Hiring a Car Abroad: 10 Things British Drivers Should Know!

Are you planning a trip to Europe or another country? The process of hiring a car abroad has changed quite a bit for UK citizens after Brexit. Many find the process confusing and stressful. It’s essential to know these 10 things before you hire a car. 

Key Takeaways: Hiring a car abroad

• The Golden Rule: Always choose the “Full-to-Full” fuel policy to avoid inflated refuelling fees.
• The Essential Document: You must generate a DVLA check code on GOV.UK before you fly, or you may be refused the car.
• The Money Saver: Never buy the expensive “Super Cover” at the rental desk. Buy a standalone excess insurance policy online for a fraction of the price (approx. £3/day).
• The Safety Net: Always pay your deposit with a credit card, not a debit card, to ensure you have Section 75 protection.
• The Protection: Film a slow, high-quality video of the car before you drive away. This is your only proof against unfair damage charges.

1. Documents Needed and The DVLA Check Code

The essential documents you need to hire a car abroad are: 

1. A valid UK passport (not expiring in six months)
2. A valid UK driving licence
3. A DVLA Code

Step-by-Step: Generating Your DVLA Share Code

DVLA share code is the most important document for hiring a car abroad. It is a digital way to check if you have any penalty points or disqualifications. You should do this a few days before you fly. The code is valid for 21 days and can be used once.

• Go to GOV.UK: Visit the View or share your driving licence information page.
• Enter Your Details: You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and the postcode on your licence.
• Select “Share Your Licence”: Click the tab that says “Get a check code”.
• Save It: You will get a unique code. Take a screenshot on your phone immediately.
• At the Desk: Give the rental agent the code and the last 8 digits of your driving licence number. 

Note: Always double-check your plastic photocard hasn’t expired (line 4b). If it has, you won’t be able to rent a car, even with the code.

2. The “CDW” Trap & Why You Need Excess Insurance

This is where the rental companies make their biggest margins. When you book a car in Europe, it typically comes with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This sounds great, which means if you crash, you aren’t liable for the full cost of the car.

However, there is a catch. The standard CDW usually comes with a massive “excess”, often between £1,000 and £2,500. If the car gets a scratch, a dent, or is stolen, you have to pay that first £1,500 out of your own pocket.

At the rental desk, the agent will aggressively try to sell you Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) or “Zero Excess” cover to remove this risk. They might charge you £20 to £30 per day for this.

The Smart Alternative: 

Do not buy the insurance at the desk. Instead, buy a standalone car hire excess insurance policy online before you travel.

• Cost: Around £3 per day or £45 for an annual policy.
• Coverage: It often covers things the rental company excludes, like tyres, glass, and the undercarriage.
• How it works: If you damage the car, the rental company charges your card. You then claim that money back from your standalone insurer in the UK.

3. Pay Safely Using Credit Cards

Debit cards are becoming more accepted, but credit cards are still the dominant choice in the car rental world.

Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name to hold the security deposit. If you only have a debit card, many companies will either:

• Refuse the rental entirely.
• Force you to buy their expensive “Zero Excess” insurance because they can’t block a deposit on a debit card easily.
• Actually withdraw the deposit money (e.g., £1,000) from your bank account, leaving you with no spending money for your holiday until they refund it weeks later.

The Section 75 Safety Net: Paying on a credit card also gives you protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If the car hire company goes bust or significantly breaches their contract, your credit card provider is jointly liable to refund you.

4. International Driving Permits (IDPs): The Post-Brexit Rules

Since Brexit, there has been confusion about whether UK drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Europe.

The good news is if you have a valid UK photocard driving licence, you do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.

However, you might still need an IDP if you have an old-style paper licence and want to drive outside of Europe.

If you want to get one, go to a Post Office branch. It costs £5.50. You must go in person with your licence and a passport photo.

5. Fuel Policies: “Full-to-Full” vs. “Full-to-Empty”

When you rent a car abroad, you’ll typically have two choices for how to handle gas:

Full-to-Full: This is the simplest and most recommended option. You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, only paying for the gas you use.

Empty-to-Empty: Sounds convenient, but it can be risky. Plus, it can be stressful to find a fuel pump near the rental office when your tank is running low on gas. 

