Driving in Europe is a perfect excuse to rent a car and to explore the open roads. The roads in Europe can range from well maintained and paved to rugged and dirty. For those rougher roads, consider renting a sports utility vehicle for handling and performance. Rent a car in Europe to discover new adventures, new faces and new places.

Great Value Travel Insurance from Essential Travel

• Comprehensive range of policies including single trip, annual and special cover for Winter sports and Golfing holidays.
• Book online now for instant cover and immediate policy confirmation
• Or call 0870 343 0014

Travel Insurance - Book online for huge savings and instant cover.

Frequently Asked Questions concerning European rentals

1.  Are there countries I shouldn't rent in?

   No, this fear is unreasonable. One can find good car rental service in all European countries, also in Russia. From our experience, in the less developed countries (such as Ukraine and Belorussia for example) many private car rental companies offer older cars (could be up to 10 years old - but there are new ones as well!) - but the rental conditions and the whole concept are still the same. So, if the customer has a visa and visits one of those countries, then definitely there are no reasons for avoiding car rental - this is actually the best way to get around and see all there is to be seen, so on the contrary, we highly encourage it!

   
   

2.  What kind of cars do they rent?

   The model range is different for each car rental company. Generally, most companies have quite new cars (up to 3 years old), ranging from really small 4-seater vehicles (Peugeot 106 for example) to big saloons and estates (Peugeot 406 for example); in addition always a luxury car is offered (Mercedes-Benz E-Class for example). There is a 95% probability that one can order a minibus (Volkswagen Transporter for example) as well. Jeeps & SUV-s are more rare, although available in each country - but offered by less companies. Convertibles are an option only in the Southern Europe - for example, in Estonia, I know only two companies that offer a convertible - one company has one Chrysler Sebring Cabrio and the other one has one Toyota MR2 - simply because there's not much demand for such cars here, on warmer days it's a better deal to take a bigger and more comfortable car with A/C... Anyway, as mentioned above, the age of cars varies by country - in Western Europe, older cars have their own specific niche, but are not so popular; while in Eastern Europe, older (approx. 5 - 7 years of age) cars are a lot cheaper and might be a good solution.

   
   

3.  How expensive is petrol/gas?

   Compared to US and Canada, the petrol is two times more expesive. This will definitely be an unpleasant surprise - but, unlike in North America, most of the cars in Europe are very economic and fuel-saving, so the consumption is about two times smaller as well.

   
   

4.  Do I have to have an international lic.

   In most places, a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license will be fine. If the driver is younger, usually an international license is required. It is a good idea to check this with each rental company separately - it has usually been made clear in the 'terms and conditions'.

   
   

5.  How does parking work/cost in each country?

   In most urban areas all across Europe, parking is not free of charge - not in the streets nor in the car parks or garages. In most cases, the parking rental has to be pre-paid. Car rental rates do not include parking fines, so it is a good idea to pay for the parking, the fines are quite huge.

   
   

6.  Are there age limitations for drivers?

   This has to be checked with each rental company separately. To always be 'on the safe side', you have to be at least 25 years of age - in that case, it is possible to rent all sorts of cars, also minibuses. In many companies, the definition of a 'younger driver' involves ages 21 - 24, renting at the age of 18 is rarely the case. Even in those cases, the fee could be 4 times higher than that of the driver aged 21 - 24.

   
   

7.  Is an advanced deposit required to reserve a vehicle? If you cancel your reservation, is your deposit refunded without penalty? How far in advance must you give notice? If there is a penalty, what is it?

   Yes. Most companies take a deposit, which could vary from 200 to 500 EUR. This is later refunded, if the car is returned OK. All companies that have joined CarRentOnline have agreed to use CarRentOnline's cancellation policy.

   
   

8.  Are you permitted to change pickup and drop-off locations without incurring an alteration or cancellation charge?

   Changing pick-up and drop-off locations is possible only if the new pick-up or drop-off location is served by the same company as well. If the renter prefers to use a new location that is served by another company, the original rental request has to be cancelled at first.

   
   

9.  Are airports taxes included in the quoted price if you're picking up your rental at the airport?

   Please see the terms and conditions of each location for this information. We try to always show the final prices to the customers, that include all taxes.

   
   

10.  Is there a surcharge for additional drivers?

    Yes, there usually is. Some companies allow the renter to have 1 or 2 free additional drivers, but in most cases be prepared to pay a fee.

    
    

11.  Do you receive unlimited mileage?

    Yes. Unlimited mileage is included, but please always check the terms and conditions just in case.

    
    

12.  Is it advantageous to return your vehicle with a full tank of gas?

    This varies greatly. Some companies take the charge for fuel up front and later allow the customer to leave the car with an empty tank. Mostly, the car is delivered to the customer with a full tank and the renter is expected to also return the car with a full tank. Otherwise, a fee per every missing litre is charged.

    
    

13.  Does your rental agreement exclude driving in certain countries (of the former USSR, say, and Eastern Europe, Turkey, Italy or Ireland)?

    CarRentOnline has no special restrictions, those terms are set by each car rental company individually. CarRentOnline only asks the renters to pick up and drop off the car in the same country - in any of the selected company's locations.

    
    

14.  Does the rental company guarantee you'll receive the car of your choice? If not, will the cost of the rental be adjusted?

    Cars can always be booked by car class and not by specific model or make. If the selected car class is not available, the customer will be notified and an alternative solution offered.

    
    

15.  If you opt for insurance coverage through your credit card company, will a hold be placed on your card to insure you can pay should damage to the vehicle occur?

    Some companies will put the entire cost of a car on a credit card at the time of rental, which means your card might be rejected as being "over limit" the next time you try to use it.
    As I wrote beforehand: Most companies take a deposit, which could vary from 200 to 500 EUR (this will be the hold on your credit card). This is later refunded, if the car is returned OK.