All about car rentals
For the best deal on car rentals, it`s best to book in advance before you go. When renting a car, you`ll need to make a few decisions, including whom to rent from, what kind of car to get, and where to pick it up and drop it off. These links offer tools for what you will need to know when renting a car internationally.
Choosing a car
Keep in mind the big differences between your typical American rental car and what you’ll get internationally. Midrange cars in other countries have less passenger room, trunk space is small, and manual transmissions are the norm. Automatics are more expensive (usually by 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. You may want to consider brushing up on your shifting skills; it will save you a lot of money.
If you opt for the smallest, inexpensive model, make sure that it is just you and a companion and pack light! Keep in mind that these smaller models are more maneuverable on narrow, winding roads, but be prepared for a tight fit.
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Selecting your car:
You will notice that few cars offered are American, most are foreign brands (Opel, Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda, and Seat). Don`t waste time carefully choosing a specific model, since you`re not guaranteed to get the exact car you signed up for, just a `similar` model.Manual(Stick shift) vs Automatic:
Please pay attention to the category of your car. The more inexpensive cars abroad are likely to be Manual transmission (stick shift). Make sure that you can drive a stick shift should you decide to rent one of these cars.Types of Cars
Economy Car: An economy car rental is an excellent choice for short term travel and for the traveler on a budget, being that they are small, agile and fuel efficient. Expect to get about 30 to 35 miles per gallon. These cars typically fit 4 small adults, two small-sized suit cases and a small carryon bag. Economy car rentals will allow you to stretch your dollar and reduce the cost of required insurance coverage. These vehicles are a great option for short trips where you`ll spend most of your time driving around town.
Popular Economy Rental Car Models: Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa, Nissan Micra.
Compact Car: Compact car rentals offer a superior fuel economy (25 – 30 miles per gallon) and sufficient storage space for luggage (12 – 14 cubic feet), typically fitting about three small to medium-sized bags or suitcases. These 4-door sedans and small wagons are simple to park and maneuver. In general, you`ll find more options for vehicles in this car class than you will when booking an economy or mini car.
Popular Compact Rental Car Models: Toyota Yaris, Opel Astra, VW Golf, Mazda 3.
Mid-Size Car: Americans who are used to larger vehicles will enjoy renting a mid-size vehicle or larger. This car offers 15-17 cubic feet of storage space for luggage; you can expect to fit 3-4 medium-sized bags or suitcases. Sufficient trunk space for luggage for most week-long trips, a mid-size rental provides average fuel-economy and improved safety making it a popular choice for small families with young children.
Popular Mid-Size Rental Car Models: Ford Mondeo, VW Jetta, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Avensis, Opel Zafira (5+2 passenger), Mazda 6, Toyota Avensis Wagon, Peugeot 3008, Opel Insignia, Renault Fluence, Peugeot 5008 (5+2 passenger).
Full-Size Car: The full-size car rental will allow for a full 18 cubic ft of storage (in most models) along with decent fuel economy at about 15 – 25 miles per gallon. You can easily stow 4 medium-sized bags during your driving tour of your location. The roomy full-size car provides a comfortable ride on country roads while still offering plenty of trunk room and leg room for passengers. These vehicles are popular for travelers planning a road trip through the countryside.
Popular Full-Size Rental Car Models: VW Passat, VW Passat Diesel, BMW 318i, Audi A4, BMW 3Series.
Luxury or Sports Car: Renting a luxury car will allow you to drive in style and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the world behind the wheel of a first-class automobile. The make and model of your luxury car rental will determine the luggage capacity and fuel economy.
Popular Luxury Car Rental Models: BMW 5 Series, BMW 318i, Audi A4, Jaguar XJ.
SUV or Van: If traveling with a larger group or family then consider renting a full-size van, minivan or large SUV. Big, safe and offering plenty of storage space is what the SUV rental will offer; the perfect vehicle for traveling with a family! These rentals are great for accommodating extra equipment (i.e. skis, surfboards), while still providing seating for 5 or more people.
