European Car Rentals Guide

On the (European Road)    What is the right size?     Car Conversions    Lease or Rent?  What is included in the rate?

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On the (European) Road

Although rental cars in other countries are generally smaller than their North American Counterparts, they are comfortable and well-engineered. Below are some tips on what to consider while choosing the right car for a European trip.

What is the number of passengers in your party? If there are more then five people (children or adults), you would need a minivan. If you happen to be particularly large or tall, you will need to go to a higher category of rental vehicle (such as intermediate or larger). 

What about trunk versus hatchback design? There is a common perception among North Americans that renting a car with a trunk is a necessary security precaution in Europe - but that's not a case. Many European cars have a covered hatchback design that conceals the contents of the luggage area. These vehicles provide access to the luggage space through a rear door on the vehicle, called the hatch.

And as car manufacturers design more sleek and fuel-efficient vehicles, more cars are being produced with a "European-style" trunk - which provides the space of a trunk and the convenience of a hatchback. Only the smallest vehicles have open hatchback designs - more of a safety risk, since luggage stored here can be seen through the window of the car.

Can you drive a stick shift? Due to higher purchase prices and lower rental demand, automatic transmission vehicles tend to be less expensive in most European countries. But consider that automatic transmissions are often available on larger, more deluxe models only, so you are paying extra for more features than just the transmission. 

Do you own a luxury car? Click here to find out about luxury car rentals in Europe, there is no need to downgrade!

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What is the right size?

In Dallas, a full-size car is considered a Dodge Intrepid or similar vehicle, seating five people. In London, however, the equivalent of the same vehicle would be the standard-size Ford Mondeo, which seats four. Then, in Paris, the comparable car is the full-size Citroen Xsara, which also seat; five. Confused? Just imagine what you will think when they arrive in Europe with your family and nine pieces of luggage and can't fit yourselves --let alone the bags--into the Mini-class Ford Ka you've  rented.

When it comes to renting autos in Europe, size is an important factor to consider, as the cars across the Atlantic are typically smaller than what Americans are accustomed to renting at home. European cars are somewhat one or two size category smaller than in the U.S. A European vacation can be easily ruined if the the travelers needs are not matched. You don't want to try to squeeze four people with luggage into an economy car.

Here are some very basic pieces of information that you need to keep in mind before you make a reservation. How many people are traveling? How tall are they? Are you planning on taking brief excursions or are you touring the country? How many bags are you going to bring? Based on the answer, the good travel agent would  suggest suitable car category.  

Of course, there are other differences between cars in the U.S. and their "smaller cousins in Europe". For example, most European cars have standard transmission. These autos are less expensive than automatics, but despite the lower price, if you can't or are not comfortable shifting gears, this issue should be addressed at the time of booking. Many times, with our experience, client's credit cards or insurance companies will not cover vehicle rentals in Europe. It's a good idea to book fully inclusive rates.

There are some simple tips to make the experience a good one. For example, many rental companies suggest packing light and using luggage that is soft-sided instead of hard plastic, as these bags are more malleable in the trunk. Also we recommend to book in advance. This will secure the type of car the client needs, as well as the best rates. Most car reservations are fully refundable except exotic and luxury rentals. 

So remember: When it comes to car rentals, size does matter.

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Car Conversions

Some cars in Europe are similar or renamed versions of vehicles in the U.S. Other cars are completely unknown by most Americans. Following is an example of the
different categories and models of cars available from Europcar. Other companies might have different car categories.

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Lease or Rent?

 Do you plan to travel in Europe for more then seven days? To accommodate these extended stays without sacrificing your planned itineraries, consider this most cost-effective yet still practical form of transportation.  

Short Term leases or Long Term rentals are available from most European car rental companies. These programs allow travelers to drive new vehicles with unlimited mileage at rates that are often lower than those for standard car rentals.  

Auto Europe features a long-term rental program that offers travelers several vehicle and payment options. Clients can choose from several makes and models of vehicles, and they have the option of full prepayment, partial prepayment or monthly billing. Long-term rental vehicles (more than 17 days) will be delivered to the clients with a full bank of gasoline and will include all necessary maintenance.  Auto Europe also offers renters 24-hour assistance from any European location.

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What is included in the rate?

Car rental customers sometimes have a perplexed look when they return a vehicle. If they rented a car for 7 days for $20 per day, they thought that  the bill would be $140. When it is not  - and it is almost never is - they get really annoyed. A good travel agent either explains the extra charges or packages everything in one price (we prefer to do that) so there will not be surprises at the end of vacation. 

Rates cover time and mileage but do not take into account many other factors. On top of daily rate, a customer is required to pay taxes, facility charges and other mandated fees. There also are options which will boost the rate. When it is done, the total may be considerably higher than the original daily quote. 

Below is the brief explanation of the most common additional charges that appear on car rental bills. 

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). AKA Collision Damage waiver or Physical Damage Waiver by some companies, LDW is an option that releives renters of financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen while under rental contract. Damage includes incidents of vandalism as ell as structural damage. Violation of rental contract more often than not void any elected LDW Coverage.

Fuel Charges. A number of extra charges may appear under this category. Sometimes listed as FPO or Fuel Purchase Option, these can include an option which travelers pay in advance and bring the car back with an empty tank; the car rental company will fill the car at its own rates, which are sometimes below retail prices. Another option is for rental customers to fill their car up right before they return it, therefore incurring no extra fees. A third option - often the most expensive - is to pay the Refueling Service Charge; in addition to the cost of gasoline, the company may tack on an extra charge to the bill for this convenience.

Additional driver. Only the renter is allowed to drive a rental vehicle unless an extra driver has been named in the rental contract. All the companies charge an extra daily fee per additional driver for this service. 

Airport Access Fees. Airport authorities often charge the car rental companies that are located on airport property or that travel onto airport property to collect customers for providing companies with business. There may also be a facility use fee or customer facility charge that is levied by the airports onto the companies for use of airport facilities; this one time charge can also be passed onto the customer.

Extra Hour/Extra Day. If the car is not returned on time, renters are often charged a late fee. Some companies offer a specified rate, while others charge by the level of tardiness.