Foreign Territory: Should You Rent a Car Overseas?

The romantic allure of driving through the Tuscan countryside, stopping for a picnic next to an old castle and then heading to your hotel in Siena sounds perfect--except for Italian drivers and the incessant headaches of overseas car rental. Renting cars in Europe is possible, but it can be tricky if you aren't prepared.

Book Your Car Before Traveling

Don't show up at the airport and expect a smooth overseas car rental experience. Other than the obvious possible language problems, you will get taken to the bank. Book your car rental with a travel agent or online through the company’s website, so that you have a copy of the contract to take with you, know the various fees being charged and have everything in English. Use a well-known car rental agency no matter where you’re going--Stanislav’s Super Good Car Rental might be cheaper, but all the hidden fees and lack of engine aren’t worth it.

Check Age Restrictions Before You Go

In the United States you only need to be 25 years old to rent a car; in Europe, every country is different and many countries have restrictions on renting a car for older individuals. In fact, renting cars in Europe over the age of 70 is difficult. Ireland restricts the age to less than 75, Romania to 70 and under. Many car rental agencies throughout Europe have surcharges for overseas car rental customers over the age of 65. Follow the first rule of overseas travel and know before you go. Do your research.

Have Your Own Car Insurance

Renting a car at home can be a car insurance nightmare; overseas car rental can turn into a horror movie you don’t want to be a part of. DEI (damage excess insurance) or CDW (collision damage waivers) are a rental car agency’s dream. Internet car rental forums are teeming with angry travelers who paid hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for excess car insurance fees. Renting cars in Europe does not have to ruin your trip. Call your car insurance agency, get European coverage from them and take the paperwork with you.

Other Important Tips

Overseas car rental is a suitable option for drivers who want freedom, but are also willing to take the extra risk. Remember to be ready, do your research and have a good sense of humor--people drive differently on the other side of the Atlantic:

• Check that all the parts--extra tire, jack, paperwork--are in the car before leaving the agency. Take your own photos of the entire car so they don’t try to charge you for damage later.
• Exchange rates fluctuate. If you didn’t already pay for the car, check the exchange rate the agency uses versus the one that is listed for that day.
• Have extra copies of everything. Bring two copies of the contract, your driver’s license, car insurance and passport.
• International driving permits (IDP) are not usually necessary. Don’t worry about paying for an IDP; your U.S. driver's license is good enough for driving everywhere in Europe (outside of Europe, this is different).
• Read about traffic laws before going to any new country. Each country has different traffic laws, so learn them. The UK and Ireland are the only places where they drive on the left in Europe, but check all the local laws anyway--you don’t want the police to stop you.