roothy123

Europcar in Palma has good rates, but I'm nervous about the fact that they have something at the end that says: "Damage waiver and Theft Waiver. Unwaiverable charges may apply; please check at pick-up time. 21.27 EUR per day." Does this mean they will charge me the 21.27 per day and that I can't say no? I plan to use a gold VISA that provide car rental insurance in Europe. Therefore, I don't want insurance - at least not from the car rental company.
I've emailed Europcar to ask about this, but in the mean time I thought I'd try this board, since that might be quicker.

Do all companies in Europe have mandatory insurance?

m_kingdom2

Whenever I hire a car in Europe I have always believed that you have to use their insurance - as far as they are concerned, unless you can show them proof of insurance - which is impossible unless you know the model and value of the car, they will not hire to you. They require you to pay that to cover you for whatver damage you might cause.

I'd imagine that they will insist on you taking out insurance with them, regardless of the cover that you can provide.

marcy_

We just got back from Spain, where we rented a car from Hertz. We were NOT required to purchase separate insurance from Hertz. We have coverage already through our American Express card, but they didn't ask to see any proof of it.

I doubt if Hertz has the best rates, but if you have their Gold membership, especially, it can cut down the hassles significantly.

Gavin

My understanding is that unlike some US states in Spain (and likly all over Europe but I am not certain) all rental cars come with liability insurance included in the rate. This covers damage that you might do to others. The rental car is an other matter. The renter normally has the option paying a daily charge to reduce your liability to the rental company to some defined amount, possibly zero but possibly not. When I rented from Hertz in Spain last year there was no trouble declining the collision damage waiver and using my gold card.

The language from Europcar suggests to me that they do not accept credit card coverage. Hopfully someone with specific knowledge of this company's policies will post. I would be starting to look elswhere at this stage. Good luck.

SydneySteve

What would be the best rental car company to consider in the Barcelona - Girona area for Costa Brava and Pyrenees driving. Avis, Hertz, Europcar, others ? I can make my bookings with agents in Australia for most and will discuss insurance issue and report back. Thanks for your help