Car Rental in Normandy

if you look on the web you can find complaints about every company. So I don't think anyone has 100% satisfied customers. That said, we've used Autoeurope and have never had a problem. They are a broker, but we've received better prices from them compared to the prices offered on the rental companies own site. And if there is a problem, you call Autoeurope and let them go to bat for you rather than trying to argue at the counter, or so I've read.

Rick says both Avis and Europcar are at the St. Malo train station, which is a long walk from the ferry terminal south of the old town. Plan to take a taxi unless you pack really light and like to hike. I agree to try AutoEurope--I've been very pleased with their service--but expect to pay additional fees when you pick up your car.

I used Europcar booked through AutoEurope this last October. My "compact manual" class rental was a Fiat 500L. It was nice and a good size for two people. They pushed the extra insurance hard, so be prepared for that.

I tend to use "American" brand names like Hertz and Avis just because their websites are easy to deal with and you'll be paying/booking beforehand in USD. Just keep in mind that even though the name on the door is one you recognize, they are actually affiliates/franchisees so if you have a problem and contact Hertz US upon return, they may or may not be of help to you.

We've had good experiences with Auto Europe. They are in Maine; you prepay by credit card and get a voucher to present at the rental site. It's easy to change reservations if your plans change. I don't recall any extra charges on site or any more pressure to buy extra insurance than you get with any rental company. Your credit card probably includes insurance -- check the terms -- but claims can be less convenient.

You'll find Avis, Hertz, and other familiar US brands, as well as well-established European brands like Europcar and Kemwel. But I agree with the previous poster -- just because the sign says Hertz doesn't mean US Hertz will help you if a problem arises.

I don't recall any extra charges on site

We had some local fees (road tax, etc) payable when we picked up the car. These were not surprises, though, they are disclosed in the quote you get from AutoEurope before you buy. See http://www.autoeurope.com/blog/travel-tips/understanding-your-car-rental-voucher

Yes, there will always be local fees when you pick up a car rented through AutoEurope, but they're very clearly set out in the voucher.

I book on Priceline. I look for the best rate and put in a reservation for my dates. I then check back every few weeks and if the rate goes down I will make a new reservation and cancel the first one. Rates change all the time. I would never prepay for my car as I want to take advantage of the lowest rate. If the rates should go up, I still have the lowest rate available. Usually rent with familiar name company.

Overseas car rental with Priceline? Wow, guess you haven't done any web searching about people with problems who discover that Priceline is nowhere to be found when help is needed, and the car rental company didn't want the Priceline reservation in the first place and also refuses to help.