Be it summer or winter, too rainy or too hot, sometimes you might need (or just simply want) access to a car on your holidays to protect you from the elements and save a bit of legwork during long journeys.
But be aware that renting a car is different in every location, and no matter how experienced a driver you are, there are always a few things to be aware of and prepare for beforehand.
Will my insurance cover me if I rent a car abroad?
When you rent a car, you’ll have the option to pay extra for insurance in case anything goes wrong. With Aviva’s travel insurance, when travelling in Europe car hire excess can be added from as little as €2.39/per day or €39.99/ per year.
More detail on our single trip travel insurance or multi-trip travel insurance pages.
What do I need to rent a car abroad?
Required documents for renting a car can vary from country to country, but as a standard, you’ll need:
- Passport
- Driving license
- Proof of address
- Debit/credit card – many car rentals restrict customers to using credit cards only
Traveling to non-English speaking countries might require you to ask for an International Driving Permit, which “translates” your driving license. Check out more information on how to apply for an International Driving Permit and where and when it might be needed.
You should also be aware that some countries have a minimum age (or time spent as a licensed driver) for car rental, so even if you’re eligible to drive in your own country, that doesn’t mean you’re automatically allowed to hire a car and drive abroad.
Where can I rent a car abroad?
Many airlines offer a car rental option when you book plane tickets for your trip, but if that’s not the case for you, try a travel agency or simply searching online for car rental companies in your destination city.
Most major car rental companies offer the service straight out of the airport, so you can pick up and board your rental car directly. But be savvy when it comes to savings: some smaller car rental companies may be able to offer you a better deal when combined with plane tickets and/or accommodation purchases.
What should I pay attention to when renting a car abroad?
There are a few things to consider when renting a car abroad – here are just a few to keep in mind.
Size
Most of us go straight to the cheapest deal we can find when looking for a rental car, and that usually means compact, small models. When comparing prices, make sure you’re looking at the same car categories, and that the car model is suitable for your trip. It is also important to pay attention to the specs of the car, such as cargo capacity or motor power, so you won’t get stuck with a car that doesn’t meet your needs.
Fuel/distance charges
Rental companies differ when it comes to charging for fuel: some will ask for a fixed “full tank” value, that you pay for whether you use it all or not, while others will give you a car with a full tank and ask you to return it the same way. Some rental providers may also charge extra depending on the distance you are planning to drive, so keep this in mind when booking.
Extras
If you’re travelling with family, extra costs may come up in your rental agreement, such as infant car seats, roof racks, satellite navigation and others. Do your research beforehand and see if there’s a better deal available when renting with everything included – or even upgrading to a bigger/luxury model, which will have some of these features already available.
Insurance
When renting a car abroad, make sure you are familiar with your destination’s insurance rules and regulations. Most car rental companies have already some sort of insurance included in the rental price, but make sure you know the details of the car hire excess insurance, in case anything happens on your journey.
Finished reading our top tips for renting a car abroad and ready to get on the road in Europe. Then motor on and get travel insurance including care hire excess.
