ChicagoKate

After reading the post about Hertz car rentals in Germany, we are now very skeptical to use Hertz, but have never used or heard of AutoEurope. We have rented through Hertz in the states many times with absolutely no issues. Generally while in Europe, we take trains and do not rent cars.

We have a Hertz rental reserved: pickup Munich airport, returning main train station. We are not sure what the drop off location is like at/near the train station. We chose a different dropoff point after reading that there was no extra charge for a different drop location. We would get a signed copy of a return agreement and after reading the post, take time stamped photos.

Our credit card company confirmed we have CDW coverage and can decline insurance from rental company. We are not fond of the prepayment idea.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

NeoPatrick

The only reason I can think of to stick with Hertz over AutoEurope is if you enjoy paying a lot extra. Maybe -- and that's a huge maybe -- you are getting a deal with Hertz, but I've never known AutoEurope not to be a LOT cheaper. AutoEurope is not an actual agency, but a wholesaler. It could be that you book with them and you still deal with Hertz rentals although ususally it will be Europecar or another agency. Still, there is nothing wrong with AutoEurope. Check out a price with them and decide if you would like to save the money.

nytraveler

We have done numerous road trips in europe - using primarily Hertz or Avis - based on preferential rates we get through a corporate travel service.

Have never had any problem at all with Hertz. However, we do check everything on the car before pulling out of the lot and make sure any damage - however small, is marked on the rental agreement. We did have a problem with one car from Avis - turned out the driver's side windshield wiper didn't work. We managed to do a temporary repair and turned it in the next day at the local office for a car with no problems.

I think it is possible to have a problem with any rental agency, but as long as you make sure to retain your paperwork and have photos of the car you return it should not be a problem. I think it's a better idea to use a company with offices in the US - so if there is any problem - you can deal with them rather than try to have to do so at a distance.

Andrew

I used Auto Europe once - in 2009 to rent in Croatia - without issue. It was a little odd having to get the voucher, but it worked out fine. In 2011 and 2012, Auto Europe wasn't been cheaper for renting in Slovenia or Czech Republic. In 2011 I rented with a company called Sixt directly - same company Auto Europe hooked me up with in 2009 anyway. In 2012, I rented directly with Budget in Czech Republic.

I have a Costco membership and an Amex card. I did get a discount code for Costco members for renting with Budget this year; that brought the cost down to match Auto Europe's. My Amex card also offers "premium" rental car protection. It is 0 deductible on any damage/loss to the car, but you pay $24.95 per rental for it. I think it's been worth it to me even though I've never needed to make a claim.

I always take pictures of the car, too, before I leave the rental pick-up place to show the condition of the car. I take pictures of the car with the airport in the background, too, etc. just to prove I am there. A time stamp on your pictures doesn't mean much; in 10 seconds you can change the time/date on your camera to any date you want and get any time stamp you want...

ChicagoKate

Thanks for quick replies! We have been looking at the AutoEurope website for comparisons.

We did get a AAA rate for Hertz and it is very close to AutoEurope, but have to double check if it includes liability, which AutoEurope does include. That would make Hertz more expensive.

Is there an actual counter for AutoEurope at the airport and main rail station? Or are you using the agency that AutoEurope booked through?

joethekay

No AutoEurope is just the broker. You will deal with the actual car rental company that is on your voucher.
And the hours and location should be on your voucher.

pja1

Hi,

As for the prepayment, you should be able to cancel or change your reservation at anytime in advance without any cost. We've rented our cars for our last 3 trips in Germany (pick up/return at Munich airport) through www.gemut.com. They are a broker like AutoEurope and as stated above with AutoEurope, you could very well wind up with a car from Hertz, but at a better price. Generally speaking, a pick up and drop off in the same country has no extra cost or fees. We always make sure to get a signed copy of the return with some photo's. It's also a good idea to check and get time/date stamped photo's of the car when picking it up. It certainly can't hurt to get quotes from AutoEurope and Gemut. You can always cancel your current reservation... check with Hertz to make sure, but I can't imgine this would be a problem.

Paul

LSky

It looks like with Hertz you may be able to get a specific car you want but as noted above, you will pay more.

I've used autoeurope, kemwel and gemut and have been very happy. Of course, one must check the car at the begining and end of the rental. Make sure your paperwork is signed off.

wanderfrau

Another gemut.com fan here. Advantages to using them
- price. They usually have the best rate and if they don't they will usually "match" whatever you find on your own.
- Help. I've never had problems, but if you do, they are there to help resolve issues like those you've been reading about.

Picking up and returning the car to a location nearby the airport or Hbf will reduce your overall price. Often you can get a location that is a quick public transportation ride from the airport or train station. I've done it in Frankfurt, but not Munich. Gemut helped with that, too.

