Renting cars in Europe?

[Andeh13]

Just keen to make sure I am fully protected s I look to rent three cars form Geneva airport for a stag do I am hosting. Hiring form French side of airport, to drive into France.

I am looking to go with Sixt, take out the £0 excess with them for £15/day and will take out the tyres & windscreen cover as well. Each car being split 4 ways means I am covering all risks & eventualities as I can.

Anything more I should be aware of?

Thanks

[Gerrard]

Read the fine print. For example, I remember reading on one policy that even with full cover and everything, it still didn't cover car parks (or at least, there would still be the excess to pay). Otherwise, the usual caveats of taking pictures when you pick the cars up and make sure everything is noted down before you leave.

[wazzickle]

Many horror stories from both radio 4 and people I know. I would suggest using a credit card, taking detailed photos of the entire car before you sign anything, and making a point of doing so to the staff so they know not to mess with you. I'm not a fan of paying more on top for excess reduction but it may be your best play. It feels like a complete shakedown but then again some shakedowns are necessary.

[Butcher]

On the flip side, I've not had any problems with car rental places doing me over on condition of returned cars. The only time I had to do anything was when I broke a tail light in the US, but luckily I'd opted for the full excess coverage, so they just took some notes and that was that.

[circuitmonkey]

Have you considered a separate car hire insurance policy?

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-car-hire
https://www.moneymaxim.co.uk/compare...cess-insurance

I've started looking into this for an upcoming trip to South Africa

I've hired from Geneva airport before, was one of the less painful car hire experiences I've had before.

The worst was Lisbon where they tried to keep my deposit claiming I had damaged the car, luckily I had lots of photos at drop off to dispute it and eventually got my money back

[Andeh13]

Thanks for the comments guys, feel better about it.

Reason for taking out the car hires own policy, is due to 3 cars we need To hire. I can’t risk two cars getting damaged (or even one) and loosing the excess (£1200) then the stress over “up to” 45 days claiming it back.