Hello!

Long story, but I don't have collision insurance here, thus would not have it in France when we will rent a car there in Aug.

I'm considering using Autoeurope. Does their inclusive package offer full coverage?

I've also heard that some credit cards cover you? If I call and they say they do, is that enough to not get the inclusive rate with AE?

Also, has anyone ever had a problem with renting an automatic and then showing up and them not having one (similar to what happens to me every time I rent a car of one class here )?

First of all, even if you did have collision insurance in the US, it would not apply in Europe. Autoeurope does not automatically include coverage, that will be an extra charge and there's usually a deductible of around $1000, but that could vary from one country to another.

I strongly adivse you to check with your credit card company to find out what coverage you have. If you are covered by your card, it will save you quite a bit of money on your rental. Be sure to pay for your rental using the credit card that covers you, and make sure to decline ALL insurance offered by Autoeurope, otherwise the credit card will not cover you.

As far as getting an automatic is concerened, I hope someone else can help. I have been driving a standard here in the US since I was 18, so of course I only rent standards while in Europe. However I can tell you that renting an automatic in Europe is more expensive than renting a standard, so it's hard to imagine that they won't have one available if you've pre-paid for it, but you never know....

Renting an automatic is easiest in large cities, and often airports offer the best selection.

Don't rely on c/c coverage; the safest thing, although not necessarily the cheapest, is to buy trip insurance that includes car coverage. You can check this out at insuremytrip.com.

I'm curious why you suggest that the "safest" thing is to buy special insurance when your credit card may very well cover the same for nothing, underhill?

I say this having totalled a rental car in Wales after declining all the AutoEurope insurance and relying on the credit card (after calling and double checking that we would have coverage). The result was not only that we saved the cost of the insurance itself, but it also provided us with a zero deductible and even paid for things like the towing and storage of the damage vehicle and the loss of income to the agency. In other words, the entire accident didn't cost us one penny.

Well Neopolitan, you have certainly convinced me to trust my credit card (after a follow up call, of course)!! That is GREAT!

So I'll be renting a car at the Avignon TGV? Anyone think that will be a problem getting an automatic?

Call your credit card company and they will tell you all about the collision insurance coverage. But, when you actually pick up the vehicle and sign the rental agreement in France (or elsewhere in Europe) be sure you DO include medical payments--in the remote chance that you are involved in an accident. That is my advice as I was involved in an accident in France, 2003. Luckily, no serious injuries, but I was very concerned that I had rejected the medical. Just a thought.

For some years now AMEX has had a program whereby you can pay $19.99 or something like that every time you rent a car in Europe and get full collision coverage. It's much cheaper than the daily rate you'll pay if paying out of pocket. If your credit card doesn't cover you, sign up with AMEX.

Credit-card coverage differs with the companies and the level of coverage. Some is secondary, which means you have to pay for damages up front and then wait to collect from the insuring company. Some, like that from Diners club, is primary, but the rental agency puts through charges for damages and then the c/c company has to resolve the matter. In our case that took 7 months, a long wait to get a refund.