Checklist Car Rental In Europe
Checklist Car Rental In Europe: Step-by-Step for U.S. Travelers
📝 Checklist Car Rental in Europe – Step-by-Step for U.S. Travelers
✅ Before You Leave the U.S.
Checklist Car Rental In Europe Valid – U.S. Driver’s License (not expired, valid for entire trip).
International Driving Permit (IDP) (get from AAA if your country requires it—Italy, Austria, Greece, Spain).
Credit Card with Rental Insurance (call your bank to confirm coverage overseas).
Book Rental in Advance (automatic if needed, especially in summer).
Print or Save Booking Confirmation (voucher, terms, contact info).
Travel Insurance Check (some policies include rental coverage).
🚗 At the Rental Counter (Pickup Day)
Bring Documents: Passport, driver’s license, IDP (if required), credit card.
Review Contract: Check mileage limits, fuel policy, cross-border rules.
Insurance Decision: Accept or decline CDW depending on your coverage.
Inspect the Car: Take photos/videos of any scratches, dents, windshield, tires.
Ask About Extras: GPS, child seats, toll devices (can be pricey—sometimes cheaper to bring your own GPS or use Google Maps offline).
🛣️ On the Road in Europe
Drive Manual or Automatic? Be sure you’re comfortable if it’s stick shift.
Fuel Type: Know if it’s petrol (benzina) or diesel before filling up.
Parking Rules: Watch for paid zones, colored curb markings, or local permits.
Restricted Zones: Avoid ZTL zones in Italy and similar restricted areas.
Speed Cameras: Obey posted limits—fines are mailed internationally.
Roundabouts: Yield to traffic inside the circle unless posted otherwise.
Emergency Numbers: 112 works across the EU.
🏁 At Drop-Off
Refuel if Required: Save money by filling up before returning (check your contract).
Final Inspection: Take photos again for proof of condition.
Return on Time: Late returns can trigger a full extra day’s charge.
Keep Receipts: Fuel, tolls, parking—handy if billing questions come up later.
✅ With this checklist, you’ll have everything covered from home prep to driving confidently on European roads.