Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
As a rule, always tell your car-rental company up front exactly which countries you'll
be entering. Some companies levy extra insurance fees for trips taken in certain countries
with certain types of cars (such as BMWs, Mercedes, and convertibles). Or the company
may prohibit driving the car in off-the-beaten-track destinations, such as Bosnia-Herzegov-
ina. As you cross borders, you may need to show the proper paperwork, such as proof of
insurance (called a “green card”). Double-check with your rental agent that you have all the
documentation you need before you drive off.
YoucansometimesgetaGPSunitwithyourrentalcarforanadditionalfee(around$15/
day; be sure it's set to English and has all the maps you need before you drive off). Or, if
you have a portable GPS device at home, consider taking it with you to Europe (buy and
upload European maps before your trip). GPS apps are also available for smartphones, but
downloadingmapsinEuropecouldleadtoanexorbitantdata-roamingbill(formoredetails,
Big companies have offices in most cities; ask whether they can pick you up at your
hotel. Small local rental companies can be cheaper but aren't as flexible.
Compare pickup costs (downtown can be cheaper than the airport) and explore drop-off
options. Always check the hours of the location you choose: Many rental offices close from
midday Saturday until Monday morning and, in smaller towns, at lunchtime.
When selecting a location, don't trust the agency's description of “downtown” or “city
center.” In some cases, a “downtown” branch can be on the outskirts of the city—a long,
costlytaxiridefromthecenter.Beforechoosing,plugtheaddressesintoamappingwebsite.
You may find that the “train station” location is handier. But returning a car at a big-city
train station or downtown agency can be tricky; get precise details on the car drop-off loca-
tion and hours, and allow ample time to gas up and find the office.
Whenyoupickuptherental car,checkitthoroughlyandmakesureanydamage isnoted
on your rental agreement. Find out how your car's lights, turn signals, wipers, and fuel cap
function, and know what kind of fuel the car takes. When you return the car, make sure the
agent verifies its condition with you.
Car Insurance Options
When yourent acar,youare liable foraveryhighdeductible, sometimes equal tothe entire
value of the car. Limit your financial risk with one of these three options: Buy Collision
Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage from the car-rental company, get coverage through your
credit card (free, if your card automatically includes zero-deductible coverage), or buy cov-
erage through Travel Guard.
CDW
includesaveryhighdeductible(typically$1,000-1,500).Thougheachrentalcom-
pany has its own variation, basic CDW costs $15-35 a day (figure roughly 30 percent extra)
and reduces your liability, but does not eliminate it. When you pick up the car, you'll be
