Frequently Asked Questions about Car Hire

Auto Europe's rental specialists do their best to provide all customers with plenty of information. We strongly believe it is important to make an informed decision when hiring a car to make the whole experience as smooth as possible. We have prepared the most frequently asked questions and answers. Please have a look.



What do I need to know about hiring a car during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis?

You can still rent a car with Auto Europe despite the current situation, in fact now is the best time to book while the prices are still at their lowest! To be aware of all the different options available to you, please read our blog post on the subject of renting a car during the coronavirus crisis in order to make the best-informed decision.



I have hired a car with Auto Europe. Where can I find the rental desk at the pick-up location?

Auto Europe is not a car hire supplier- we are a broker. We do not have our own cars. Instead, we work with different car rental companies around the world to provide you with a hire car. For this reason, Auto Europe does not have any desks on site! In other words, we work with a variety of international and local companies to bring you the cheapest holiday cars anywhere in the world. Therefore, when picking up the vehicle, you should not look for the Auto Europe counter, but for the local rental company indicated on your voucher.



How old do I have to be in order to hire a car?

In most countries, you must be at least 21 to hire a car. However, the exact age may vary depending on the car category. Please note that underage drivers may incur a young driver fee in addition to the standard rental price. This should be noted on your voucher.



Do I need to possess a credit card in order to hire a car?

Yes, you do. Even if you pay for your booking with another bank card on our website, for example with a debit card, it is mandatory to be in possession of a valid credit card in the name of the main driver. The main driver is the person whose name you specify on booking. They must present a valid credit card in their own name with sufficient coverage for the deposit on the spot (at the pick-up counter). Prepaid credit cards and debit cards are not accepted and cash payment is also not accepted.



What exactly is deposit?

The local car hire company needs a deposit for the vehicle. The deposit is blocked at the pick-up on the main driver's credit card. The deposit is required by the rental company as a guarantee for the vehicle in case of damage or theft during the hire.



What is the reimbursement of excess?

The reimbursement of excess is a service provided by Auto Europe, which allows our customers to reclaim the deductible that they have paid directly to the car rental company in the event of damage. The customer pays the damage directly to the car rental company (supplier) up to the amount of the excess and can then submit an application for reimbursement of the costs to Lloyds of London, one of the world's greatest insurance companies.



This service is referred to as an excess guarantee and is valid not only for damage made to glass, tyres and underbody, but also to the hub-caps, wing mirrors, antenna, roof, windows, lights (brake-lights, indicators, headlights etc.) to the set limit of £3,000. In addition, should the driver accidentally misfuel the vehicle, they are covered to a maximum of £300. This also applies to broken locks, lost keys, and administration costs in case of towing. This fantastic policy protects renters from any kind of loss or damage which is a direct result of theft, vandalism or fire. Find out more about the claim process and the necessary documents here.



Which documents are necessary for pick-up?

In order to pick up a car, you need the printed version of your Auto Europe Rental Voucher along with your driving licence, a valid DVLA code, ID or passport, and a valid credit card in the name of the main driver. Debit cards or pre-paid credit cards are not accepted.



Find out more about car hire with Auto Europe in the Questions and Answers section!