6. Choosing the right Car

Choosing the right car depends on your travel plans. If you want to travel in historic European towns, the streets are incredibly narrow. A massive SUV might look prestigious, but it will be a nightmare to park. A compact car is often a smarter option.

Regarding the manual vs automatic option. In the UK and Europe, manual gearboxes are standard. If you can only drive an automatic, you must book one specifically. They are usually more expensive.

7. Inspect the Car Inside Out

A recent survey found that more than 42% of people charged for damages by a car rental said that the damage was already there when they got the car.

You should always inspect the car you’re getting before signing off on the rental agreement. Before you even unlock the doors, walk around the entire vehicle with your phone, recording a high-quality video. 

8. Familiarise Yourself With Local Driving Rules Before Hiring a Car Abroad

It’s easy to assume that driving in Europe is just like driving in the UK, only on the “wrong” side of the road. But there are critical differences that can lead to instant on-the-spot fines.

• The Alcohol Limit: The UK has one of the highest limits in Europe (0.8 g/l). In countries like France and Spain, the limit is lower (0.5 g/l), and in places like the Czech Republic and Hungary, there is a zero-tolerance policy. 
• Speed Limits: On French motorways, the speed limit drops from 130 km/h to 110 km/h as soon as it rains. 
• Mandatory Kit: In France and Spain, you must have a high-visibility jacket accessible from the driver’s seat. If you break down and step out without it, you can be fined.

9. Toll Roads and Vignettes

Nothing ruins a holiday memory faster than a fine. Many European roads are now entirely digital.

• The “Vignette” System: In countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, you cannot use the motorways without buying a physical sticker (Vignette). If you cross a border into these countries, buy one at the first petrol station immediately.
• Electronic Tolls (Portugal & Italy): Portugal’s “Via Verde” lanes and Italy’s “Telepass” are electronic-only. Most hire agencies offer a transponder device for a small daily fee (e.g., €2/day). It is usually worth taking this.

10. Always Return the Car On-time

Returning your rental car late can be a major headache, and it can cost you a fortune! Late fees can be hefty, and depending on the rental company, they might even charge you for the entire extra day. It is advisable to return the car one to two hours prior to the scheduled time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to hire a car abroad?

Most international rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, if you are under 25, you will almost certainly have to pay a “Young Driver Surcharge”, which can be as much as £30 per day.

At the other end of the scale, many companies have a maximum age limit (often 70 or 75). Drivers over this age may be refused a car or asked to pay a rental age-related “Senior Driver Surcharge”. 

What insurance do I need to hire a car abroad?

Legally, the rental car comes with third-party liability, which is mandatory coverage for damaging other people’s cars. It also usually includes basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection.

However, you do not need to buy the expensive “Super Cover” sold at the desk. Instead, the smartest financial move is to buy a standalone car hire excess insurance policy in the UK before you travel. It covers that £1,000 risk for a fraction of the price.

Do I need a Green Card to hire a car abroad after Brexit?

No. UK drivers do not need a Green Card to drive in the EU, including Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. Your UK car insurance certificate and driving licence are sufficient proof of cover. However, if you are driving in non-EU countries, you may need it. 

What is the DVLA check code, and why do I need it?

The DVLA Check Code is a unique, temporary code you generate on the GOV.UK website. This gives the rental agent one-time access to your driving record. It is valid for 21 days. If you don’t have it, they may refuse to give you the car.

Can you take a hire car abroad?

If you rent a car in the UK and plan to drive into Europe, you must inform the rental company first. They will charge an additional “Continental Cover” fee to extend the insurance and breakdown cover.

Crucially, you must also carry a VE103 (Vehicle on Hire Certificate). This proves you have the owner’s permission to take the vehicle out of the country. A photocopy of the logbook (V5C) is not legally accepted. If French or Spanish police stop you without a VE103, the car can be impounded.

Wrapping Up: Hiring a Car Abroad

So, there you have it! 10 things UK residents must know before hiring a car abroad.

Remember: You should always carefully read the rental agreement, inspect the car for damage before driving away, and consider extra insurance for peace of mind.

With these handy tips, you’ll confidently cruise the open road on your next adventure abroad!