StCirq

I've used AutoEurope for more than 100 rentals in Europe and am VERY satisfied with them and have always compared prices and gotten the best deal from them. Their customer service is exceptional, whether you need them from the States or from abroad. It may well be that Hertz will be the actual company they'll set you up with anyway - it has been for me, several times in Italy. It depends on where you are picking up and dropping off. As mentioned above, AutoEurope doesn't have offices/counters in Europe - it's just a broker.

Dukey1

I've used Hertz numerous several times in Europe and I've also used AutoEurope. I've had hassle-free success with both although BE AWARE that Hertz was one of the originators of so-called "dynamic currency conversion" and they at one time had that option written into their rental contracts. I had to fight them on it a couple years ago at Heathrow and it was nasty.

I like AutoEurope (I'm a Hertz practically owns the company member) and I find them to be easy to use and dependable especially if you want an all-inclusive insurance policy. And please be aware, also, of what that insurance does and does not cover. It may very well mean you have a somewhat high deductible which you can reduce to zero IF you mare willing to pay an additional charge directly at the car provider's facility upon arrival. Some call this "super CDW" or by other names. And even that may or may not cover damage to the tires and/or windshield.

Of course you can also use your credit card insurance coverage and believe me, <B>that</B> is an entirely different conversation, <B>especially</B> on this board.

Michael

<i>but have to double check if it includes liability, which AutoEurope does include.</i>

I believe that liability is included in any rental in Europe; the issue is the CDW, i.e. damage to your car.

DeborahAnn

In May this year in Germany we rented through Gemut being given a contract with Avis. We returned our car to the main train station in Munich--whatever company you use ask for specific directions to the location of the rental drop. Many of them were in the same obscure garage on an off street near the train station. We finally had to have two of our group go into the train station to track down the customer service counter to get a drawing to the elusive car drop We have used Autoeurope, Kemwel, Economycarrental and Gemut without ever having a problem. Deborah

Dukey1

Deborah's post reminds me that you might very well consider renting a car which either has a built in GPS or consider renting one from the car supplier. Two years ago I brought my own unit for use in two different car rentals, one in Germany and the other in Italy.

Upon arrival in Munich I discovered I had forgotten to bring the power supply cord. My AutoEurope mrental was through Europcar and I simply rented a Garmin from them; my Italy rental was with Hertz and I again rented a GPS. The extra costs were more than worth it since we were all over the back roads of Franconia in Germany and even further out in the boonies of Tuscany. Those units, helped us find a somewhat elusive (by road) hotel in Nurnburg where there was all sorts of roadwork being done as well as the very elusively located Hertz garage reached through the "You should not even try to drive there" parts of Florence.

Think it over.

ChicagoKate

Regarding the GPS, forgot to mention we are already including that in the rental, figuring it was worth the cost. Sorry ☺

Just checked the Hertz confirmation and it does not include liability, nor CDW which we knew. Gives the option for all those insurances, however. AutoEurope did include liability.

Hmm, everyone is making a fairly strong case towards using AutoEurope, Kemwel or Gemut. Will check out last two suggestions. Thanks again for all your help!

Underhill

We had a damage problem with a returned Hertz car, and it took Diners Club nearly half a year to straighten the charge out.

You might consider using Sixt, a large European rental agency. We used them twice in France and found it a good service.

janisj

"<i>Just checked the Hertz confirmation and it does not include liability . . .</i>"

You may need to re-check that (or are perhaps using different terminology). Almost 100% sure "Liability" is included in both since it is a law that liability must be covered.

What is in question are CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), and any excess - what is called deductible in the States.

crckwc1

Have used AutoEurope at least 10 times in Europe -- never a problem and always found them to be best value. Kemwel is a partner company and we have used them as well.

just_wandering

I've used AutoEurope many times. They have been around for a very long time and have always been cheaper than directly going through Avis, Hertz, Europcar, etc., even with all the discounts I qualify for. However, I would start with gemut.com. As another reader explained, they are a broker who works through AutoEurope. When I've rented cars in Germany, they have significantly undercut the prices posted on AutoEurope. I also used them to rent a car in Poland where they were able to match the AE price and find offers that were not posted on the AE web site. In addition, they are very easy to work with (either via email or by phone) .. as is AutoEurope, by the way. If you plan on making any special requests, however, such as automatic transmission or a certain type of vehicle, I would verify the availability a few days before the rental begins, regardless of whom you are renting from, especially if you are picking up your car at one of the less-busy rental stations where the choice of vehicles might be limited. Be aware that there is a hefty surcharge in Germany for rentals that begin at airports and train stations (some other countries impose similar surcharges, as do some cities in the US); if you are renting for more than a few days, you may save a LOT of money by picking the car up at a downtown office instead. The only downside, as I said, is that smaller offices may have fewer vehicles to choose from, so call ahead as I mentioned earlier.

ChicagoKate

Thanks for all the suggestions and help. We will be checking Gemut, AutoEurope and Kemwel today. This sounds like a much better option. Thanks so much!