Rental cars: tips and pitfalls

In short: A rental car gives freedom on holiday but can become expensive through insurance gaps, deposit and extra costs. Compare, read the terms and document the vehicle’s condition.

In more detail: The base price is often only part of it. Excess, additional drivers, fuel policy and one-way rental push up the cost.

In detail

• Insurance: Liability is included. Collision cover with excess; extra cover without excess is often pricier at the station.
• Deposit: Usually blocked on the credit card. A genuine credit card in the driver’s name is often needed.
• Fuel policy: “Full/full” is usually cheapest. “Full/empty” is often expensive.
• Handover: On pick-up photograph scratches and damage and have them noted in the record.
• Driving licence: Held for long enough; in some countries an international driving permit is needed.
• Extra drivers, child seats, GPS: Check costs beforehand.
• Return: Return the vehicle with a receipt and photo (tuev-hauptuntersuchung).