I'm planning to drive alone through Northern Spain at end of May.. Will be renting car in Barcelona airport. The best price is from Eurocar through Auto Europe Rental. Has anyone used Eurocar? Do I have to get their insurance? Any other rental requirements that I absolutely need? I have American Express so in US I don't need car insurance, but not sure in Spain.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
You don't have to get their insurance, but check with your credit card to see their overseas coverage.
The only other thing I can think of is that you need an International Drivers Permit -IDP. It's like $20 from AAA - they just translate your current valid license into a standard form. It is legally required in Spain. Some people say they were never asked for it, which is true, but I wouldn't risk an accident and dealing with the police without a legally required document!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
American express has an insurance policy for overseas that is about $25. I have bought it a few times but never had to use it. Did you check on Priceline to compare prices. I often find they show more companies than some of the other sites. I rent cars often and I usually go to Priceline and book the cheapest. I will then check back and the price will usually go down. I will then make a new reservation and cancel the old one. I would never prepay for a car. The rates change all the time and since you can have a reservation without paying up front you can always change it. Just saw weekly rental cars there from $74 a week, unlimited mileage, etc. during May.
Do get your IDP. I have never had to show it, but once I found out about it I decided its worth the $20, and I think more places are now requiring it.
Posted by
OP
Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
20 posts
You guys are awesome! Thanks for the info. I forgot that I did get a IDP when I went to Italy. Also about the insurance. However I looked into Priceline, and since I want automatic and I'm driving from Barcelona to drop off in Madrid, it is over $320 while Auto Europe is $100 less. Priceline advertises $74 for the week, but then they add taxes, etc. and comes out ot over $320. Yikes!! I am sure I will have many other questions as I start planning "things to do" in each city I will visit.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Just keep in mind that you may request an automatic but you are not guaranteed an automatic especially if you request a smaller car and it will probably be diesel. Can you live with a standard transmission?
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Usually drop off in the same country does not have a surcharge. Check the date on you IDP as it is only valid for a year. If you are prepaying with Eurocar then I think you will probably get an automatic. I had to do that once in Amsterdam as I had a cast on my right arm and wanted an automatic. No problem getting it. I also always rent an automatic in GB and have never been told they don't have one... but I would just keep confirming that they will have it.
Where did you get the 320 rate? I looked again and with weekly rate... automatic, compact car, drop in Madrid, there were rates starting at $214 for a compact....compared to 250 on AutoEurope... Hope I haven't been paying too much all these years:) They have those mini cars even cheaper, but I would not want to drive one of those roller skates on the road... the others are small enough.