Car Rental Costs in Europe: what you should know

When traveling in Europe from a different country or looking for a rental car while in Europe, you might want to consider car rental costs in Europe. One thing to note is that if you are used to renting a car in the United States, the costs for renting a car in Europe are usually more expensive.  It can also be more complicated due to other insurance options and any other additional fees.

However when you go to rent a car, it is important to try to be informed to cut down on the hassle and save money when you go to make your reservation for a rental car online. However, it will all be worth it.

Car rental costs in Europe: some tips

The basic costs tend to vary depending on each car rental agency.  The car rental costs in Europe also depend on other factors such as peak months for traveling in comparison to other slower months when less people are likely to be renting a car.

In various countries, prices can also be different.  For example, Italy has the tendency to have higher costs for car rentals while Germany generally is cheaper than average overall when comparing car rental costs in Europe. The most expensive car rental in one European country might be the cheapest option in another country so it will take a little bit of preparation and comparing of prices of cars to determine which one is the best for your next car rental in Europe. [Read alos: www.rentcar360.com/cheapest-car-rental-italy-deals]

When you see the quotes from different car hire companies, they generally include the price of a value-added tax, unlimited mileage usage, and third-party liability insurance which is legally required in Europe.  When you make your comparisons of rental cars costs in Europe, you will also want to factor in any extra costs for things like a luggage rack, an additional driver who might help do the driving, or automatic transmission since manual stick shift is the norm in Europe rental cars.  The costs of these add-ons can also vary a lot per country.

Then, you will find that the largest extra cost besides the price of the rental itself is the insurance. Sometimes the rental price already includes it and sometimes even your credit card could cover the extra insurance that is legally required but you should not assume it.  If you opt for the insurance that is offered by the car rental agency, you can estimate that you will pay a 30 percent extra for a supplement insurance for a collision damage waiver. This could end up being an additional $30 per day for your rental.

Another thing to consider about opting for a rental car is the clear and consistent value added tax that is required to be paid on every car rental.  It is typically 18 – 25 percent of your overall rental cost.  It is not a negotiable fee and is required.  While some quotes that you may run online to check the car rental costs in Europe may quote the value added tax, do not always count on it.  It may end up costing you extra when you get down to looking at your itemized costs.

Eco Tax or Road Tax – don’t worry about them

Europe also has required fees that are referred to usually as an eco tax or a road tax.  These fees differ depending on the country where you have rented your vehicle.  Count on about $5 per day for the road tax.  But don’t worry about them: note that usually if you opt for a rental car that is an automatic, European countries generally charge about $10 per day for environmental fees.  Depending on the country and the rental agency, the fee might be added regardless.  If you are not sure whether or not these fees are included in the price that have been quoted, be sure to have it clarified.

Other possible fees

Also for car rental costs in Europe, consider other fees.  For an extra driver, you might pay up to $25 per day for someone else to share in the driving.  If someone who is not listed on the car rental agreement as a driver and they are doing the driving and there is an accident, insurance will not cover it.  As advertised primarily in Italy by car rental companies since it is required there, there is also an additional expense for theft protection of your rental car.  This fee runs approximately $20 per day.

If you are going as a family to Europe, you also should note that child safety seats have different age and weight requirements that vary from other countries.  If you have a child, always check for sure to see what the law says in the country you are visiting.  You can bring a car seat for a child from home even though it is an extra load of luggage especially if you are flying to Europe.  If you choose to rent a child safety seat, you also need to note that in your reservation and it could cost as much as $70 per day but it could also be as little as $15 per day.

There are several other extra fees that you might need to consider when estimating the car rental costs in Europe.  If you want a rental car that has an automatic transmission, expect to pay about 50 percent more than the same model of car that has a manual transmission.  A GPS navigation system is another common add-on that costs extra too while sometimes in luxury vehicles, it is already included. Luggage racks, ski racks, winter tires for snowy areas, wi-fi in cars, and other add-ons may also be additional costs.  You also might check to see if emergency roadside assistance is included in the car rental cost in case you need a tow or a tire change.

Also figure in the car rental costs in Europe that you might be paying a set rate for mileage.  For example, a rental car toll might be figured on how far you drive and is usually around 15 cents per mile.  Also keep in your mind for a budget the amount of fuel you will need.

A full tank of gas for a week can get you about 700 miles in standard cars but always make sure you fill up your vehicle before you drop it off to avoid additional car rental costs in Europe.