Hiring a car abroad can be risky business, with unscrupulous operators ready to separate you from your cash. In the United States, hiring a car is easy. Not so in many other countries, where consumers consistently complain about opaque policies and aggressive sales practices.
If you are thinking of hiring a car in Europe, use these tips to get the best deal and stay safe. First of all, it’s best to book online in advance to find the cheapest prices, and be aware you may be charged a premium for picking up and dropping off at an airport. Try to find an off-airport site if you are on a budget; they will often have a shuttle bus that will take you to your vehicle from the terminal.
When it comes to choosing a rental company, check the costs of add-ons such as extra drivers and satnav systems. The cost of adding an extra driver varies hugely from company to company, with Hertz sticking an extra €13 per day onto your fee if you add a second driver. If you are worried about getting around, download the Here app on your smartphone. It’s a free app that even works offline.
The same goes with optional add-ons. Most companies offer damage waivers for an extra fee, protecting you if you crash the car. However, these policies are often expensive, and you can get the same protection for less if you arrange your own insurance cover.
Don’t let the sales team pressure you into any unwanted extras at the sales desk. Decide what you want and stick to your guns. Do your research online before you fly and you’ll be less likely to succumb to the pressure.
Read This Next
Carpool Made Easy with Bla Bla Car
Products / Technology
Oct 16, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Mar 27, 2024Earn a Free Night with BWH Hotels This Spring
Earn a free night with BWH Hotels this spring by being a member of its Best Western Rewards loyalty program. Through May 5, BWR members who stay two nights (do not need to be consecutive) at BWH Hotels properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will earn one free night to be used for stays through Aug. 25. Register for the promotion prior to the completion of your first stay online or with the hotel directly. The awarded free night is eligible at any Best Western-branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and members can only earn one free night via the promotion.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Products / Technology
Mar 27, 2024Getting to the Airport Just Became Easier with FlyPool
A new service launched last month that may make your trip to and from the airport just a little easier and less costly. FlyPool is an online platform and app that facilitates carpooling, specifically to airports around the world.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
ShareThis