Hiring And Driving A Car In Another EU Country

Now that Brexit has officially happened, many Brits are outraged by the departure. They are saddened by the fact that they have to leave the European Union. And why wouldn’t they be? They will be missing out on the many perks of being a part of the EU.

You get to trade, travel, and work in 27 different nations, and that too without needing a visa if you are part of the EU. You can easily travel within most of Europe just by living in one of those great nations. People often opt for using a car to travel across Europe.

Hiring and driving a car in another EU country is as easy as it is in your own country. Here is all you need to know:

No Discrimination Policy

European union is strict about discrimination regarding service. A car rental service anywhere within the EU can quote their own costs. Depending on where they are and how they plan on putting their car hiring prices, they are free to do as per their business requirement.

In the early 2010s, there was an increase in discrimination based on nationality by car rentals services in different parts of the EU. The complaints regarding discrimination had increased.

However, car rentals cannot discriminate against people based on their nationality. Xenophobia within the EU in car rental firms is punishable by law. There is a ban, and you can complain to the authorities.

Hire a car from anywhere within the EU from Easirent Car Rental!

Benefit From Consumer Rights

The perk of being inside the EU is that you have the same consumer rights in every country within the union.

This means that you have every right to access information regarding the product or service you are getting. Your car rental service needs to be open about all information you require.

The business cannot give you unfair contract terms. The contract you are making when you buy a service or product has to be absolutely fair. You have every right to sue them if the contract conditions are unjust.

If you face a dispute, you can choose to settle the conflict with the rental company outside of court. You can also make use of the EU dispute-resolving website.

The Limitations

There are some limitations you need to be aware of. If you book a rental service online, whether, through phone, email, or website, it doesn’t give you the right to cancel the order as you please.

Cancellation and refund of your order will follow the business’s terms and policies. Unlike other products or services, you cannot enjoy the 14 days, no strings attached refund.

If the business terms allow you to cancel your order, then you can do it. This is why it’s crucial to be aware of their policies regarding cancellation and refund.

In case of a dispute, the brokers are usually not liable. Learn about your broker’s agreement with the car rental regarding liabilities before making a deal.

Things To Know Before Hiring

Now that you are aware of EU policies regarding car hiring and driving in various countries within the union, there are a few other things you need to know. These technical factors can affect your safe travels in another EU country.

Inform The Car Rental About Where You Plan To Travel

Suppose you hire a car in Paris, saying you will use it in France. Later, you decide you will visit Brussels, without the car rental being aware of your change of plans. This can cause a lot of trouble.

First of all, if you are taking the car out of the country you hired the car in, make sure the rental has provided you with a car registered under the EU. You can’t cross borders without it.

The vehicle documentation and insurance coverage will be different in case you travel to different countries. So, make sure you let the rental service know beforehand. This will enable them to give you a car that is prepared for travel within those specific countries.

Third-Party Liability Insurance

Third-party liability insurance is what insures the car against damage caused by the person who hired it. Let’s say you hired a car that you accidentally ran into a lamp post. This liability insurance will ensure you don’t have to pay for it.

Businesses need this to cover the cost of property damage. Learn about the rental’s policy about third-party liability insurance. If the cost of insurance is not included in the hiring price, you can get into serious trouble paying for car damage.

Make sure the car matches with traffic and road safety rules of the countries you will be driving it in. Thoroughly check the car before hiring, so they can’t pin any old damage on you.

Other Information You Need Before Driving Off

There is some information you need before driving your hire car in another country. The car rental company might have some cross border fees you will need to pay. This fee may or may not include third-party liability insurance.

If it is convenient for you to return the car in another country, learn if the rental service has another branch in that country. Many of these rental services cover at least a few EU countries, and you can enjoy their service there.

Find out whether you are allowed to take the car model you hired across borders. The rental may not allow it for expensive cars.

Make sure your driving license is valid in the countries you visit.

Final Thoughts

Now that you are aware of the various factors that affect hiring and driving a car in another EU country, you can feel free to cross the borders of Europe.

Remember that these rules don’t apply to countries outside of the EU. Make sure the car you hire is well-equipped for crossing EU borders.

Being informed can save you from any car hire related troubles in the future. Find a rental you can trust, and you will face no problem with your travels. Happy travels!