Popular SUV and Vans Models: Ford Galaxy (7 passenger), Peugeot 3008, Opel Safira (5+2 passenger), Peugeot 5008 (5+2 passenger), VW Caravelle (9 passenger), Renault Traffic (9 passenger automatic), Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Rav4, Land Rover Discovery, BMW X5, AudiQ7, Range Rover Sport.
Tripmasters works with many local suppliers to allow you to find a great deal on the perfect car with all of the amenities you`re hoping to enjoy during your trip.
Dropping off your car
Be on time to drop off your car – you could be charged an extra day`s rent if you show up late.
If you haven`t already prepaid for a tank of gas, make sure to top off your car before returning it, otherwise, you may be charged for a full tank no matter how much gas is actually left. Not only that, but you may be charged more than double for gas then what you would have paid at a gas station. You also could be charged an additional `refueling fee` as well. It is not necessary to wait until you`re almost at the rental office to fuel up, fuel gauges are very forgiving, so start watching for a convenient gas station miles before you reach the rental office. Save your final gas receipt as proof that you filled the tank, and don`t toss it until you`ve seen your credit-card bill.
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Once you`ve arrived at the rental office, check the entire car with the attendant to be sure there are no new problems. You may want to take pictures of the returned vehicle as proof of its condition, this is especially a good idea if you are dropping the car off at an unstaffed after-hours drop-off point. Ask for a copy of the final condition report and keep it until you have seen your credit card bill. If unexpected charges show up on your credit-card statement it will be easier to dispute with good documentation on hand.
If you do drop off your vehicle when the office is closed, there is a drop box where you can place your keys with instructions on where to park the car. In this situation, it is even more important that you take pictures of your car in case any problems arise.
Fees and additional costs
Car Equipment
Car equipment appears on car rental contracts as: Car Rental Equipment (GPS, child seats, winter tires, etc.), Add-Ons, Extras.
Typically Costs: $5 to $20 per day, per item
There is always the option of additional equipment to your rental depending on your needs or preferences. The most common include GPS units, child seats, snow chains, ski racks, and portable WiFi devices, but there may be other options offered as well. Charges for additional equipment is usually on a per-day basis, and prices will vary depending on the supplier you use; add-ons will always cost extra and need to be paid for at the counter and subject to VAT, unless your quote or contract clearly states them as included in the price. Also, be careful to take care of the accessories you add on because you will have to pay a replacement fee for any loss, damage, or theft of the item.
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It is important to note that, while extra equipment is optional and you generally decide whether to include it or not, many countries have laws regarding child seats that require children under a specific age and/or size to have one. It`s important to check ahead for local child seat laws, this can save you a hefty fine and, more importantly, keep your kids safe on your journey abroad!
Car Rental Fuel Policy
Car rental fuel policy appears on car rental contracts as: Full to Full, Full to Empty.
Typically Costs: Local price of fuel
The car rental fuel policy will determine how any existing fuel your rental car comes with will be paid for when you pick it up. When the policy is full to full, you will pay nothing up front but will be expected to return the vehicle with a full fuel tank as well; you will be charged for any fuel missing when the vehicle is returned. If your rental includes a full to empty fuel policy, you will pre-pay a given amount for a full tank of fuel and you can return the vehicles as close to empty as possible without incurring additional fuel costs.
Optional fuel policies are generally a matter of preference, but be aware that all rental companies will charge a premium for any type of fuel, usually based on the highest price per liter available in the area. In order to save on fuel charges, opt for a full to full policy when available, fill up the rental car before you return it, and retain a copy of the receipt for your records. It may be a bit less convenient to have to make a fuel stop just before dropping off, but that little bit of extra work can save you some money on the premium rates you will have to pay for a tank of gas through a full to empty policy.
Driver Fees
Driver fees appear on car rental contracts as: Additional Driver Fee, Young Driver Surcharge, Senior Driver Fee (requires doctors note).
