Can a 22-year-old rent a car in Germany?

Old Apr 20th, 2006, 12:00 AM
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Can a 22-year-old rent a car in Germany?

I am 22, and my dream has been to drive on the Autobahn in Germany, where I will be traveling alone for a couple of days in June. Although I know it is by far the most expensive mode of transportation, I would really like to rent a car and drive from Munich to Frankfurt.

1. From what I've found, I can rent a car, but will be assessed an extra charge for being under 25. Anyone know about how much that might be?

2. Does anyone have any tricks or tips for getting a good rate? Free upgrades, etc? Avis starts at 64€/day for a Economy car.

3. Am I going to have any other problems when I show up, like having to pay some crazy amount for extra insurance since I'm so young?

Thanks for any advice you could give.
cody2006 is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006, 12:14 AM
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This sounds like a very expensive exercise.

You have no option but to pay an exorbitant rate since you are under 25 and are taking the vehicle for so short a time.

Driving on this sector does not guarantee you will enjoy all the thrills of autobahn driving, as the traffic density is high with lots of heavy vehicles clogging up the right hand lane since this is the main artery between western Europe and the Balkans and beyond.

My tip would be to get yourself onto an autobahn like the one up through Regensburg to Hof where you might strike some sections without a speed limit, adn where the traffic flow is lighter.

Harzer
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Old Apr 20th, 2006, 12:44 AM
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If you rent an economy car you will have more work to do in keeping the thing on the road at 200 kph, 125 mph. If you are not used to driving at that speed then work your way up to it. I regularly drove to work over there at 190 kph. That was as fast as my 1.9 liter Opel would go. I have also driven a Porsche on the autobahns. Porsches are made for the autobahn! Tire balance is critical.

Since this is a one off-thing you would be better off spending more and renting a BMW to get the full thrill of the road.

The section of the A3 between Würzburg and Aschaffenburg passes through the Spessart, a range of hills. It is curvy up there.

I suggest that you do not do your high speed drive on a Sunday. The westbound A3 can be a parking lot on a hot Sunday afternoon. You will be lucky to do 5 mph.

I don't know about paying some crazy amount for insurance. When I rented in Holland the insurance was already included in the quoted rate. But you will be paying some crazy amount for gasoline.

Have fun.

hopscotch is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006, 12:50 AM
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You will have to contact each rental company to determine what they will charge you for renting and what extra charges they may levy, no one here could really say precisely berceuse it will depend on the dates you need the car, how long you need it, etc.

I agree that traffic will be an issue on this sector. Rather than driving a highway, why don't you look into seeing whether you can participate in racetrack driving courses for Porsche, BMW or Mercedes track for a price? This might cost the same as renting a car but might be much more of a thrill. I know you can do this in Italy with Ferrari (pretty pricey but still its a Ferrari), it could be the same in Germany. Take a look at http://www.porsche.com/international...schule/onroad/

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Old Apr 20th, 2006, 08:37 AM
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A8 to A5 will be the best route for a little high speed driving. Be warned it loses its thrill after about 15 minutes if that. Its not like driving fast on a road that wasn't built for it. Plus there are limits in place and these can vary depending on road/traffic/weather conditions. Unlike the states the speed limits can change instantly. Save your money and do the Petty driving experience. Much more fun!
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Old Mar 11th, 2016, 12:45 AM
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it varies from place to place. you can simply contact the car hire company from which you want to rent a car and they will sort out you query.
you can contact Atlantic Choice as they're offering discounted rate in Germany or others.
Their customer care dept is really effective.
0800 756 3930
You can call this number.
Good luck.
Thanks
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Old Mar 11th, 2016, 09:03 AM
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This post is 10 years old.

And that picture has been used for other - troll - posters.
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