We are considering renting cars to take our own excursions from Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest in August. I read online that an International Car Insurance Card is required, at least in Slovakia. I've never heard of this before. Does anyone have current information about this? Also, do most rental car companies allow crossing national borders if we decide we want to drive all or some of the way between these cities? Thanks!
Posted by
Wengen
2488 posts
They probably refer to the "Green Card", which confirms that your car has insurance. But within the European union this is no longer needed afaik. Just confirm when you rent a car that you can take it cross border.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
You probably will be able to take the car cross borders but if you plan to drop it off, in a different country than you rented it, there will be a hefty drop off fee.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
One trip we started in Budapest and took the train to Bratislava. Then we caught a bus for the 39 mile trip into Vienna. We then caught a train up to Prague. We found trains the best way to go from city to city.
It's one thing to rent a car to see a region. But they're quite a hassle inside the cities--with hefty parking garage rates.
Budapest has plenty to see on its own. We did take a train out to Szendentre for the afternoon, however. Bratislava is a relatively small place that we enjoyed very much. It's very high income with a high tech economy.
Prague is of course a very large city with plenty to see. We took a "Free Walking Tour" where they work for tips and went back for the "Nightlife Tour" that night. One very good side trip is down to Cesky Krumlov, and there are good and relatively inexpensive shuttle services to take you throughout the region in vans.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8047 posts
I believe that is more intended for individuals driving their own vehicles. For a rental, your contract showing any insurance coverages suffices for both insurance and proof that you are legally driving the vehicle. If you will be relying on your credit card provided coverage, I would get a letter from the carrier detailing what coverage you have.
Of course inform the rental agency where you will be going, there may be additional insurance needed, a surcharge, maybe even prohibit entering some countries.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all very much for your comments!