29 Jan 2025
Europe is a beautiful continent, worth exploring for its scenic landscapes, beautiful small towns and historically rich cities. All of this beauty must be relished if one wants to make core memories in the continent, so it is best explored at one’s own pace. The best way to accomplish such journey plans is to send money to rent a car! Renting a car in Europe can be an overwhelming process indeed but with the right guide, anything is possible.
Not to worry! This blog guides you on renting a car in EU 101. From comprehending the documentation process to choosing a suitable car, let’s discuss all that you must know about before you rent a car.
If you want to rent a car, you will need to choose a suitable car rental company. It is always a safe bet to choose the best car rental companies in Europe such as international brands like Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Sixt etc, which have their business operations all over Europe. You can also find local companies that are reliable in terms of their services.
Among the most important car rental tips in Europe is this one: It is always preferable to rent a car well before departing for your trip so that you can enjoy better rates and choose from a much wider range of vehicles. This might not be the case with walk-in appointment options.
For first-time travelers in Europe, car rental can be quite intimidating. Before you decide to look for a rental company, there are certain things you must be aware of and certain documents you need to possess. Carrying these documents is essential for a hassle-free road trip to Europe.
You will be required to produce a valid driver’s license from your home country. Many countries accept licenses in English however, some might ask for an IDP instead like Italy or Austria.
Some countries in Europe might require you to show an International Driving Permit (IDP) so make sure you send money online to get one in your pocket before setting off on your journey. These countries include Italy and Austria, among others.
An IDP is essentially a translation of your driver’s license, and it is often a requirement, especially if you are a non-EU traveler.
When you approach rental companies, you will see that most of them have a certain age threshold they follow. For instance, for renting a car in Europe you have to be at least 21 or 25 years of age to rent a car. If you are under 25 years of age, they might charge you a young driver surcharge.
A lot of rental agencies require you to have a valid credit card for security deposits. So, it is important that you possess one before you decide on renting a car in Europe.
You don’t want to choose the wrong car for your road trip because if it is the wrong one, you will be miserable throughout the trip. Comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency should be your top priorities. Here are certain things to keep in mind before choosing the car for your road trip:
Now, if you want to explore the narrow streets in Europe or hang out in the bustling urban spaces of Europe, you are better off with a compact-sized car. It is easy to manage and the parking hassle is much less compared to a bigger car.
However, if you are traveling with a big family, compact cars can easily transformed into a nightmare. Lack of space for passengers and their luggage is to be avoided at all costs. So when renting a car in the EU, it is better to rent an SUV or other bigger vehicle in this case, with much more space for seating and extensive luggage.
If you can drive a manual car, it is preferable to rent a manual car in Europe since these tend to be cheaper and more affordable. There are plenty of options to choose from in manual transmission-type vehicles as well. If you are more comfortable with automatic cars, you should know that they might come at a premium price.
It is always a good choice to opt for vehicles that are fuel efficient, especially when it comes to long-distance travelling. This is because the fuel costs in Europe can be quite expensive and draining. If your car eats up too much fuel, you will have to fill the tank often, which is not only costly but also highly inconvenient.
Among other travel tips for Europeans, this one is important for choosing the right vehicle: keep in mind your itinerary and the kind of roads you are going to come across. Make the decision accordingly.
Now, each European country has its own set of regulations and rules for driving, so you will need to stay updated on the driving laws of all the countries you are going to visit. However, there are certain rules that are common among almost all European countries so keep these in your mind before renting a car in the EU:
A lot of European countries drive on the right side of the road so you should be aware of that. However, countries like the UK, Malta and Ireland drive on the left side of the road.
As far as speed limits are concerned, they vary depending on the country you are in and the type of road you are traveling on. Let's look at the example of Germany’s autobahns that have no speed limit in general but most highways in Europe have certain speed limits that must be adhered to.
A lot of the countries in Europe have this rule that you must be in possession of certain safety equipment. These include first-aid kits, warning triangles, and reflective jackets. So when you are packing your luggage, make sure you have this safety equipment with you, too.
In Europe, the blood alcohol limits are quite strict compared to the US. So, it is not advisable to drink and drive on a road trip in Europe unless you want to get into trouble.
For first-time travelers, European car rental comes with certain rules. If all of these rules are ignored, it could result in very hefty fines, so it is better to make sure you comply with all of them.
