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Tips on Renting a Car in Europe
By Christine Columbus, Inc. Co-founder, Robert G. Brost
Many domestic travelers are accustomed to renting cars and driving for their sightseeing, so when planning a trip to Europe, they naturally consider doing the same there. However, there are important differences renting cars in Europe/Great Britain from here in the United States.
Outlining the differences.
- Firstly, auto rental in Europe is rather expensive and unless there are between three and four travelers sharing the car and the trip is at for at the very least 7 days, it doesn't pencil out in comparison to rail, bus and/or other modes.
- Remember gas is at least three times as expensive as in the U.S. and insurance rates are similarly high (driving fatality rates are four times U.S.'s).
- Then there is the car rental scam issue car rates are so variable with many hidden, quirky and larcenous extras (excessive drop off fees, VAT taxes, local taxes, airport surcharges, etc. etc.) that often several months of calling, faxing, and finagling are not uncommon after the final bill is received (remember they have your credit card #).
- If traveling mainly in big cities, believe me, driving is not for the faint of heart, parking is impossible, and overnight costs are excessive. Road rules may also pose problems for those unaccustomed to driving internationally. Navigation can be challenging even with in-car GPS guidance devices.
Great way to see the countryside.
I've driven all over Europe and for really seeing the country and the people, driving can't be beat. Driving also allows real economies in lodging and meals since out-of-the-way restaurants and small hotels (not to mention Bed and Breakfasts which are all over Britain and Europe) can be found at considerable cheaper rates. If planning to see the villages of Provence, the chateaus on the Loire, the medieval towns along Germany's Romantische Strasse, for example, driving allows the ultimate flexibility side trips and schedule changes are not a problem. A good strategy is to pick up the car on the last day of a big city visit. Then drive for several days in the country and smaller towns.
The nitty-gritty.
Still willing to give it a try? I suggest practicing by driving in Boston, MA for a few days before you try London, France or Italy. (My apologies to our Boston friends, but...come on!). So if driving sounds attractive, there is a right way and a wrong way for proceeding. Carefully plan your overall trip and make rental arrangements before you leave. Try not to rent over there get it all taken care of here. Many U.S. rental companies have operations in Europe so arrangements with Hertz, Avis, etc. can be set up before. But the variability of rates is amazing you'll often get different rates from the same company (but you already know that from booking your airfare, right?). Shop around. Try alternative itineraries to see how the rates vary picking up on a Saturday versus a weekday, or from the airport versus an in-city agency. One-way rentals within a country are different from one ways across borders. Compare different car sizes remembering the some are very little with not much luggage space. Rent by the week, not by the day. Often two-day rate is as great as the week rate, but there are some decent 3-day deals. If you only need a car for a few days, check out rail-and-drive passes which provides several days of unlimited rail travel on a flexi-pass along with several days of car rental. After reaching what appears to be the best plan, call AutoEurope or Europe By Car which operate as a car rental consolidators and can usually beat the best rate offered direct from any company. Negotiate the full, final price and get it in writing.
Check your credit card carriers for insurance coverage to avoid the CDW, "collision damage waiver", which can be costly. Many credit cards offer this if paying with that card. Also check with your auto-insurance carrier for any special provisions.
If traveling at least 17 days, consider auto leasing rather than renting. The car will be new, right off the factory floor, and the costs 20 to 50% less. And since the car is technically yours, you get full insurance coverage with no charges for CDW or theft protection, no deductible, and no taxes (foreigners don't have to pay VAT on purchases). AND you get the new car smell!
Question most often asked is, "do I need an international drivers license to drive in Europe or Great Britain?" Simply, NO, a valid state issued drivers license is accepted through-out the European/GB countries. Usually all the same rules apply to renting a car overseas as it does here, such as age of the driver, and a valid license is needed, the rental companies will inform you of exactly what is required of you - if they don't, Ask! An international driving permit (IDP) provides a translation of your American license drivers. Whether you need this or not depends on who you talk to. They are easy to obtain at U.S. AAA offices so I'd advise having it, just in case. You never know.
Picking Up The Rental Car
Treat rental companies like the worst of snake oil salesmen because they'll see a sucker coming if you don't. They'll do their darnest to sneak in extra charges and hide as many fees as they can to make this look like the best deal in town, even when you have the deal in writing. Get them to reveal all the charges, taxes, etc. and don't let the local agency tack anything else on the fee, remember you're in the drivers seat (so to speak).
Thoroughly check out the car before driving off. Walk around and note scratches, dents, and dings and make a note with the agent on the agreement so you have a record the car's original condition. Check the gas level and spare tire. Do the same when you return it. Don't drop off the car after hours if at all possible. It's best to get all the paperwork in person.
Most European rentals have manual transmissions. Getting an automatic transmission can be a problem requiring more advance notice and involve a more expensive car.
Take note that the fees for drop offs across the channel are high! If you plan to rent a car in both Great Britain and Europe, treat each separately. - right hand drive in England versus left hand drive in Europe - not a trivial issue. Combine this with the "new-to-the manual transmission" and believe me you won't be having any fun, plus your passenger (likely your wife) will get out of the car at the first round'bout!
Etiquette on horn-usage next time...oh heck you'll figure that out!
Specials!