Typically Costs: €5 to €20 per day
Driver fees may be added onto your rental depending on the age and number of drivers you wish to have registered to drive the rental car. Typically, if you plan to register additional people to drive the rental car aside from the primary driver to whom the rental is listed under, an `additional driver fee` will be assessed on a per-day basis. In some cases, a free additional driver will be included in a given quote; if this is the case, it is always clearly stated along with the rest of your rental details.
The age of a prospective driver can also potentially incur extra fees on your rental. If you`re a driver under 25 years old, it is likely that you will be charged an extra $15 to $25 per day as a `young driver surcharge` to recoup the additional insurance risks posed by younger drivers. On the opposite end of the spectrum, although far less common, some rental companies will charge extra for drivers over the age of 75.
Limited/Unlimited Mileage Car Rentals
Limited/Unlimited mileage car rental appears on car rental contracts as: Limited Kilometers.
Typically Costs: $0.50 to $2 per additional kilometer
If your car rental includes unlimited mileage/kilometers, then you have no worries; you can cover as much ground as you`d like in your rental car without incurring any extra fees! Some rental rates, however, may be specified as `limited mileage,` in which case you will be charged extra if you drive the car farther than an allotted distance. Limited mileage rentals usually come with 60 to 200 miles per day, after which you will have to pay an extra fee per additional miles driven.
VAT Car Rental Tax
VAT car rental tax appears on car rental contracts as: VAT Tax, Value Added Tax
Typically Costs: 15% to 30%, depending on country
What you need to know: VAT (or Value Added Tax) is a standard sales tax that varies among different nations. You will have to pay VAT on your rental rate (whether or not it is prepaid), as well as any other extra equipment charges or local fees you are charged for at the rental desk, including one-way fees, insurance costs, and location surcharges. Unlike VAT tax paid on goods, clothing, and souvenirs, which can be reclaimed at the airport upon your departure, you cannot reclaim any VAT taxes you pay on a car rental.
Local Rental Car Taxes
Local rental car taxes will appear on car rental contracts as: Road Tax, Vehicle License Fee, Environmental Fee/Eco Surcharge, Credit Card Processing Fee, Road Safety Fee.
Typically Costs: $1 to $5 per day
What you need to know: Depending on the type of vehicle you rent, the location you rent it in, and which supplier you choose to rent from, local rental car taxes may apply to your rental. Typically this is not very expensive and often overlooked but has become prime suspects in the realm of dastardly `hidden` fees. They are mostly always included but rarely mentioned in your average rental quote and you can almost always count on having to pay an extra few Euros at the pick-up desk on any car rental for various location-specific taxes.
Rental Car Location Surcharges
Rental car location surcharges appears on car rental contracts as: Airport Surcharge, Rail Station Surcharge, Premium Location Surcharge, Parking Fees, Out of Hours Fees, Late Return Fees.
Typically Costs: $30 to $50
When picking up your car rental at major transportation hubs, location surcharges typically apply, such as airports, rail station and cruise ports. The standard additional charge for picking a car up at one of these locations is $40, but the fee can vary from $20 to $80 in some cases. Additional location related charges may be applied as well, such as `parking fees,` which are incurred in areas where parking spaces are limited.
Hours of Operation
Make sure to pay attention to the hours of operation for the offices where you plan on picking up and dropping off the vehicle, as well as the specific times you’ve arranged your rental for. Dropping off your car later than the agreed-upon time on your reservation can cost you a `late return fee` and, depending on the time of day you originally picked up the car, can also add an additional day onto your total rental rate.
Avoiding Rental Car Location Surcharges: You can often save money by picking up your rental car downtown as opposed to at an airport or rail station, these locations often have a surcharge. Keep in mind that you will have to get public transportation to get to a downtown office from your arrival point. Sometimes the additional location surcharges are often worth the convenience of picking up your car right after you get off your plane or train rather than hauling your luggage to a downtown office. Airport and rail station car rental locations also have longer operating hours, so you won`t have to pay an `out of hours fee` if you plan on picking up very late at night or very early in the morning. As always, review your car rental contract or quote thoroughly to see what additional fees apply to your rental.
