If you’re planning a European road trip, there’s one move that could save you big. According to travel expert Rick Steves, the best way to lock in the lowest rate is to pay up front. As he explains in his expert guide for booking a rental car in Europe, “If your itinerary is set, it’s almost always smarter to pay for a rental car when you book, rather than at the agency counter in Europe.”
There are a few reasons Steves suggests this strategy. For one, prepaid rentals often come with better collision damage waiver rates. “You’ll also avoid paying an international transaction fee on your credit card,” Steves points out. Plus, you’ll probably be quoted a lower rate to start, and you won’t have to worry about the cost changing due to exchange rates. However, there’s one caveat. “Beware cancellation fees,” Steves advises. “Don’t pay if your itinerary is likely to change, and be clear on the company’s cancellation policy.”
Europe’s car rental market can be more limited than in the U.S., particularly in smaller towns. You’ll want to consider which is the right rental car for your European vacation, and waiting could mean you don’t get what you want. Booking early not only gives you more choices, but it also helps you avoid jacked-up walk-up rates or sold-out situations. Rick also notes that most European cars have a manual transmission, and automatics cost more and sell out faster. If you want an automatic, book well in advance and be prepared to pay extra. So before you head to Europe, compare the cost of booking online and paying in advance versus waiting until you pick up the car. It never hurts to have one less thing to worry about when you land.
More tips for scoring the best car rental deal in Europe, according to Rick Steves
Paying in advance might be Rick Steves’ top tip for scoring a better price, but there are a few other things you should know before renting a car in Europe. You may want to consider booking through a consolidator rather than a rental agency. “Most of us start our search on a travel-booking site such as Kayak, Expedia, or AAA,” Steves says. “Of course, if you have a favorite car-rental agency at home, consider using the same company in Europe.” These brokers shop across multiple companies and often offer the best deals, especially for American travelers booking from abroad.
That said, don’t skip the fine print. “With a consolidator as a middleman, it’s especially important to ask ahead of time about add-on fees and restrictions,” Steves advises. This could help you avoid surprise charges being tacked on at the end. Also, be strategic about pick-up and drop-off locations. Renting at the airport may be more convenient, but it usually comes with extra fees. If you’re staying in a city center, look into picking up your rental from an in-town location instead. “That said, beware the possible inconveniences of picking up your car in a small town — a tiny regional office has a smaller fleet than a major airport agency,” Steves says. The pick-up and drop-off schedule will also likely be more restrictive.
Finally, keep an eye on mandatory insurance rules. Some countries require extra coverage — for example, Italy requires theft insurance — and you might not be fully covered by your credit card or separate travel insurance. Always review the contract carefully before you hit “confirm.”
