Rent a car abroad

Need a car for a day trip while traveling? Or do you want a car waiting for you at the airport to drive you to your hotel? When you shop online, you will see that the basic prices for car rental are always easier to read than the small print. But what else is included in that so-called 'all-in' amount? Adrem gives you the ultimate checklist.

You are going on a trip and you want to rent a car. Of course you can do this at the airport or at the local car rental company in the village. The chances are that they will explain in broken English what is included in the price and that you will miss a lot of what you do not get. Renting a car online saves you a lot of headaches and gives you the opportunity to go through everything in peace, in your own language, to ensure that you do not encounter any unpleasant surprises.

Compare online

Brokers (intermediaries who offer cars from other rental companies) are usually cheaper than the classic car rental companies with their own fleet. On the other hand, local rental companies are often much cheaper than the worldwide rental companies at an airport. At an airport, a surcharge is always calculated.

When comparing websites, pay attention to the following:

Are the name, address and telephone number of the landlord clearly stated on the site, in a logical place such as under 'contact'? Can you pay safely online and are there any additional costs charged for this? Are the general terms and conditions as well as the local rental conditions clearly stated? Often various product options are checked by default. Pay attention to this and uncheck unwanted options, so that they are no longer automatically included in the price.

1. Books

Before you sign, at least go through this list:

❑ Is the number of kilometers unlimited or is there a maximum (and therefore a surcharge)?

❑ What is the cost per day for a second driver?

❑ Are there additional costs if the delivery address differs from the collection address?

❑ Are there additional costs for cleaning after return?

❑ What are the costs if you don't fill it up yourself before returning it? (A separate amount or for example €3 per litre)

❑ Is the car at the airport where you arrive? Or do you first have to take a taxi to the center?

❑ What are the additional costs to buy out a deductible?

❑ Does this buyout also apply to theft?

❑ Is coverage for damage to the bottom or glass bands also included?

❑ Is passenger insurance included?

❑ Does the car rental include local taxes (e.g. VAT)?

❑ Is it possible to take out comprehensive insurance and what does it include?

DOING: Check if your liability insurance is also valid in the country where you are renting the car or traveling through. And pay attention to local rules! Your insurance is often not valid if you drive too fast or under the influence, but sometimes also not on unpaved roads.

2. Pick up

Of course you would like to leave immediately, but first check the following:

You will always have to complete and sign a number of documents. Always read the fine print and make sure that the names of all permitted drivers are included and that all information is correct.

Check the car for dents and scratches and have them noted down, even if the rental company says he already knows about the scratch.

Check that the car has:

1. cry
2. spare wheel
3. instruction booklet
4. insurance papers

3. Return

If you have to return the car with a full tank, please do so to avoid hefty surcharges later.

Stay with the car while it is being inspected to avoid surprises later on, such as additional fuel surcharges or cleaning costs.

Have it recorded in writing whether or not there is damage, have the document signed and keep it carefully.

If you cannot check the car together because you are returning the vehicle outside office hours, for example, then at least take photos of the car.

Always ask for the deposit or the blank imprint of your credit card back when paying.

DOING: Keep the paperwork for another six months or so. If something does go wrong later, you will be in the strongest position. And keep an eye on your credit card statements.

Affordable and fully comprehensive travel insurance

Usually an all-in rental price includes at least a third party insurance, damage insurance (CDW), theft insurance (TP), a number of kilometers, local taxes and surcharges and airport delivery costs. In almost all cases there is still a part deductible and on top of the price you have to take out a glass-tyre-bottom-damage insurance and you pay additional costs for a cancellation insurance, passenger insurance and additional driver.