Renting a car in Porto

Posted by Selkirk (U.S.A.) on 05/17/19 01:04 PM

We've read some cautionary tales here and elsewhere about renting cars in Porto - avoid this or that company, for this or that reason..... But does anyone have a recommendation of a company to use (as opposed to companies to avoid)? Any good experiences out there?

Also, some of the online rental sights appear to sell the "Super" or "CDW" insurance (no deductible) for only 30 euros for 10 days' rental. I know most counsel against buying the "Super" and to take your chances with a high deductible but for that rate, does it make sense (or, are there hidden costs that make this "too good to be true")?

Thank you.

Posted by kathrynj

Cascais, Portugal

05/18/19 07:22 AM

1826 posts

I highly recommend Auto Europe. I’ve used them for years and never had a problem. A lot of credit cards will provide insurance if you use the card to rent the car. My card provides this so I’ve never taken out the extra insurance.

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

05/18/19 07:37 AM

15794 posts

I start with autoeurope - a consolidator. Then I check out what look like the best deals directly with the companies. I usually end up with Europcar and never had a problem. If Autoeurope's deal is better, I book with them. You have to prepay, but the couple of times I've cancelled, my refunds came through in a couple of days. Do read the fine print, sometimes Autoeurope doesn't include some fees that make it seem like a bbetter deal than it is.

I picked up a car from Europcar (direct booking) yesterday in Lisbon. It was quick and easy. Caveat - after you book and lock in a price, go back and check. I ended up paying about $100 less for a 10-day rental because the price dropped closer to the date. I rented a toll reader for about $20. I cruise through the toll plazas. The company said I'd be charged the net amount of the tolls about 3 weeks after I return the car.

Posted by Selkirk OP

U.S.A.

05/18/19 03:20 PM

64 posts

Yep, I've been looking at Auto Europe too. As Rick points out, it's cheaper to use the autoeurope.eu site than the .com site. Lots of options, but I've seen people say here and on other forums they've had trouble with many of the companies offering cars in Porto. Will look at Europcar.

The .eu site also offers some coverage at cheaper prices than the no coverage on the .com site, but there's no way to reject it and go with credit card coverage.

Posted by Lisa

Calgary, AB, Canada

05/18/19 07:36 PM

567 posts

We had good luck with Sixt in France, although we didn't use them in Portugal. I notice there is a couple of them in Porto. We also used Hertz in Sintra/Lisbon with no problems.
Do you by any chance have insurance through your credit card for rentals? If so use that. But you need to decline the rental cars insurance. I don't have experience with the other as we use our credit card ( and actually had to make a successful claim).

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

05/19/19 06:12 AM

32363 posts

Shoreline,

As you probably noticed from the AutoEurope website, you will require an International Driver's Permit for Portugal, which must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. - https://www.autoeurope.com/international-drivers-license-in-portugal/

I normally pay for the best no deductible CDW these days as I want no hassles if someone backs into the car in a carpark or whatever.

You might find it helpful to contact Gemut.com as they're very knowledgeable about car rentals in Europe. They have a good website, a toll free number and a downloadable PDF car rental guide that you may find helpful.