Booking a rental car abroad

At a glance

How do you choose a car rental company? What should you watch out for when renting a car?

If you sometimes rent a car in Belgium or abroad, you know there's a wide choice of rental companies offering a whole range of different services. It's therefore best to take the time to compare options before booking, not only to get the best price, but also to make sure you're properly insured.
Our blogger Alain Dierckx gives us some tips.

What do you need to rent a car?

An international driving licence (mandatory in most cases)
An identity card/passport
A credit or debit card

Where can you book a rental car?

Directly on the spot or online. Opt for well-known/recognised car rental companies (and not, for example, a local garage for whom car rental isn't the main business). International rental companies generally offer standard contracts. Always read all the terms, guarantees and cancellation options very carefully.
Through the airline you bought your ticket from.
Through the travel agency where you booked your trip.
Through a loyalty programme you're a member of.

What factors affect the price of a rental car?

Since many international car rental companies operate worldwide, competition is very fierce.
The price of renting a car is mainly determined by:

The length of the rental: renting a car for a day will generally be more expensive than for a longer period.
The season (high or low season): as with hotels, prices are higher in high season.
The time between booking and picking up the car: the further ahead you book, the (generally) cheaper the price. It's best to book as far in advance as possible. Many car rental companies in tourist spots run short of available cars in high season. As a result, last-minute bookings are not advisable.
The type of car: the smaller it is, the cheaper it is. Base your choice on the number of passengers, the type of luggage you want to bring, and the journey (mountainous region, long distances, weather and climate, etc.).
Any additional insurance you want to take out.
The choice between a manual or automatic gearbox.
The choice between a petrol/diesel car or an electric car.
Any optional services such as a GPS, a second driver, etc.

Points to watch out for when booking a rental car

First, draw up a list of what matters to you (see above). Then compare car rental companies' offers online. You can also do this via a website that brings together a selection of providers.
Read the rental companies' general terms and conditions carefully on their websites, as they sometimes impose restrictions such as:

An age limit (minimum or maximum). If, as a driver, you fall outside these age groups, you'll have to pay an extra charge.
Who can drive the car? Sometimes only the person who rented the car can drive it, not a passenger. Be careful about liability in the event of an accident.
In some countries, it's forbidden to cross the border or put the car on a ferry to explore an island. In others, it's allowed but they ask for a surcharge.
With some car rental companies, you must have held your driving licence for at least a year.

Is it worth creating an account and using an app?

Almost all car rental companies offer the option of creating an account and/or downloading a smartphone app. This has several advantages:

You can check in online, which saves you time.
You can track and manage your booking (for example, to extend the rental period).
In many cases, you get discounts or other benefits.
You're informed about promotions and new offers.
You build up loyalty points that you can use later to buy services.

Points to watch out for when picking up the vehicle

Before signing the final rental contract on the spot, compare the terms with those of your booking, including:

The rental rate
The date and place for returning the vehicle
The insurance option chosen
Any optional services

Some car rental companies offer an "upgrade" on the spot (a car from a higher category for a supposedly small extra cost) or offer additional services at attractive rates. Take the time to check whether you really need these services and whether they add any real value.

After signing the contract, you receive the keys, and it's important to check the rented vehicle. Check the type of car, the number plate, and whether the fuel level matches the option you chose.

Finally, check that the car isn't damaged, both outside and inside. Check the fuel gauge and the condition of the tyres. See where the safety equipment is located (first-aid kit, hi-vis vest, warning triangle). Take photos and keep them as evidence.

Points to watch out for when returning the vehicle

Make sure the fuel tank is filled as agreed (if the rental company has to refill it for you, this can be charged at a high rate).

Check in your contract where you need to return the vehicle and what the opening hours are. If you return the car to a different address, a fee may be charged (a "drop off fee"). Returning the car in a different country from the one where you rented it isn't always possible and depends on the rental contract.

When returning the vehicle, take photos before handing over the keys. If possible, be present when the damage is checked. Make sure the rental company states on the document that there's no damage and that they sign it.

If the rental office is unexpectedly closed, it's best to call another branch of the same company for advice. In many cases, you can drop the car keys into a box specially provided for this purpose. Be aware that in this case, no inspection of the vehicle can be carried out in your presence. In that case, take photos of the car showing the date and time before you leave.

Some tips when booking a rental car

Check customer reviews on websites beforehand.
Book the car at the airport if you're travelling by plane. This avoids the cost of transport to where you're staying. Temporarily increase your credit card limit, as an amount is usually taken as a deposit by the rental company.
Consider cancellation insurance.
And finally: know the road rules of the country you're driving in and follow them scrupulously. In the event of a fine, the car rental company may forward any penalty to your address, often with additional administrative fees.

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