november_moon

For part of our trip to Germany this summer we (DH and myself) will be renting a car. I am looking for recommendations about rental companies, whether it is better to reserve a car through an agent or service or if it is better to go directly with the rental company. Any particulars to renting cars in Germany that I should be aware of?

I rent lots of cars in the US, but I have only rented a car once in Germany, and that was several years ago.

Usually we travel by train/bus/tram in Europe, but we want to visit a couple out-of-the-way areas outside of Bamberg, so we have decided to rent a car for a few days. We arrive at Frankfurt airport on a Saturday morning and will return the car the following Wednesday afternoon upon arrival in Munich.

Michael

Try Sixt, AutoEurope, Kemwel. If your credit card will carry the CDW, take the basic rate offered by the last two.

Dukey1

AutoEurope and Kemwel are sister companies; they usually offer insurance-inclusive rates. Be aware that even WITH inclusive insurance that means you still have a deductible which can be as much as 1000 Euro. You can reduce THAT to zero by buying so-called "super CDW" which will be available from the rental counter (if you use a wholesaler such as Autoeurope).

Michael

But if the credit card carries the CDW, there is no deductible.

treplow

As Michael says, if your credit card contract includes CDW, you need not buy any additional insurance over and above of that which is automatically included by German law in you car rental contract. Incidentally, another good rental car company for Germany is Gemut, out of Seattle.

321sister

I have always used Gemut. and have been very pleased. Click or call andy will help. Have a great trip. jayvee

elbegewa

Gemut (in Ashland, Oregon) is absolutely great for car rentals in Germany, Switz, & Austria (no other places)... we've rented cars in Germany through them 3 times, and are going to rent through them again this fall