A no-deal Brexit is one step closer with the new Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This also has consequences for Britons who want to rent a car or van in the European Union.
Long story short, if the United Kingdom (UK) leaves the European Union (EU) without a deal, UK residents will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in the Netherlands.
What exactly?
If the UK leaves the EU on 31 October with a deal, there will be no problem. UK residents will then be able to rent a car with their 'normal' driving licence, ID and credit card. However, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, then from that date - at least for the time being - Britons will need an international driving licence in addition to their British driving licence to be able to rent a car in the EU. The UK and the EU will eventually agree on a new arrangement that makes this international driving licence redundant, but for the time being that is not yet on the agenda.
Small effort, potentially big consequences
Is it so difficult to get an International Driving Permit? Not at all. For the price of a portion of fish and chips, any Brit with a driving licence can get one from their post office.
Without an IDP, you may not be able to rent a car in the Netherlands from 31 October – depending on whether or not a deal is made. Not having an IDP can go against the terms of the car insurance that comes standard with a rental car, which means that someone may be responsible for the financial consequences of damage or theft themselves. And that will hit you harder in your wallet than the few cents that an IDP costs.
Finally, good to know: if you want to rent a car in the UK as an EU citizen, you do not need an international driving licence. Your 'normal' driving licence is sufficient as an EU resident. At Adrem Car Rental you can of course also just car in the Heerlen region rent!
