Renting a car in Germany

Hi judy. You will hear different opinions, but I've rented many times in Europe using credit card ins with good results. Just get a copy of credit card benefits and read the fine print before you go. Enjoy your trip!

Just make sure you decline the agency's CDW where provided on the rental agreement. Also be sure to put all charges related to the rental car on the credit card so you don't give the CC company a reason to deny coverage in the event you have to use it. Be careful if you are offered an upgrade to a luxury type car. Basic CDW offered by your credit card probably will not cover you. If you have an American Express card you should consider paying the rental premium coverage of $24.95 which would give you better coverage. This charge is for the entire rental period and not a daily charge. This link may be of interest. http://www.gemut.com/car-rental/3762-upgrade-cautions.html

Judy, we just rented a car from EuropCar (through Gemut) on our recent trip to Germany. We declined CDW in favor of our AmEx coverage. The rental agent in Frankfurt told us that if the car was damaged that we would be liable for the costs and then would have to settle up with AmEx for our insurance coverage. So it sounds like it would have been more of a hassle in the long run but less expense in the short run. Thankfully we didn't have to find out as we didn't incur any damages.

Regarding Mary's dilemma, the rental company will charge your credit card for damages. There might be a problem with MasterCard, but if you have AmEx Premium insurance coverage, you do not have to pay first and wait for reimbursement. American Express simply passes the cost along to its insurance company.

Third party liability coverage is mandatory in Germany and is included automatically in all rentals.