On vacation by car from a rental company

Increasingly cheaper airfare means we are also happy to travel by plane to vacations abroad. In such a situation, lack of mobility in a dream resort can be a problem, but in such cases, car rental comes to our rescue.

The travel season is in full swing. The lucky ones who decide to take a vacation outside of Poland this summer can consider renting a car or two-wheeler and exploring the local tourist attractions on their own.

How and where?

Extensive travel options and many individual rental offers - in most European resorts - give us a free choice of vehicles and their prices. It is a fact that international rentals such as Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar are more expensive alternatives than local car rental companies, but contract transparency, a wide range of vehicles and a number of other amenities are appreciated by customers with a fatter wallet.

Tourists who do not want to significantly cut their vacation budget will definitely find something for themselves in small companies, of which there are often several dozen in one city. The choice, although not so wide, is usually dictated by the price, which in most cases plays a significant role.

Moreover, when the interest of tourists is low, small companies are more likely to make concessions to the customer. But in case of possible losses, they are not so friendly and you have to take into account the high costs of repairs, especially when the resulting damage was not included in the contract or insurance.

The situation is different in branded rental companies, which have fixed prices, but they provide more security for the client, provided that he takes out appropriate insurance.

Pros and cons of tycoons

When deciding to rent a car in the country where we are planning a vacation, we can do it in Poland (for example, by phone, online or in person at the airport), but only in the case of the largest companies in this industry with a branch on the Vistula River.

 

The advantage is that we sign the contract in Polish, which allows us to avoid points that are disadvantageous for us, especially when the language barrier is a barrier.

But be careful! International model contracts in one company are standardized only at first glance. This is due to differences in legislation between countries.

Future clients should also pay attention to the fact that not all companies include mandatory CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance costs in the base rental price. accident insurance and TP (Theft Protection) in case of theft. It should be noted that these are "basic" insurances that do not cover all damages and limit the client's own liability to approximately 400 euros plus VAT for cars from segments A, B and C. More cautious tourists can further minimize the risk of paying out of pocket by purchasing additional insurance Super CDW or PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) for yourself and passengers from the consequences of accidents that occurred while driving a rental car.

The offer of large companies will also appeal to drivers who like to travel around several countries back and forth. Often there is a need to return the car to a place other than where we picked it up, and only the largest rental companies provide such an opportunity.

Cheap two wheelers

The list of possible fees, which also includes the deposit charged to our credit card, can be long, encouraging many travelers to use cheaper local rentals.

Their advantage is high price flexibility and reasonable legal requirements, especially in island countries. It happens that companies do not even ask about the driver's license or the age of the driver, and sometimes one passport is enough for the formalities. The owners also release us from the obligation to pay a refundable deposit and insurance against theft.

Local rentals also have a wide selection of two wheelers, ranging from the most popular scooters to 1000cc machines. Also in this case, the demands made by car rental companies are not high. Valid photo ID, from 15 to 30 euros per day, sometimes a refundable deposit of up to 60 euros - all the conditions that must be met to enjoy a trip on two wheels.

Good to remember:

– Read the lease agreement carefully

– Ask for a mileage limit in the contract

– Large companies only respect credit cards

– The rental day also determines the price

– Have a Polish driving license and ID card

– Make sure CDW and TP insurance is included in the price

– Carefully inspect the condition of the bodywork before assembly

– We return the car clean and with a full tank, as received

– It is cheaper to rent a car in advance or in the middle of the week.

Price range in the largest car rental companies in Europe (price per day) *

Model	ENGINE	Body type	Price
Chevrolet Matiz	1.0 gasoline	5d	20 – 100
Citroen C1	1.0 gasoline	3d	30 – 90
Toyota Yaris	1.0 gasoline	3d	25 – 105
Toyota Yaris	1.0 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	35 – 114
Fiat Panda	1.1 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	30 – 100
Fiat Panda	1.2 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	40 – 105
Opel Corsa	1.0 gasoline	3d	35 – 100
Opel Corsa	1.0 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	45 – 105
Opel Corsa	1.2 gasoline	5d	45 – 100
Fiat Punto	1.2 gasoline	3d	25 – 100
Opel Meriva	1.7 diesel	5d + air conditioner	29 – 152
Ford Focus	1.4 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	50 – 140
Ford Focus	1.6 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	55 – 140
Nissan Almera	1.5 gasoline	4d + air conditioner	50 – 160
Peugeot 307	1.6 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	50 – 150
Renault Scenic	1.5 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	80 – 200
Renault Scenic	1.9 diesel	5d + air conditioner	70 – 200
Ford C-Max	1.6 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	45 – 140
Seat Alhambra	1.8 gasoline	5d + air conditioner	80 – 240
Seat Alhambra	1.9 diesel	5d + air conditioner	85 – 240

* Prices are in EUR, including CDW and TP insurance, as well as VAT, cars without mileage limit.