heeney

So, I'm just now becoming aware that I may need this. I need to pick up a rental car from Europcar in Bilbao and drop it off at San Sebastian later that day.
We leave in 5 days.
Am I hosed? Will I get this in time if I go to AAA tomorrow? Do I need it to get the rental car?

yiassas

You can go & get it immediately from the AAA office I believe.
You MAY find a company that will rent you a car without you producing it, but you will then be driving illegally.

ParisAmsterdam

Time wise... issued on the spot. AAA will take your picture too.

An IDP is required in Spain.

For the 15 or 20 bucks they cost I always get one even if I'm going where they are NOT required. If nothing else you can use it to hand over when you get an audio guide at a museum... no way would I hand over my passport or real DL.

heeney

OK If they issue it immediatly then I'm good. Just wanted to make sure it didn't take like 7 business days or anything.

CarolA

It's very quick. I always get one and fail to understand why folks wouldn't. If there is an accident or traffic violation do you REALLY expect the police to translate your license? Could the police in your town do it?

Robert2533

You will not be asked to produce an IDP by the rental car agency, but as noted, you should have one if you are not fluent in the language and happen to encounter the police for some reason. The Ertzaintza, the Basque state police, tend to be more forgiving than the GC under most circumstances, but I wouldn't push it if you don't speak at least a little Spanish.

An IDP is not required in the States, so the local police are on their own to translate a driver's license.

You should also be aware that the majority of road signs in the Basque country are in Euskara, the Basque language, not Spanish. You will find some useful information in Maribel's Guide to the País Vasco (www.maribelsguides.com).

oopsy

Robert, I believe the IDP is required by law in Spain, whether your are fluent in the language or not.

heeney

I'm going to pick one up tomorrow. Might as well get it to avoid hassle picking up the car.
Also, I noticed the rental does not include a collision damage and loss waiver. I already paid for this rental in advance through Europcar.
Does anyone know if I can add this service later?
For some reason when I price check adding this on the website it takes the cost for the rental from $105 to $199.
That seems ridiculous. Almost double the price for a waiver? Am I misreading something?

Robert2533

Yes, the IDP is required by law and they said that they where going to start enforcing the law last year, but it's not something the average GC, Foral Police (Navarra) or Ertzaintza would bother to ask for if you speak at least some Spanish. Most local police are unaware of the IDP outside of the major tourist areas.

The IDP is an outdated concept. If stopped for an infraction, it will not help. If you're in an accident, just make sure you have the proper papers for the rental car and sufficient insurance coverage.

They are enforcing the speed limits, which were lowered to 110 kph, and there are more enforcement officers patrolling the highways now, but most speeding tickets are issued through the use of roadside cameras. There are also a number of speed traps set up around the country, mostly for local revenue enhancement.

Any time you rent through a European based car rental agency in Spain, they are required by law to include the CDW. If you're an American you have the option of waiving the CDW, but only if you rent your car through an American based rental agency (AVIS, Hertz, etc) or broker like Auto Europe or Kemwel. I'm not sure if the same is true for Canadians, but it probably is.

Your credit card company (MC, VISA and Amex) are your first insurers, but there is a deductible that can be as high as €600. Amex offers additional insurance coverage for $24.95/rental, up to 31 days. If you purchase travel insurance, it normally covers any deductible, plus medical expenses. Amex Platinum now automatically covers its cardholders with complete coverage at no additional expense.

heeney

Are you sure they require it? Because they included liability. But not the CDW.

Graziella5b

One question the credit card ( Master Card) is in my name, is the same that my husband who has an additional card , rents the car and pays with his card. Or should the rental be in my name>?
Thank you.