International Car Rental Travel Fees
International car rental travel fees appears on car rental contracts as: Cross Border Fee, Travel to Other Countries.
Typically Costs: $20 to $50
International car rental travel fees may apply to your reservation if you plan on driving outside the country at some point during the course of your rental. You must mention any planned travel that crosses international borders when arranging your reservation and, if the travel is permitted, there may be extra fees incurred for outfitting your rental vehicle with the proper documentation, toll stickers, and licensing necessary for traveling to other countries. Since border crossings in Western Europe are relatively easy, traveling between countries is almost always permitted free of charge. Travelers will, however, run into fees when crossing the border driving between any non-EU nations, particularly any countries in Eastern Europe. But regardless of what countries you plan on traveling in, always let the car rental company know about it. Taking a rental car across borders without prior notice is a violation of contract terms and will void any insurance coverage you have set up.
Extra Insurance Car Rental Costs
Extra insurance car rental costs appears on car rental contracts as: Administration Fee, Processing Fee
Typically Costs: $30 to $50
Assuming you know the basics of rental car insurance, there are still some extra car rental costs related to insurance that you should be aware of. Beyond the amounts due for the insurance coverage itself and security deposits or credit card holds, you may be hit with additional fees in the event of a collision or theft. An ‘administration fee’ of anywhere from $40 to $80 will be assessed to cover the cost of paperwork and filing if you happen to get into an accident and will be supplementary to any other amount you owe towards your deductible. Additional insurance-related car rental costs will usually not take effect unless you get into an accident or collision. The best method of avoiding insurance costs is accident prevention. Research the local driving laws and regulations of your chosen destination before you depart, and be sure to rent a car size and class you are comfortable driving.
Rental Car Age Requirements and Restrictions
Regardless of where you are looking to travel, rental car age requirements and restrictions may affect the cost of your vehicle reservation. This is especially true for those looking to rent a car under 25 years of age because many rental suppliers will set strict rental car age limits or charge an additional daily fee known as at young driver surcharge. These age limits will vary depending on where and who you plan to rent your car with, so it`s best to keep yourself informed and in control of all your local car rental fees.
GPS and Navigation
You have 3 options:
1. Renting a GPS From Your Car Rental Company:
You can either arrange to pick up a GPS from the local car rental company or, you can book a GPS with our vendor that is pre-loaded with maps, in English, and sent directly to your home! Call our Customer Service agent and request a quote.
Cost: You will pay about 15 dollars per day to rent a GPS from the car rental company. VAT included, paid locally.
Note: If the GPS is shipped to your US home it will arrive up to 2 days prior to leaving for your trip. You will be required to return it back when you return back to the US (one day after). The payment is made through Auto Europe`s website, shipping and handling cost about $40.00 and then you will be charged $1 per day for the GPS and $1 per day for insurance. For more information about your options for GPS rentals, please speak with our Customer Service agents.
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2. You Can Take Your Own GPS
On eBay and Amazon you can purchase refurbished portable devices with Europe and North America maps for as a little as $50.This option offers ease of use as you will not need to learn how to setup and use an unfamiliar device.
100% Availability: Portable units rented in Europe are not allowed on international one-way rentals, and sometimes not on domestic one-ways. Many rental offices in smaller towns don`t even rent GPS.
Unlimited Coverage: A large percentage of rental car factory-installed and portable GPS units cover only the country in which the car is rented. That`s not a problem when you bring your unit with the right maps.
3. GPS Alternative: Use a Smartphone or Tablet
An increasing number of travelers don`t bother with GPS at all; they simply rely on Google Maps on a smartphone or tablet. That, of course, means if you want turn-by-turn live directions, you`ll have to have a data connection in the car, and that will involve cost. It may be worth it to you to purchase a data package from your phone`s service provider (ATandT, Verizon, etc.).
Another option that is less flexible but a cheaper alternative is to create and download maps of your routes prior to getting in the car when you have access to WiFi. Even without a data connection you can use the maps you downloaded and your phone will track your location using satellites and cell towers. Apps, such as OffMaps for the iPhone, can store multiple downloaded maps.
