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Driving a Rental Car in Guam During Typhoons and Rainy Weather | ONE’S Rent-A-Car

(Updated )

Guam can experience sudden downpours and tropical cyclones. When the weather turns, rethink not just your plans but also where you park the rental car and whether the roads are safe. Here’s what to keep in mind when driving a ONE’S rental car in typhoon and rainy weather.

Key points
  • ONE’S terms exclude damage from earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and other natural disasters from both included and optional coverage, so the renter pays for typhoon damage.
  • Before conditions worsen, move the car to an authorized spot away from low-lying, coastal and flood-prone areas, trees, utility poles and signs. A roof alone doesn’t make a spot safe.
  • In rain, reduce speed, leave a longer following distance and avoid sudden acceleration, braking and steering. Traffic in Guam keeps to the right.
  • Never drive into water of unknown depth. Stop well short of it, turn around when it’s safe, and call 911 in an emergency.
  • Track NWS Guam forecasts and warnings along with Guam Homeland Security / Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) notices.

Dark gray Mazda3 parked in a covered garage during heavy rain in Guam
Confirm the facility’s rules and choose an authorized location with less exposure to wind, flooding, and debris.

First, know this: natural-disaster damage is not covered

Under the current ONE’S Rent-A-Car terms, vehicle damage caused by natural disasters—including earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons—is not covered by included or additionally purchased insurance. Typhoon insurance is not available, and the terms state that the renter is responsible for typhoon-related vehicle damage.

If a typhoon may be heading for Guam, check official alerts and your hotel’s instructions. Contact ONE’S early if you are unsure about the return time or where the vehicle should be secured.

Before a storm: move the car to a safer location

During rainy and typhoon season, keep the vehicle in a secure location. If your hotel has indoor or garage parking you’re allowed to use, follow its rules. A roof alone doesn’t make a spot safe.

  • Avoid low-lying, coastal, and flood-prone areas
  • Stay away from trees, utility poles, signs, and loose construction materials
  • Confirm parking access, possible closures, and vehicle-relocation instructions
  • Finish moving the car before conditions become dangerous

Driving in rain: use extra care on some coral-containing road surfaces

Some Guam roads are said to be paved with materials containing coral, which can get slippery in the rainy season. Not every road is the same, but whatever the surface, drive more carefully when it’s wet.

  • Reduce speed and leave a longer following distance
  • Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and steering
  • Use headlights, wipers, and the defogger as conditions require
  • If you can’t see well enough, pull over somewhere safe and legal and wait
Dark gray Mazda3 maintaining distance while driving in the right-hand lane in Guam rain
Traffic keeps to the right in Guam. Stay in the right-hand lane, with the yellow centerline on the driver’s left.

Do not enter a flooded road

Never drive into standing or moving water if you don’t know how deep it is or what the road is like underneath. Stop well short of it, watch for traffic behind you, and turn around when it’s safe. Don’t sit in a travel lane longer than you have to; move somewhere safe before checking official updates.

Dark gray Mazda3 stopped in the right-hand lane well before a flooded section of road
Do not enter water of unknown depth. Stop well back and choose a safe alternate route.

Adjust your plans to the severity of the weather

  • Brief shower: continue only with adequate visibility, reduced speed, and more space
  • Heavy rain or flood information: avoid nonessential trips and low-lying routes
  • Tropical-storm or typhoon warning: follow NWS Guam, GHS/OCD, and accommodation instructions and remain in a safe place

Check NWS Guam forecasts, warnings, and Tropical Cyclone Products, plus Guam Homeland Security / Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) notices. Check with your airline and hotel about flight and lodging changes, and contact ONE’S early if your return or an extension may be affected.

Pre-drive checklist

  • Read the latest rental terms and natural-disaster coverage exclusions
  • Check current NWS Guam and GHS/OCD information
  • Identify an authorized, safer parking location
  • Keep right and reduce speed while increasing following distance in rain
  • Never enter floodwater of unknown depth

Frequently asked questions

Does insurance cover vehicle damage caused by a typhoon?

Under the current ONE’S terms, vehicle damage caused by natural disasters, including typhoons, is excluded from included and additionally purchased insurance. Check the latest terms and ask staff when you book and pick up the car.

Are Guam roads slippery because they contain coral?

Some roads are commonly said to use materials containing coral and may be slippery during the rainy season. That doesn’t apply to every road. Slow down and avoid sudden steering or braking whenever it’s wet.

What should I do if the road is flooded?

Do not enter if the depth is unknown. Turn around only when it is safe and follow official instructions. Call 911 in an emergency.

Summary

During Guam’s typhoon and rainy season, understand that natural-disaster damage is excluded from coverage and secure the vehicle before conditions worsen. Keep right, slow down in rain, and never enter a flooded road of unknown depth. Monitor official information and contact ONE’S early when your rental plans may be affected.

Information checked September 13, 2026. Terms and weather information may change. Review the latest ONE’S terms, NWS Guam alerts, and GHS/OCD notices before travel and use.

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