Guide: Car rental abroad
AVOIDING TROUBLESHOOTING With a rental car, travel destinations can be planned more flexibly during the vacations. However, there are a few points that must be taken into account - from insurance to accessories.
When a rental car is cheapest also depends on the demand at the destination. As a rule of thumb, book as early as possible. But a vehicle can also be rented directly on site. However, demand is high in many vacation countries during the peak travel season, and comparing prices on site is more laborious than on the Internet.
For driving a rental car abroad, the age is also important. The minimum age is often 21 years. At the same time, many rentals require you to have held a driver's license for at least one to three years.
Always compare offers
The offers of the rentals differ partly considerably. However, inexpensive offers often lack extras, which you then have to buy on site at a high price. The rule "full tank on pickup, full tank on return" is recommended. In the case of the increasingly available all-electric models, the battery charge level must usually be at least 80 percent when the vehicle is returned.
Insurance is somewhat more complicated abroad. The coverages are often modular and therefore a bit confusing. Important: The private car insurance does not apply here. So you need insurance coverage in any case. It is best to inquire about insurance coverage when you pick up your car on site and include it as needed. Liability insurance is absolutely recommended and usually included in the rental fee, comprehensive insurance is recommended.
Check the condition of the car carefully
If your own smartphone is used as a navigation system, you can do without the chargeable navigation systems of the rental companies. Also make sure that the coverage of your credit card is sufficient for the deposit.
Before driving off and in the presence of an employee of the car rental company, you should get an idea of the condition of the car. It is also necessary to check the tires, underbody, lights and indicators, as well as the windshield wiper and air conditioning. When returning the car, be sure to be on time so that the rental company does not charge for an extra day.