Finally, back up whatever navigation system you use with quality hard-copy maps scaled at 1:200,000 or 1:150,000 (preferred). The paper maps will provide a different perspective, identifying scenic roadways and significant sights and towns along your route.
Picking up your car
When arriving at the rental car counter, make sure to ask for a copy of the contract in English if it is not presented as a matter of course.Make sure to check with the car rental agent on these items that you may not be aware of:
– What are the local laws you might not be aware of (for example, whether headlights must be on at all times, where and how kids ride, etc.)
– Length of the grace period for drop-off, if any
– How to use anything you can`t figure out, such as the wipers, alarm system, lights, radio, GPS, etc.
– What type of fuel the car takes (diesel vs. unleaded), the local term for that fuel type, and how to release the gas cap
– Location of proof-of-insurance `green card` and other paperwork
– Whether your car has an unexpired toll-highway vignette (if needed)
– Info on making repairs and any included emergency roadside services
– Location of spare tire and directions for using it (if the car has no spare, ask for a different vehicle)
– Whether the car has a breath-testing kit for measuring alcohol levels (required in France, costs around $5)
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Make sure to check the entire vehicle for any imperfections such as scratches or dents. Photograph all dings and scratches, even the tiniest ones (be sure the date/time stamp is on). Note the fuel level and double check the tire pressure. If any damage is not noted on the rental agreement, make sure to make the adjustments with the agent prior to leaving the lot.
Before hitting the road, get familiar with your car. This is tough when you’re itching to start your travel – but take a few minutes, while you’re still in the rental agency’s parking lot, to try out all the features and gadgets: Run the front and rear windshield wipers and sprayers, figure out whether the headlights come on automatically with the engine, switch the headlights to high-beam, get comfortable with the gear shift, turn on the radio, and so on. Then, drive around the parking lot for a few minutes and test out the mirrors, the gearshift and clutch, the lights and signals. Also, you may want to ask for directions to your next destination (or at least to the expressway).
Rental car age requirements and restrictions
Regardless of where you are looking to travel, rental car age requirements and restrictions may affect the cost of your vehicle reservation. This is especially true for those looking to rent a car under 25 years of age because many rental suppliers will set strict rental car age limits or charge an additional daily fee known as a young driver surcharge. These age limits will vary depending on where and who you plan to rent your car with, so it`s best to keep yourself informed and in control of all your local car rental fees.
A less common rental car age requirement is a maximum age limit that will sometimes prevent older senior drivers from renting a car. These limits typically affect drivers 75 and older, but individual rental suppliers can set these rental car age requirements and restrictions at their own discretion. The good news for senior citizens is that these rules are uncommon in most international countries, but it`s still always best to be aware of potential age limits that can affect your trip abroad!
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Rental Car Age Requirements Facts:
1. Car rentals for 18 year olds are possible, and even though the minimum legal driving age in most countries is younger than 18, each respective car rental company can choose who they will or will not rent to and can set their own rules and restrictions.
2. Car rental age limits are based on the terms and conditions from the country you rent in. The only car rental age restrictions that will apply to you will be detailed in the terms and conditions of your rental contract, but national laws will still apply if you plan on driving to different countries. Always be sure to read up on driving laws in any country you intend on visiting and give prior notice to TripMasters if you plan on driving a rental car internationally.
3. Young driver surcharges are incurred by rental suppliers and paid locally. If your age requires you to pay an additional fee according to the terms and conditions of your rental car contract, the additional amount will not be included in your pre-paid rate with TripMasters and will need to be paid locally at the rental desk when you pick up your vehicle.
4. Rental car age restrictions may require you to purchase insurance. If you are a senior driver or younger driver, particularly those looking to rent a car under 21, you may be required to purchase an inclusive rate rather than opting for a basic rate or using insurance provided by a credit card.
5. Car rental age requirements may restrict you from renting certain vehicles. Many rental companies will set higher age limits for specialty and luxury vehicles. Vehicles in the economy and compact classes will always have the fewest age-related restrictions.
