Avoid unexpected costs when renting a car abroad

Compare car rental companies and read reviews

Before booking a rental car, it’s a good idea to compare offers from different rental companies. Check the prices and read online reviews on various websites. If you see a lot of bad reviews, choose another company or find out what to watch for when picking up and returning the car.

Check the total booking price

The price of your rental car must be clear and complete when you book. The total price should include all costs, such as:

• The rental price including VAT
• The deposit
• Insurance costs
• The excess (deductible)
• Any fees or surcharges
• Taxes

Optional extras and their prices must also be listed. No extra costs should be added afterwards. Note beforehand which insurance policies you already have. This way, you avoid buying duplicate insurance at the counter. Rental companies often offer extra insurance at the desk, but it’s not always needed.

Beware of extra costs at the counter

If a staff member says you have to pay more, don’t just accept it. We know that some rental companies, including Goldcar, ask for a credit card with a first name on it, which is not always possible. Don’t feel pressured to buy extra insurance because of this.

Always ask exactly what you have to pay for and don’t sign anything straight away. Take your time to understand what you’re signing. If you can’t take the car unless you sign or pay, you can pay “under protest.” Write “under protest” on the receipt and ask the staff member to sign it too.

Don’t sign without asking for an English or Dutch form

If the rental company asks you to sign a form in a language you don’t understand, don’t sign it straight away. Ask for a version in Dutch or English.

Insured through an intermediary

If you don’t book directly with the rental company but through an intermediary like an airline or booking website, the insurance is usually included. But some rental companies say the insurance isn’t valid or hasn’t been paid yet. They then ask you to buy insurance at the counter. This is often an unnecessary extra.

If you’re unsure about the insurance offered, contact the intermediary. If you’ve paid twice for the same insurance, you can sometimes get a refund. It’s harder with extra insurance.

Check the car for damage

Always check the car when you pick it up and when you return it. Take photos inside and outside the car, and of the fuel and mileage. When you collect the car, you’ll get a damage form. Check that any existing damage is correctly noted and only sign if everything is right. When returning the car, ask for a written confirmation that you returned it in the same condition. This helps avoid disputes later.

Try to solve problems with the rental company first

If there is a disagreement about the car, first check the contract and terms. Is something wrong or is the rental company not keeping their promises? Then send an email or letter explaining what went wrong and what you expect. If the company says you caused damage, ask for proof. You can use our sample letter to complain to the rental company.

If you get no reply or can’t agree, you can file a complaint with a dispute committee or ask for help from the European Consumer Centre.

File a complaint with the car rental dispute committee (ECRCS)

Some rental companies are members of the European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS). If you rented a car from a member, this organisation can review your case. The rental company must follow the ECRCS decision.

These rental companies are ECRCS members:

Get help from the European Consumer Centre

If you have a problem with a rental company in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, or the UK, and the company doesn’t respond or you can’t agree, contact the European Consumer Centre (ECC). We’re happy to help you for free.

Want to know more?

Visit our page on renting a car abroad. There you’ll find more information, helpful checklists, and sample letters to assist you.