Tips for renting a car abroad
With a rental car you can explore your destination more flexibly. From insurance to accessories, there is a lot to be aware of when renting. With our eight car rental tips, you can go on holiday without worries.
26.07.2023
iStock / Vera_Petrunina
1. Book your rental car early
When should you book your rental car? The cheapest rental period also depends on the demand at the travel destination. A general rule of thumb is to book as early as possible. During the busy season prices can rise sharply and availabilty is restricted.
Tip: For many providers, free cancellation is also possible at short notice – often up to 48 hours before the start of the rental. So if you discover a better last-minute offer, you can cancel your booking and reserve the cheaper car.
You can also rent a vehicle directly on site. However, demand in popular holiday destinations is high at peak travel times. Under certain circumstances, it can be difficult to get a car at all. In addition, comparing prices on site is more difficult than online.
Rental cars: who is allowed to drive?
Age is important when driving a rental car abroad. The regulations of the holiday destination and the car rental apply. The minimum age is often 21. For certain vehicle categories, such as sports or luxury models, it may also be higher.
In addition, many rental agencies require you to have had a driving licence for at least one to three years.
2. Compare a range of car hire offers
The offers of the various rental agencies can vary considerably. Take note of the benefits when comparing. Often there is a lack of extras with particularly cheap offers, which you then have to buy on the spot.
Tip: the large amount of car rental companies can be overwhelming, depending on your destination. Ask acquaintances about their experiences with various providers. Also, readreviews on Google or platforms like Trustpilot. You'll get a better impression of different providers.
Think about the purpose of your rental car in advance. A road trip visiting lots of cities is not the right moment to drive an SUV for the first time. If you have a lot of luggage with you however (e.g. for diving), an SUV or even a pick-up truck is probably better than a small car.
3. Choose the “full to full” fuel policy
Full tank on pick up, full tank on return: this rule is usually better than the "Full/Empty" option. In the case of "Full/Empty", you pay for the fuel separately when you pick the car up and give the rental agency what is still in the tank when you hand it back over. In addition, there is an additional fee and the billed price for the fuel is often significantly higher than at the petrol station.
For the "full/full" variant, make sure that the tank is actually full when you return it. Otherwise, you may be charged a service fee for refueling in addition to a high fuel price. When refuelling for the last time, look for a petrol station near the car rental company.
In the case of increasingly popular electric rental cars, the battery level must usually be at least 80 percent at the time of return in order to avoid any costs and fees for recharging.
4. Check the insurance cover of the rental car
Insurance is a little more complicated when it comes to renting a car abroad. The insurance coverages are often modular and therefore a little confusing. Please note that your private car insurance does not apply here. Neither does any non-owner car insurance.
So you definitely need insurance cover, but don't be pressured into it. Most importantly, study the scope of cover and deductibles thoroughly and avoid double insurance. It is best to inquire about the insurance cover when picking the car up on site and include it as required.
Home contents insurance covers the theft of personal property for many. Therefore, you do not have to take out an extra insurance policy for this.
Comparison platforms regularly offer insurance cover when you make a reservation that is already included in the basic price of the rental.
Liability insurance is mandatory
Liability insurance is highly recommended and is usually included in the rental costs. Pay close attention to the amount covered: the TCS (please note: website only available in German, French and Italian) recommends at least one million Swiss Francs.
Full casco insurance is recommended
With full casco insurance, you don't need to worry as much about damage to the rental car. In many cases, full casco insurances includes cover against theft. Always check the excess here. For a small surcharge, it may make sense to set the deductible to zero for all risks in some circumstances.
Do you have travel insurance? Then clarify in advance whether it will cover the excess. If so, you can choose a higher deductible when renting a car and thus save on premiums. This cover may also be included with your credit card.
Andrea Auer, Comparis mobility expert
5. Bring your own accessories for the rental car
Use your smartphone as a navigation system. This way, you don't have to pay the fee for using the rental company's navigation system. Download the necessary maps beforehand to avoid high roaming costs.
Are you travelling with young children? Depending on the extra costs of the car rental, it is worth taking your own child seat with you. Many airlines carry child seats free of charge. Find out in good time.
6. Check the cover of your credit card
As a rule, you will not get a rental car without a Visa, Mastercard etc. You need a credit card to pay for the booking and to make a deposit. Only in exceptional cases will the deposit be accepted in cash or by debit card.
Make sure your credit card covers the deposit. If necessary, contact the issuer (e.g. your bank) to temporarily increase the limit of your credit card. Please note that the credit card must usually be in the name of the person renting.
7. Check and document the vehicle's condition before starting the journey
Get an idea of the condition of the car in the presence of an employee of the car rental company before you start driving. Also check the tyres, underbody, lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, air conditioner and fuel level.
Also take note of small defects (bumps, scratches, paint damage, etc.) and cleanliness. Otherwise, you may later be held liable for such defects.
Tip: when taking control of the rental car, be sure to find out what to do in the event of a breakdown or accident abroad.
You should also obtain a written confirmation of the condition of the car when you return it. In addition, take as many photos as possible of the vehicle when accepting and returning it with your smartphone. This way, you have evidence in the event of a dispute.
8. Return the rental car on time and during opening hours
Some rental agencies charge a delay of a few minutes already as a full additional day. It is therefore essential that you return the vehicle on time and ideally during opening hours. This allows the rental company to check the vehicle immediately and provide you with a handover protocol.
