How to not get SCREWED when renting a car in Europe –

We just had a friend return from Europe and they showed me their rental car billing receipt. I almost fell out of my chair. The car rental cost was $40.73 a day for six days for a total of $244.39. Sounds reasonable up to now doesn’t it? Are you sitting down? Get this! The total cost when adding 1) Theft protection, 2) Damage waiver insurance, 3) Collision damage waiver insurance, 4) Road tax, 5) Smart cover insurance (whatever that is), and 6) Prepaid fuel option; for a total car rental cost of an amazing $939.26.

This is how a car rental that shows a rental cost of $40.73 a day can magically turn into $156.54 a day – Basically, many people have never rented a car in Europe so when they get off the plane they are tired, and want to get their rental car and get on the road. The car rental companies in Europe take advantage of this by scaring people into getting all the insurance coverage not realizing how outrageous the price is. 

Here is a breakdown of how a $ 40.73-a-day car rental turns into $156.54 a day car rental – 

Car rental cost – $40.73 a day or $244.39 for 6 days. 

Theft protection – Add $18.70 a day or $112.20 for 6 days.

Collision damage waiver – Add $18.70 a day or $112.20 for 6 days.

Smart cover insurance (Covers your deductibles) – Add $47.95 a day or $287.70.

Road tax – Add $9.46 a day or $56.78 for 6 days.

Prepaid fuel cost – Add $125.99 for having them fill up the tank upon return. 

Total cost for a six-day car rental in Italy……..$939.26!! 

Here are three steps to lower your car rental costs in Europe

Step 1:Charge your car rental on a credit card that provides primary car rental coverage – 
I found out that my Chase Sapphire Reserve provides primary coverage while my AMEX Platinum Card provides secondary coverage. 

Step 2: Contact your insurance agent and add international insurance coverage – Make sure to add both liability and collision coverage for a small annual fee. 

Step 3:Be sure to decline all insurance offered by the car rental company at the counter.

Here is a short video that covers all the things you need to know if you are renting and driving a car in Europe.CLICK HERE  to watch.

P.S. Don’t forget to purchase an international driver’s license before you get on the plane if you are driving a rental car internationally. This will also keep you from many headaches if you have a fender bender.

Final Call for our Extraordinary Christmas Market Journeys with Women of the Midwest – 
If your bucket list includes a trip to Europe to experience the most enchanting Christmas market, it’s time to reserve your spot(s)! Our famous Women of the Midwest small-group tour concept has four spots open on two extraordinary journeys this November and December. Click HERE to learn all about a delightfully delicious trip to Belgium, highlighting the fairy tale cities of Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, canals, waffles, and chocolates (what’s better than that?), and clickHERE to see the full details of our tour to Austria and Germany, including Vienna, Salzburg, Oberammergau, Munich, and Regensburg. Both trips follow in the footsteps of kings and queens and include castle visits, world-class museums, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Reach out to our friendly Group Department at 888.5490.1186 / GroupDepartment@executivetravel.com. Hurry up; the last seats will fill fast!

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