<p>cangel - we rented a van in France several years ago. First of all, we wound up actually having rented what I would term a camionette - a little truck like a white bread van. Definite stick shift, seats like a bus. So point number one, make sure you know what kind of car you are actually getting. Point number two, driving said little truck around, I managed to sideswipe something and damage it. Watch out for insurance issues. I had to pay the whole damage fee - they do not insure. It was EuropeCar or something of the sort. The policies are v. different from the US. Find out if you can insure yourselves. </p>
<p>Now, a whole other story is how I managed to do the damage. Let’s just say that jet lag does not mix will with medieval side streets in Orleans…</p>
<p>Re insurance: Hertz was excellent in england in that respect—my husband knocked off the side mirror backing out of a walled driveway and we didn’t have to pay any of the repair cost. this may vary by country</p>
<p>And by vendor. We were told the American multinationals are better in insurance than the European firms. Of course, not until after I had shelled out the euros…</p>
<p>About insurance. Check with your credit card, if it is an upgraded card it may insure your rental car. Some countries are not covered because of the high rate of accidents (when we went Ireland was one). This insurance will cover you for any fender benders you might get into (or in our case lost hubcaps and small dent from run-in with stone wall) and save you the considerable cost of getting insurance from the car rental company.</p>
<p>I rent a lot of cars in Europe and have one suggestion that is is the opposite of Denquist’s. No matter what my own insurance company or credit card says, I always (ALWAYS!) take the extra insurance from the rental car company. Yes it adds to the cost a bit, but it is worth it many times over when you’re rushing for a plane back to the states and they find problems with the car (broken windshields, etc). </p>
<p>Taking the insurance from the rental car company has led to ZERO hassles at the end when time is short. Just on my last trip (down under in Paradise), there was a small issue, but the counter clerk said, “No problem - you’ve got our insurance.”</p>
<p>The one time it REALLY helped was with a car rental in Sweden. Driving some of the unpaved roads above the Artic Circle led to headlight and windshield damage. Not to mention the GOATS that jumped all over the car at one remote intersection (did they think we were a new hill???).</p>
<p>We returned to the airport, told the counter agent about the damage, and were on our way almost instantly. Leaving a country is not the time for filling out forms, arguing about damages, and trying to figure out who owes what, even if you are covered. </p>
<p>You’re paying for peace of mind and a hassle-free rental and smooth sailing. And that is worth the $10 or $15 extra per day.</p>
<p>God, and I thought I was the only poor sucker who had had an automobile accident in foreign regions. I had such shame, only the anonymity allowed me to confess - and I find out I am not alone!</p>