Rental car questions

I’ve used AutoEurope and recommend them. AutoEurope’s website will let you know the cost of the various insurance coverages before you decide to reserve a car.
In Spain car rental agencies by law must include Third Party Liability coverage and Fire Protection in case the car is damaged by fire. That leaves the renter with a decision on the remaining Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection in the event the car is stolen.
I have been fortunate as a USAA member to have a credit card which includes almost all of the insurance coverages for rental cars overseas. A letter confirming these coverages gets me off the hook at the rental car counter where customers are forced to buy the insurance from the rental company if they lack a letter documenting the specific coverages they have.
If you are already planning to buy travel insurance, it may be cost-effective to get a policy that will include a low or zero deductible CDW in addition to Theft Protection. This often costs less than what the rental agencies themselves offer. I buy travel insurance through Generali Global Assistance which offers policies with car rental coverages.
You also need to know that an International Drivers Permit (IDP) is legally required in Spain. The rental agencies don’t require IDP’s—-it’s the police who can ask to see your IDP if you are pulled over for any reason. And in countries such as Spain where an IDP is legally required, the fallout from not having one in that situation can be severe—anything from a fine up to €500 to detention to— in the event of an accident— the impounding of the rental car. The most serious consequence is the possible voiding of any insurance coverage you thought you had since, technically, you are not legally driving the car if you lack the legally required IDP.
An IDP can be prepared at any American Automobile Association office for about $30. If you’re planning on having additional drivers they will also need to have their own IDP..
One thing I highly recommend in Spain is paying for the GPS option in the car, Having the driving map on the car’s screen next to the steering wheel makes driving so much easier and safer than relying on your cell phone or on a passenger’s cell phone.
If you have more insurance questions, AutoEurope can be contacted at (888) 223-5555.
Have a great trip!

We rented through Enterprise our last few trips to Europe. We splurge and get the full coverage even though it costs more. If something happens you drop it off and hand it the key. Which coverages you get should depend on your comfort level. Many people are fine with their credit card’s coverage while some like us spend more for piece of mind.

Additional coverages cost varies between companies as do available optional coverages such as road service, personal injury protection, windshield, etc. When reserving a vehicle ensure you know what is included regarding insurance. Different companies’ included coverage varies.

As already mentioned, liability insurance is mandatory and included in the rental car price.

Previously worked at Auto Europe for 10 years. I rent from them now all the time.

Here is the benefit. Something goes wrong during or after your trip, they will advocate for you!

Get to the counter and they don’t have your car? Call Auto Europe and let them deal with it! They have more power than you and they can fix you up with another rental provider in that situation. I saw them do incredible things for customers in a bind.

Personally, I get insurance with zero deductible when I rent from them. I pay extra to not deal with the headache that comes with insurance claims, reimbursement, rental car company scrutinizing the vehicle when you return it, etc.

Thanks for the replies

I actually had a few additional questions:

1. If I reserve a car thru AutoEurope with the zero deductible option will the car rental agency require a deposit on my credit card until I return the car? 2.If I happen to get in an accident or damage the car - do I have to pay the car rental agency and then file a claim for reimbursement from AutoEurope or does AutoEurope handle everything.
2. If I reserve directly thru Avis and purchase the Super CDW with all the extras or some other rental car agency is the zero deductible really 0 out of pocket? Or can I still be charged for damages?

I am risk adverse so I am looking for the option that is less paperwork for me and 0 out of pocket in the event of damages.

Thanks

No idea about AutoEurope, but with Enterprise zero deductible you just handover the keys if something happens. You pay nothing.

A 200€ hold/deposit put on the card when we picked it up. It was refunded when we turned the car in.

I have used AutoEurope occassionally and have had no problems. Once, I even rented a car for Hawaii through AutoEurope and they were cheaper than Costco or Discount Hawaii Car Rental.

One tip is to compare AutoEurope.com, AutoEurope.ca (i am Canadian) and AutoEurope.es. The different country sites may have different deals. It pays to compare.