. Car Rental operators bhee darte hain, Customers bhee dartey hain.

When ever I'm traveling abroad I tend to take full insurance so I'm trouble free. Yet they inspect the car on return unlike USA, where you just leave the keys in a box and go away.

If cars are 100% insured for rental purposes both parties are safe.

But here I've heard horrible stories for being charged for the days the car stays in the workshop.

Also in Pakistan try to opt for a rougher condition car.

[sardarg]

in Pakistan Car Rentals 95% are scams, 1 scratch and you are doomed. they ask for OEM shop bill plus extra number of days their vehicle is stuck on your account.

out & away Car Rental is respectable business. which is other way around in Pakistan. Criminals and Black money holders are investors. The criminals who change coat when their car cosmetics are hurt.

rental cars in pakistan are dirt bags with zero maintenance any failure while it is with customer thats' a premium bet for rental company. like i said they cheat to bargain repair at OEM shop rates for their own tin shade workshops

even with a driver you can ask to stop and go as you like.

Never rent-a-car in Pakistan without driver.

[syncview]

Always with a driver.

[daniiabdullah786]

I really appreciate the detailed answers from everyone. Now a days, I also feel that driver-provided rentals are generally safer in Islamabad and northern areas. Self-drive gives freedom, but the risks of damage disputes and maintenance issues are real, as some of you mentioned.

From my personal experience, I once used Babar Rent a Car Islamabad for a trip, and honestly the driver option felt much more relaxed. I didn’t have to worry about scratches, traffic, or tough roads. For families or longer tours, I think having a driver is the safer choice. Younger travelers might still prefer self-drive for privacy and flexibility.

So, it really depends on the type of trip and your comfort level.

[daniiabdullah786]

Both self-drive and with-driver rentals in Islamabad have their pros and cons, depends on what you’re comfortable with:

Self-Drive Rental

Pros:

• Full privacy and flexibility

• Can drive anywhere without depending on a driver

• Usually a bit cheaper if you’re renting long-term

Cons:

• Strict damage policies – even a small scratch can cost a lot

• Need to handle traffic, parking, and road stress yourself

• In Pakistan, many companies don’t provide proper insurance, so risk is higher

With-Driver Rental

Pros:

• No headache of traffic, parking, or road rules

• Safer for tourists/newcomers since drivers know local routes

• You’re not liable for minor damages/scratches

• Comfortable for long trips like Murree, Naran, or Northern areas

Cons:

• Less privacy compared to self-drive

• Slightly more expensive because of driver charges

• Personally, I feel with-driver is more stress-free and safer in Islamabad.

[pwuser154857833890]

Sir Missed the Point 3 time ROTI bhi khawani parti hay Driver ko achi jigah say

[sardarg]

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