Car hire in Europe can be a unique and unforgettable way for Americans to become acquainted with the grandeur and history of Europe. If you are not familiar with the term "car hire," it simply means car rental or renting a car. Seeing ancient architecture, picturesque villas, vibrant vineyards, and majestic mountains from the cockpit of a convertible is an exhilarating experience. Here are some tips and advice for maximizing the fun of your car hire in Europe.

When planning your European vacation, consider a car hire in your destination country rather than transportation by train or bus. Make your reservations far in advance, print all travel and rental confirmations, and take them with you. Much of the "paperwork" can now be done online.

Bring your normal driver's license with you, and all your insurance information. Just like the car rental companies in your own country, the ones in Europe need proof that you are an eligible and responsible driver. Find out what other documentation, if any, you will need for a car hire in your European destination country.

Determine in advance what make and model of car you will be getting, and whether you can drive it! If you can't drive a stick shift or manual transmission car, this may limit your vehicle choices. Ask about the price, availability, and types of fuel. You may end up with a Dodge that runs on diesel rather than a Renault that runs on regular.

Always take the supplemental insurance offered by the car hire company. A car accident is stressful enough at home, with the police, the insurance company, and the other driver. Imagine what a nightmare an accident would be when you are 3,000 miles from home and don't even speak the language.

Finally, be prepared for surprises. If you're an American who has never traveled abroad, trying to drive in a country that drives on the opposite side of the road will probably present some difficulty. Likewise, traffic circles may throw you for a loop if they are new to you. And don't attempt the German Autobahn on your first day. Take some time to learn the local German driving customs, especially those concerning merging and passing other cars. And don't forget to load up on the supplemental insurance.

A car hire in Europe will be a challenging but fun vacation you will never forget. Do your research, learn the customs, and plan your route. It will be a drive in the country that will last a lifetime.

Use the free tips below to start planning your high-octane vacation abroad today.

By Doug Smith


If you are planning to visit Ireland, car hire is surely on your mind. In Ireland you should find this a painless and joy-filled experience, with a little forethought and preparation.

Get online or on the phone as quickly as possible because, depending upon the time of year you go and your destination, the best deals are gone quickly.

In Ireland car hire is most easily done when you have an international driver's license plus your normal driver's license. This is a requirement of most companies that rent automobiles.

You will want to take the insurance policy that is offered, usually for extra money. The Irish are rather sensible drivers but you just never know, right?

Insurance should consist of the CDW and TW – Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Waiver. Often, your insurance company that covers your personal car back home will cover rentals abroad, or even provide additional coverage, so this is worth looking into.

Additionally Ireland car hire often offers you breakdown coverage and bond coverage if you should be arrested for some reason.

Look into the amount of taxes that may have to be paid, and, and for encrypted web pages when submitting credit card information online. If the rental company cannot assure you of these minimum safety features, do not deal with it.

Unless money is not an issue, avoid renting from a company near the airport. Their prices are almost always much higher compared to car hire companies located farther away. Beware of hidden prices in the contract. The only way to do this is to request a copy of the contract before agreeing to anything.

Scan the contract for anything you don't like. Be sure to live up to any conditions that you've agree to. Of course, make sure that you are also signing the same contract that you originally read. A single change in the contract could come back to sting you.

If you are booking from North America be prepared for some disappointment. While not true on the whole, there are Ireland car hire companies that wish to rent only to Europeans – particularly those of the European Economic Union.

This provides a safety net for the companies, lest something adverse should happen to one of their cars.

Remember also that mileage is not always unlimited, nor are extra drivers always allowed without additional costs. With a little research, you can find a discount or two on the web that may defer some of the rental costs, likewise.

Upon receipt of your vehicle, examine it for any scratches or defects and ensure that these are listed on your contract or at least with the company, so that you will not be charged for these defects when returning the vehicle.

Lastly, enjoy yourself. Ireland is a grand place to visit, because it is one of the prime destinations of Europe. Feel free to ask information of the Ireland car hire company with whom you do business.

Often they will provide you with maps, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and other tourist interest that will be of much help. Enjoy your stay!

This article is © 2006 by Doug Smith, who has many more free tips about how to reserve a car hire abroad at Find Cars For Hire.

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