European Car Hire

Hiring a Car or other Vehicle in Europe

Jaguar If you prefer not to use your own vehicle while driving in Europe, there are thousands of companies that rent vehicles - from cars to camper cans, motorbikes and vans. Vehicle hire companies vary from small local firms to huge multinational organisations with branches in most European cities.

Costs for hiring a vehicle will vary widely, with local companies generally cheaper than the mutinationals, so it pays to shop around and get some quotes. When comparing prices, it can be difficult to analyse the quotes, as what is included in the price varies considerably between firms, and even for the same firm in different countries

As well as going directly to the hire firms, vehicle hire brokers can often be cheaper. Hiring from airports is often the most convenient option, but they tend to be more expensive than branches elsewhere. In most cases you can usually reserve a type of vehicle, but not the specific model, which can be a problem if you have difficulties with certain vehicles.

Hire Hints and Tips

Check carefully what is included - if you need items like baby seats, roof racks or similar these are usually an extra charge, which can be considerable. Many firms will not guarantee their availability, so if it is critical (such as a baby seat), you may want to consider bringing one. Some car hire firms will offer Sat-Nav as optional extras.
The damage excess can be considerable, and almost all car hire firms offer top-up insurance (often called Collision Damage Waiver or CDW). Check the cost of this if you plan on taking it out, and consider purchasing a private CDW policy separately from the car hire, as it can be much cheaper, especially for annual cover.
Extra charges may apply for younger drivers, and few companies allow drivers under 21 at all. Some place restrictions on those over 75 as well. Additional drivers are at an extra cost for most firms.
Check whether you have to return the vehicle with or without fuel - getting it wrong can be costly. Some hire companies now charge much more reasonable fuel charges, which can be worth paying to save the trouble of locating a petrol station just before returning the vehicle.
Even though you are hiring the vehicle, as the driver you are responsible for complying with all local laws, such as tyre tread, warning triangles, spare tyres, hi-vis vests, first aid kits and spare bulbs. Check if these are required for the country and included with the hire. This is especially true if hiring in the UK and driving to Europe.
Most hire agreements have restrictions where you can take the vehicle, so if you plan to drive out of the country check with the hire firm first.
Many of the larger vehicle hire firms allow you to drop the vehicle off at a different branch to the one you collected from, at an extra charge
When you collect the car, van, motorbike or other vehicle, check carefully for damage both internally and externally, and ensure even the smallest of marks is noted on the hire sheet BEFORE it is signed. If you fail to do this, you may be blamed for any damage. If the vehicle is too dirty to properly check, do not sign the hire agreement.
Vehicle hire contracts are not an exciting holiday read, but it's important to know what you are signing, so at least read it quickly. If they are not able to supply a contract in English (or a language you can read), it's best to go somewhere else. Booking in advance can be helpful if they can provide the full contract in advance.

Useful Links

European travel equipment: Autobulbs European driving accessories and spare bulbs

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Customer Comments

Ashok kumar

hai i need 10 pax vehicle along with the driver as i want to travel switzerland, rome ,venice for 10 days how is your charges it is for miles/kilometres you charge the EUROS please reply . Thank you

Autobulbs says: Hi Ashok - we don't provide hire cars, I'm afraid - only car bulbs, wipers and accessories. A car plus driver is fairly specialist, but a good travel agent should be able to help.

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European Car Hire

Hiring a Car or other Vehicle in Europe

Hire Hints and Tips

Useful Links

Customer Comments