AutoEurope is a consolidater. I have used them several times with EuropeCar being the actual rental company. No problems with them when picking up the car. I don't remember having a voucher - just my reservation confirmation - EuropeCar had my reservation in their computer. I would double check with my credit card company to confirm that their CDW covers Europe. I believe the Amex program I have does. If insurance is included in the rental, keep the liability, but waive the CDW if you can. If you can't, the credit card coverage will provide extra protection - check to see if it is primary or secondary coverage.

Don't purchase CDW with a big deductible, that's a big mistake.

Liability is always included and never part of the credit card.

Both your credit card and the CDW should include fire and theft as well as normal damage, but check. One of the issues with AutoEurope is what happens when the car insurance you get on arrival and the AutoEurope insurance in your contract with them do not align.

Since you are probably not returning at CDG be sure to include that it's a one way in your estimates.

Thank you Carolyn and Tom!

And check your policy at home; ours covers rental cars abroad.

I've used Auto Europe several times to rent cars from companies like Europcar and Hertz. I've never had a problem with voucher acceptance, last-minute changes, or otherwise. As was noted, they don't rent cars directly, they reserve a car for you from an actual car-rental company. Their website is a good shopping tool, and you should compare the price they offer with what's available on the car company's own website.

I'm not too sure about question one? Typically you get a car with a standard transmission. Maybe he's referring to asking for an automatic, GPS, car seat, etc. I prefer standard transmission as well as diesel if I can get it; if you want an automatic, you should ask for it up front because it's not a normal assumption in Europe. GPS nowadays is easier if you use your smart phone and download the Co-pilot app for Western Europe before your trip ($30 for maps, otherwise free); it runs fine without data once it's found your destination. I've used Google Maps but I find it's sucks both battery power and data (it won't reroute without data turned on). I don't need a car seat so that hasn't been an issue. I haven't seen a rental without air conditioning, so I don't think that's an issue. If you ask for extras, you should make sure it's included and know the price.

I use an American Express card for car rentals solely for their CDW. Not every Amex card has it. It used to be on my Costco card until Costco went to Citibank. I called and got a different card (Everyday Cash Card?) that included the CDW deal. For a flat rate of $25 (I think varies by state), you get full CDW (liability always comes with the car rental) for up to 40 days. I did one rental through Auto Europe and checked to see if I was billed for the premium. The card didn't automatically pick it up as a rental so they had to manually charge the premium to make sure I was covered. Since then I've used Hertz a couple times and the premium was charged automatically.

With 5 in your party, the size of car will be an issue. I traveled with five (self, spouse and three kids age 16, 12 and 8). We each had only one carry on. We leased a seven passenger Renault Grand Scenic II and it turned out to be just about the right size for the group. If we'd had more luggage or bigger people, it would have been too small. Don't assume a car that seats five will do so comfortably or have enough cargo room to keep your bags off your laps. Choose carefully after considering how much passenger and cargo space you need to travel comfortably.

Janettravels -- thanks. I did check our insurance and no coverage in Europe.

Thanks Brad...
My question #1 was really only asking about autoeurope experience -- nothing to do with standard or automatic. As mentioned, my visa does carry the CDW so I do have that coverage. Thanks for your tips on size of car for 5 people. We are 3 adults and 2 teens -- will each have a suitcase...so good point on making sure there is room and comfort.