Powered by

Renting cars in Europe

By Patrick Crowley, Special to Orbitz Travel Watch

Heading to Europe this summer? Plan on renting a car?

Then do some homework. Because whether a traveler is looking at a Peugeot in France, an Audi in Italy or an Opal in England, renting a car abroad is not like renting one in the United States.

"It's a totally different game," said Mariana Field-Hoppin, operator of MFH Travel Marketing in New York, which works with Avis Inc. on European car rentals.

"And it can be difficult, not just renting a car in Europe but driving one as well. The cars are generally smaller and many have manual transmissions, meaning they are a stick shift."

Here are a few basics to know before beginning the overseas rental process.

Valid licenses

In most European countries, a U.S. driver's license is sufficient to rent a car. But according to Michael Garcia, vice president of international marketing and sales for The Hertz Corp., some countries do require what is known as an International Driver's License, or IDL.

Countries where an IDL is needed are Austria, Czechia, Lithuania, Latvia and Russia. An IDL is also "strongly recommended" for Poland and Spain, Garcia said. But it's probably a good idea to have one no matter what country a traveler visits.

"IDL's are recommended in most European countries," Garcia said. "Especially if English is not their primary language."

IDL's cost $10 to $20 and are available through the AAA, Garcia said. To get an IDL, travelers must be 18, have a valid U.S. driver's license and obtain two passport-size photos. No test is required.

More tax

Costs can vary widely depending on the country, the time of year and specials being offered by rental car companies.

Subcompact cars can be rented from $100 to $260 a week, according to travel writer Rick Steves' Web site. But there are lots of other charges associated with a rental.

European countries charge what is known as Value Added Tax, or VAT. Basically a usage or consumption tax, VATs run from 18 to 25 percent of the cost of the car, depending on the country.

A gallon of gas is $4 or more across Europe. Steves estimates travelers spend an average of about $130 a week on gas.

There can also be surcharges if a car is picked up in one country and dropped off in another. And because most cars in Europe are stick shift with manual transmissions it can be as much as 40 percent more to rent an automatic vehicle.

"So ask," Field-Hoppin said. "When you're renting the car find out what charges you're going to be responsible for because they vary so much from country to country."

"CDW entirely covers the car's deductible. For around $15 a day you can walk away scot-free from an accident."
--Travel Writer Rick Steves on the benefit of getting Collision Damage Waiver coverage (CDW)

Get insured

Insurance is another complicated aspect of European car rental.

Car insurance is included in the rental cost but comes with a high deductible, often equal to the value of the car, Steves said. On his Web site, he recommends renters purchase supplemental Collision Damage Waiver coverage, known as CDW.

"For piece of mind, if nothing more, you need to buy CDW," he said. "CDW entirely covers the car's deductible. For around $15 a day you can walk away scot-free from an accident."

But CDW is not insurance, Garcia said. "It is an option service ... that relieves the renter from all financial responsibility for damage to the vehicle other than by theft or vandalism."

But not every country has or accepts CDW. For instance, in Italy, rental car companies do not accept CDW with local insurance coverage mandatory at the cost of $10 to $15. So again, check if CDWs are available in the country where you are renting.

And don't assume credit cards that offer car rental insurance will apply to rentals abroad.

"This is a question that needs to be asked of the credit card company," Garcia said. "Each company has its own rules and regulations as well as specific requirements regarding rental car coverage."

Sizing up the options

Size is also a factor in overseas rentals.

Vehicles in Europe are generally smaller than the average car in the United States, said Nanci Sullivan of Kemwel, a Harrison, New York-based car rental wholesaler.

"A compact car may be fine for four people who are day-tripping in Europe," Sullivan said. "However, with luggage added, I wouldn't recommend it."

So find out the size of cars available for rental and choose a model that will fit your traveling party as well as your luggage, Sullivan suggested.

If you're going to travel in Europe for more than 17 days, you might want to consider leasing a vehicle. Some rental agencies in Europe will lease vehicles a couple of times before selling them as used cars, according to the American Airlines' Web site.

The prices can be competitive with renting, and there are no VAT or CDW charges. It is also usually easier to find an automatic when leasing.

Watch out for other drivers

Once paperwork is done and the keys are handed over, there's dealing with other motorists in Europe.

Field-Hoppin has some advice for those driving in Europe for the first time.

• "They drive on the left side of the road in England, and that's no time to be learning how to use a stick shift," she said. "So get an automatic if you don't know how to drive a stick."
• You can rent a car at or around airports, but it's best to make arrangements ahead of time.
• You may end up with a high performance car, such as a Porsche or Mercedes. So be ready to handle some power and speed behind the wheel.
• "On the other hand, a lot of the cars in Europe don't have all the bells and whistles like automatic windows that cars in America do, so be prepared for that."
• "If somebody is coming up on you, get out of the way, especially in Italy and Austria. There, the drivers really seem to floor it."

European car rentals on the rise

Despite the hassles of renting a car in Europe, more and more travelers find it a cheaper and easier way to get around, Steves said on his Web site.

"Every year, as train prices go up, car rental becomes a better option for budget travelers in Europe," he wrote. "While the lion's share of travelers are planning on train travel, you should at least consider the driving option."

Field-Hoppin said having a car is more liberating for the traveler wishing to truly explore Europe.

"You're on a train, you are basically stuck where that train stops or drops you off," Field-Hoppin said. "With a car, you can get out and drive into the beautiful countrysides and small towns in Europe."

Return to Travel Tips