Tips and Recommendations
1. Your Voucher: Always check your car rental voucher before your travel dates, on the voucher provided by Tripmasters, we have a detailed list of the fees that your rental includes and excludes. Please review them to avoid any surprise at the rental location.
2. Please note that extra fees such as airport surcharges, municipality fees, administration fees (Local toll, highway fees or travel stickers) which may be required by local authorities are payable when you pick up the car.
3. Pick Up and Drop Off Times: Being half an hour late to your drop off time means you`re going to be charged an extra day. The same thing for the pickup, the grace time that suppliers have is one hour after your scheduled pick up time, otherwise, it will be a no show and they can sell your car to anyone who requests it.
4. Additional Insurance when booking: On some occasions, the local rental car company will try to sell you extra insurance at their local counter desk, please note that these are not obligatory. Our rental car rates include the type of insurance needed to travel on the location booked. If the counter desk insists please contact us and we will be happy to assist you, there are some exceptions depending on the country booked.
5. Fuel: Our cars are booked with a full to full fuel policy. Charges for returning an empty tank are high, plus, they charge an extra markup to the fuel. Be sure to fill your tank at a gas station close by before returning your car.
Types of car rental insurance
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage done to your rental in the event of an accident
Theft Protection (TP) covers the loss of your rental if it should be stolen, less the deductibles.
Third Party Liability takes care of damage done to anyone and anything outside of your rental vehicle. (Not included in our rates)
Fire covers the rental vehicle itself in the event of a mechanical fire. (Not included in our rates)
Collision (CDW) and theft protection (TP) insurance adds peace of mind to any car rental but most insurance will include an excess, or deductible, with their policy. In the event of an accident, the driver is charged an amount of money to cover part of the damage estimates. This is your excess amount. Excess/deductibles can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
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Refundable Deductible/Excess (ZD) rate is a refundable deductible, where you are still initially obligated for the deductible, but are optioned to receive a refund of the amount that you paid, up to what the initial deductible had been. (ZE) and (ZD) rates are prepaid along with initial payment of your rental vehicle. (Should you opt to purchase this, please contact us so that we may book it for you.)
Zero Deductible/Excess (ZE) rate means there are no applicable deductibles for (CDW) and (TP). Purchasing this insurance is a little more expensive than the CDW and TP included in our car rates, but with this insurance, the car company does not initially put a hold on your credit card, which can range from $1,500 to $2,000, to cover anything in case of an accident. With this insurance the hold is much lower, could up 10% of the regular amount.
Super Coverage can be added locally, and will typically be a per day charge. These are subject to availability between supplier, rental vehicle, and countries of travel. These are additional insurances that tie into collision and theft that can negate or minimize deductibles associated with these insurances. Additional options you may also consider purchasing are Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC). Depending on your itinerary, you may also be required to purchase Travel Insurance from the supplier. This could be a lump sum, or a daily charge, that allows you to cross into specific countries.
Refundable Deductible/Excess (ZD) rate is a refundable deductible, where you are still initially obligated for the deductible, but are optioned to receive a refund of the amount that you paid, up to what the initial deductible had been. (ZE) and (ZD) rates are prepaid along with initial payment of your rental vehicle.
Insurance Coverage on your Rental:
Having collision and theft coverage are a necessity with any rental vehicle. Our cars include the inclusive rate which will include the Third Party Liability, Fire, Collision and Theft built in as part of the rental cost. But be aware that the deductible amounts can be rather high in some locations. You may be able to purchase additional coverage at the counter that will lower the deductible as well.
What if the Local Supplier Insists That You Purchase Additional Insurance?
Any local car rental company`s employees are usually trusted with sales, so they will probably try to sell various company products to customers. With a few exceptions, all insurance products offered locally will be optional.
The car rental company may offer insurance to cover the car parts not normally covered by the package included in prepaid rates. Should this be the case, it is entirely up to you to decide whether they want to buy this additional insurance if you have not already.