Car Rental Companies

Before you commit, ask about whatever's applicable to your situation:

• Weekly unlimited mileage rate
• Age restrictions
• Insurance cost
• CDW options (including "super CDW" or "zero-deductible" coverage)
• Theft insurance (required in Italy)
• Cost of adding another driver
• Drop-off costs within a country or in another country
• A list of offices in the countries you're visiting (consider the most efficient pick-up and drop-off points)
• If it's cheaper to pick up the car at the airport or downtown
• If there is a covered trunk
• Availability of extras, such as automatic transmission or child safety seats
• Restrictions on driving the car in all countries (particularly in Eastern Europe)
• Additional charges or local taxes such as VAT (value added tax)

Before you drive away, ask about:

• Local laws you might not be aware of (for example, whether headlights are required to be on at all times)
• Length of the grace period for drop-off (can be 30–59 minutes)
• How to use the wipers, alarm system, lights, radio, etc.
• What type of fuel is best and how to release the gas cap
• Location of insurance "green card"
• Making repairs and emergency roadside services
• Changing a tire

Updated for 2008. For lots more tips, check out our best-selling Europe Through the Back Door travel skills guidebook.