Where to rent a car?
Car rental agencies or websites and platforms of private car rental like
Getaround for instance. Car rental agencies they are generally located in city centres, or near airports and train stations. You can find websites and platforms online.
How to rent a cheap car?
Car rental also benefits from the low cost phenomenon: new players have entered the market, such as Budget or Rent a Car. What's more, the prices offered online are generally cheaper than in agencies.
What types of cars can be rented?
In the agency, it is possible to rent 2-3 or 4-5 doors, convertibles, minivans, SUVs, station wagons, sedans or luxury cars. You can also rent commercial vehicles.
Is it possible to rent a car by the month or for a long period of time?
Some agencies allow you to rent a car for several months. However, be careful about the number of kilometres allowed per day or the total length of your rental. Depending on the agency, payment may be required in one lump sum.
If by long-term rental you mean leasing, we advise you to contact a car rental agency directly to find the offer that best suits your needs.
From what age can I rent a car?
The legal age for renting a car in France for example is 21 years old. But there may be differences depending on the country:
- USA: 18 years old
- Italy: 19 years old
- Austria: 19 years old
- Ireland: 25 years old
For certain types of vehicles (utility vehicles, luxury cars), you may need to be over 25 years old. It is also required to have had your licence for at least 1 year (even 3 years for some rental companies). Note that additional fees may apply if you are a young driver.
What documents do I need to provide for a car rental?
When renting a car you will need to provide :
- Your identity card or passport
- Your driver's license
- A credit card in your name
- Proof of address (depending on the agency)
- A telephone number (depending on the agency)
Do I need insurance to rent a car?
Civil insurance - covering bodily injury and property damage to others - is included in the rental price. The additional insurance offered by the renter covers the costs of repairing the vehicle, in the event of a problem for which you are responsible. You are not obliged to take out this insurance. The sign must tell you the maximum amount of its participation, beyond which it will not pay for repairs. If you do not wish to take out this insurance, check the deductible.
Is it possible to rent a car without a credit card?
It is possible to book a car rental without a credit card. The solutions available to you to do so are debit card, prepaid card, cash, holiday vouchers or bank cheque. Make sure beforehand that the rental agency accepts these solutions.
Can I cross borders with my rental car?
It is possible to cross borders with a rental car. But to do so, please inform the relevant car rental agency in advance. Please also make sure that the insurance taken out in the different countries you are travelling through is taken into account.
In the majority of cases, the agencies will let you cross the borders free of charge, but some of them charge for this option.
What do I need to pay attention to when renting a car?
When you pick up your rental car, make sure, when the inventory of fixtures is carried out in the presence of a person from the sign, that any discrepancies identified are recorded in the rental contract. These may concern :
- The bodywork
- The tires
- The mirrors
- The state of the seats
- Front or rear lights
- The mileage, which must be the same as the mileage stated on the contract.
Don't forget to return the vehicle to the same fuel level as when you picked it up, otherwise you will be charged a higher price for the missing litres.
Finally, when returning the vehicle, don't be late to avoid paying additional agency fees!