Europe has a great train network, but sometimes you don’t want to have to rely on a train schedule to get you where you need to be. For those times, a car rental may be just what you are looking for. So are you ready rent a car in Europe? Great! Here are 10 things you must know before getting behind the wheel:
1 – Learn Local Signage
If you’re going to be doing any amount of driving, it never hurts to learn what the road signs are going to mean. Some things will be the same, for example red means stop, yellow means caution, and green is go. A call to your travel agent should get the information you’re after.
2 – Car Rental Insurance
You might think your home auto insurance will cover you in Europe, but chances are, it’s not going to. The most common way to get insurance is through the car rental supplier, however your credit card company may offer that service to you. If that’s the case, call them well before your departure and have them send whatever documentation is required so you can take it with you.
3 – Manual or Automatic Transmission?
In most cases, you can save big if you can drive a manual. In Europe, most cars are manual. Automatics are considered almost luxury, and you pay a luxury price for one. If you have a friend who has a manual transmission car, consider asking them to give you some lessons. It’s not really all that hard, and with any luck, you will learn fast and save a ton of money. Whatever you do, don’t try to wing it. If you burn out the clutch of a rental car because you can’t drive manual, insurance won’t cover it.
4 – One-Way Fees
If you pick up your vehicle in one location, and return it to another, you may incur what is known as a one way fee. You may encounter them in the same country, or internationally. The fees are generally more expensive as you get further from the pickup point. Depending on your situation and car class, the one way fee could be far more than the cost of your rental. If you are traveling to many countries, consider leasing a car or multiple car rentals in different countries.
5 – Know the Major Differences
If you have a car rental in Ireland or the UK, you will be driving on the opposite side of the road. Not everyone is okay with this right away, and it will take some getting used to. If you are driving on the Autobahn, don’t drive in the left lane unless you are passing. This law technically exists in the US, but unfortunately it’s rarely enforced. In Germany, you will get a ticket for it every time. Be aware that the Autobahn does have enforced speed limits on much of it, and it is not a total free for all. Safety always comes first.
6 – International Driving Permit – Do you need one?
An International Driving Permit is something that can be very helpful, and in some cases, is mandatory. It is basically a translation of your license into other languages. It does not replace your actual license, and you can’t get one with out a valid driver’s license. In America, the ONLY two valid places to get an International Driving Permit are AAA and the National Automobile Club. Check with your rental supplier to see if it is necessary in the countries which you wish to drive in.
Follow these steps and you will be on your way to having the experience of a lifetime with your next overseas car rental!
About the author: Hans Ericsson is a blogger and worldly traveler. He writes for Auto Europe, a worldwide leader in travel services.