This is the most crucial part of the whole rental process. Getting car rental insurance in Europe to protect yourself from any unexpected costs is important. Remember that the longer the trip, the more likely the chances of something going wrong along the way. So before you hit the road, get that car insured. You can make an online money transfer to buy insurance, too. Here are certain options to consider that are offered by rental companies:
This is a waiver that covers any damage that might be caused to the car during the trip. However, a collision damage waiver often comes with a higher cost.
If the vehicle is stolen during the trip, theft protection covers any costs related to that such as car recovery. This is important for you to know about when renting a car in EU.
Also called Super Cover or Excess Protection, this is a premium version of CDW. It reduces the excess to a very minimal amount or even zero.
In case you get into an accident, and you end up damaging another vehicle or property, this third-party insurance covers that cost. It is advisable to get this type of insurance to protect yourself from having to pay unexpected huge costs when renting a car in Europe.
In general, you should make sure whether the travel insurance provider you have chosen or the credit card you own offers any rental car coverage before you rent a car. And instead of quickly signing away the papers, read the terms and conditions of the insurance carefully.
Your road trip will be expensive in and of itself, so you might as well try to save some money on renting a car in the EU. Here are certain tips that can help you cut back on some of those rental costs:
As mentioned before, try to book your car in advance so that you not only have many options in cars available but also save up by getting lower rates.
There are plenty of websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Rentalcars.com that you can browse through to get the best rental deals when you are renting a car in the EU for your trip. Use them to compare prices and choose the best options for yourself.
If you rent a car from airport locations, it will probably be quite expensive. So it is better to rent a car from local agencies or city centers to get a cheaper deal.
As mentioned earlier, manual cars tend to be cheaper than automatic vehicles so if you know how to handle manual driving, you should opt for a manual car to save on premium charges.
If you don’t need them, don’t get unnecessary add-ons like child seats or GPS tracking. You can bring your own instead.
Fuel is a significant expense when renting a car in Europe. You need to know a few things about fuel and its policies:
Diesel cars are usually quite fuel efficient and they are slightly cheaper to refuel as well but the problem is that these cars tend to be expensive when rented. If you choose a petrol car, the rent is probably going to be lower.
A lot of countries in Europe want to promote electric and hybrid vehicles so there are plenty of charging stations available in urban areas. It is not a bad idea to rent an electric car for your road trip.
Every rental company has a fuel policy that you have to adhere to when renting a car in the EU. For example, “Full-to-full” is one of the options you can choose from, in which the rental company asks you to pay for only the fuel you use for the trip.
Additionally, you should strategically plan your refueling stops so that you don’t overpay at the highway service stations.
Europe has open borders, which is great for people who want to drive and see the continent, but there are certain rules in place that you must be aware of:
When choosing a rental company, beware that they might charge extra for crossing countries so inform them of your plans beforehand to avoid any uncomfortable situations.
Car rental insurance in Europe is crucial. You have to ensure that your insurance covers all the countries that you plan to visit on your road trip as well.
Some countries like Switzerland and Austria require vignettes for highway usage. You will need to buy these before you start your road trip.
When you come back home, there are certain things to keep in mind before you send the car back to the rental company:
The car needs to be returned at the agreed-upon fuel levels so that you can avoid any refueling fees.
You must inspect your car thoroughly and check for any damages before you return the car. Just to be on the safe side, take photos of the car before you return it, as proof that you took good care of it.
If you return the car late, you might have to face late return charges, so it is advised to be punctual when it comes to returning the car after your trip.
You must keep all of your rental agreements and receipts with you to stay on the safe side in case of any problems that might require proof when renting a car in Europe.
When you rent a car and set out on a journey to see European wonders, you will feel a sense of freedom and make great memories. To make the best of this trip, you will need proper planning to ensure a seamless rental experience. So, before you make a money transfer to rent a car, make sure you have a sound plan in place. Happy Travels!
It depends on the country. While many accept licenses in English, some require an IDP. Check the requirements for your destination in advance.
The minimum age is typically 21 or 25, but this varies by company and country. Young driver surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
Yes, but they are less common and more expensive than manual cars. Book early if you prefer an automatic car.
Yes, but inform the rental company when booking. Additional fees and documentation may be required.
Book early, compare prices, and avoid unnecessary add-ons. Opting for manual cars and city-center pickups can also save money.
