Car hire in Germany
What are the benefits of hiring a car in Germany?
If you’re heading to Germany but not taking your own car then hiring one could be a great option, and it’s worth doing what you can to avoid paying over the odds. Choosing a reputable car hire firm can be a good start, but that’s not to say you should just pick a global name and expect to get the best deal. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Book in advance
If you want to get a better deal on car hire - and who doesn’t like a better deal? - it’s worth seeing what’s on offer in advance. The Internet makes it incredibly easy to find out which companies serve the area you’re heading to, so why not do a little price comparison? Booking in advance could save you a good deal of money, and, of course, it's one less thing to worry about when you arrive. Take a look at Europcar for further details.
2. Take extras with you
A good way to cut down on the cost of car hire is to take any extras you need with you. So, if you think you’ll benefit from use of a sat nav, or if you need a child seat, packing your own will mean you'll save money on arrival. It’s always best to know exactly what you’re paying for, especially as some car hire firms can be less than upfront about some of their policies. Things to look out for include, but aren’t limited to, full-to-empty fuel tank policies and mileage limits.
4. Make a note of any damage
Before you pull away, you’ll likely find the car you’ve been given is checked over, with any existing damage noted down. However, if they miss something (accidentally or otherwise), you could later find yourself being asked to pay for scrapes, scratches or bumps that you didn’t cause. So, take the extra few minutes to check yourself - if you really want to make sure, take photos.
Germany Driving - Pocket Guide
PDF 33KB
Swinton Travel Insurance
Explore our online exclusive single trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance policies and build a quote to suit you.
Insurance from Swinton and Safeguard
- Car Hire Excess Insurance - Protect your finances from costly excess charges on insurance for rental cars
- Car Insurance - A flexible range of policies for a wide range of cars and drivers
- Breakdown Cover - Flexible cover to help get you back on the road
- Touring Caravan Insurance - European cover included as standard
- Motorhome Insurance - European cover included as standard
Driving abroad
Be sure to check out our other driving abroad guides:
Looking for something else?