An American Who Never Drove in America, Needs Help

We have decided to go to Florida this year, which means renting a car. My American driving experience is limited to driving slowly down little streets, I have never been on the expressway or multi-lane streets.
Any tips for remaining orientated and avoiding a head on collision due to being on the wrong side of the road?
Also, when looking at car rental quotes, it says ''supplementary insurance included''. What does this mean? Am I going to be covered? I dont think my UK insurance covers anything but UK and European driving 
I am really clueless, any tips/help are welcome.

Not sure about the insurance question, but when i drove in America I found the biggest problem was converting from a manual gear stick to an automatic.  I physically moved my left leg as far away from the pedals as I could just in case I went for the non-existant clutch and got the brake.  I also tended to vear slightly to the right but got over it after the first couple of days.  Oh, also when i took a left i swung really wild, over exaggerating the left turn.

I found it a lot easier than I thought it would be though, and especially after the second day.

Oh I wont have the missing clutch problem since I drive an auto here anyway 

Really stressing about it, and DH doesnt drive at the moment so the driving is all up to me (while he can get tanked up on huge American cocktails, so unfair)

I asked DH could I go to France and have some driving lessons but I dont think he is taking me seriously.

Not sure about the insurance question, but when i drove in America I found the biggest problem was converting from a manual gear stick to an automatic.  I physically moved my left leg as far away from the pedals as I could just in case I went for the non-existant clutch and got the brake.  I also tended to vear slightly to the right but got over it after the first couple of days.  Oh, also when i took a left i swung really wild, over exaggerating the left turn.

I found it a lot easier than I thought it would be though, and especially after the second day.

Maybe because manual is all you knew.  I drive both in the states and never have any issues with forgetting if I was in a manual or auto..

I was a bit scared the first time I went back to the US after driving here a while, but you do switch back over pretty quickly since other cars will orient you. My mantra is "driver in the middle"! Best of luck. You will be fine.

The insurance thing is trickier. My UK insurance does not cover me in the US so when I rent I have to buy the extra insurance. Ouch! I think on my next trip I will just have my sister add me to her policy beforehand.

The insurance thing is trickier. My UK insurance does not cover me in the US so when I rent I have to buy the extra insurance. Ouch! I think on my next trip I will just have my sister add me to her policy beforehand.

So far, I have booked my US car rentals through Orbitz using my US credit or debit card & giving my brother's address, which is the address that my US account mail is sent to.  Orbitz gives you an option when making the car rental reservation to purchase relatively cheap short-term car insurance then & there (at the time of reservation) rather than paying the premium rate at the car rental desk when you collect the car.  The insurance is charged immediately to your credit/debit card & they email you the policy t&c.

That sounds like a great option! Might have to look into that! Thanks! 

Maybe because manual is all you knew.  I drive both in the states and never have any issues with forgetting if I was in a manual or auto..

I learned on automatic and later loved to drive manual. That's funny, because I drove a manual in the states and whenever I got into an automatic car, I ALWAYS was looking for the clutch when I was trying to stop, etc.   But when getting into a manual, I never forgot about the clutch.

It's not that difficult to adjust really.  Just take your time until you get used to being on the other side of the road (and car), and it will soon come naturally.

Over the years I've driven all four permutations of LHD and RHD cars on the left and the right, and after a while you just don't really think about it that much.  First time you jump in another vehicle after driving your own for a long time you might reach for controls on the wrong side, but you won't do it for long.

So far, I have booked my US car rentals through Orbitz using my US credit or debit card & giving my brother's address, which is the address that my US account mail is sent to.  Orbitz gives you an option when making the car rental reservation to purchase relatively cheap short-term car insurance then & there (at the time of reservation) rather than paying the premium rate at the car rental desk when you collect the car.  The insurance is charged immediately to your credit/debit card & they email you the policy t&c.

Mrs R, what does the insurance typically cost?
We are renting a compact car for 4 days. Guess I should have a shop around.
Can my friend who lives in NY put me on his policy for the 4 days we are in Florida?
I am still really worried about driving on the other side of the road and all 

Mrs R, what does the insurance typically cost?

Over the counter at the car rental desk, it's normallly (if memory serves) around $15 (plus tax?) per day for the most basic coverage -- which for a week's rental (for example) can really add on considerably to the price of renting the car.  The one I have gotten previously through the Orbitz site was $36 for a 4-day rental, and $63 for a full week's rental - so works out about $9 per day & that's the total price, tax inclusive.  I print out the policy that they email to me & I carry it in the car with me -- as some (if not all) states require you to have proof of insurance in the car, along with the car registration details & your driver license.

Can my friend who lives in NY put me on his policy for the 4 days we are in Florida?

He (or she) will need to check with the insurance provider on that, to be certain.

I have made a reservation with Alamo (a colleague uses them all the time and recommended them), £64.97 for the 4 days for a compact car, includes CDW and extended protection. Is this enough coverage for me?

Hi Jennyl,

I can understand your concerns and I know it's easy to just say 'you'll be fine' etc when it comes to actually physically driving it can be nerve wracking! Some drivers are more adept to switching and other's maybe less so, I'll assume for the sakes of the post, that you are less so and are concerned becuase of it.

First thing is - try not to worry too much becuase from what I remember the roads are quite open and large - at least around the Disney/orlando kinda area. We all went as a family and my sister was in a similar situation to you - and she had to drive us all about in one of those 12 seater massive Dodge Ram thingies!

I remember thinking wow, the roads are so open and large that it's quite easy to 'build up' confidence - which is exactly how my sis coped with the change. So, I suggest when you pick up the car, maybe if you stick some of that cheap petrol in and maybe pre-plan a route, you can stick to the larger roads to help build up your confidence and familiarity. Then, if you do come across smaller roads you'll feel much more confident in using them.

You can put yer other half to better use by makin him be co-pilot whilst you do the initial confidence build up thing!

Hopefully this little plan will go someway in helping you adjust

Cheers! DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Thanks DTM

Funny thing is, I am very familiar with the area that Grandma lives in cos I have visited her loads of times and yes the main roads near her are quite wide with at least 3 lanes per side.

So, I feel like I know the roads and stuff, I am just worried about messing up and driving down the wrong side of the road, causing an accident. That's why I am extra worried about the insurance thing, just in case I drive into someone or something

I am just worried about messing up and driving down the wrong side of the road, causing an accident.

Repeat to yourself "yellow to the left."