Rental car in Spain - IDP and insurance questions
May 18th, 2008, 07:24 AM
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Rental car in Spain - IDP and insurance questions
I know this info has been posted on various threads, but much of what I have found in a search is pretty old.
We (my sister and I) will be renting a car in Salamanca and returning it to the airport in Madrid. Four day rental in mid-August.
Will we need International Drivers Permits? I know it's not a big deal to get them at AAA, but it's an extra $40 total that could be more happily spent on tapas or souvenirs.
What about insurance? We're using a credit card (Capital One M/C)to pay for the car - generally when I rent a car dometically (We are U.S. citizens), I never purchase all the insurance, since my own auto insurance covers me, as well as the credit card. Not sure how that would work in Spain, though.
The cost of the rental agency's insurance practically doubles the cost of the car!
We (my sister and I) will be renting a car in Salamanca and returning it to the airport in Madrid. Four day rental in mid-August.
Will we need International Drivers Permits? I know it's not a big deal to get them at AAA, but it's an extra $40 total that could be more happily spent on tapas or souvenirs.
What about insurance? We're using a credit card (Capital One M/C)to pay for the car - generally when I rent a car dometically (We are U.S. citizens), I never purchase all the insurance, since my own auto insurance covers me, as well as the credit card. Not sure how that would work in Spain, though.
The cost of the rental agency's insurance practically doubles the cost of the car!
May 18th, 2008, 07:32 AM
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No, you do not need an IDP to drive in Spain. It's possible a car rental agency would require one, but not likely. Check with yours just to be sure.
The only way to find out about coverage on your credit card is to call them and speak to an insurance specialist there. No two cards even from the same company seem to be alike in coverage, so people telling you what THEIR card covers means nothing.
One thing to consider however, is that most cards will only cover the driver whose card the rental was charged on and who is the person on the contract.
The only way to find out about coverage on your credit card is to call them and speak to an insurance specialist there. No two cards even from the same company seem to be alike in coverage, so people telling you what THEIR card covers means nothing.
One thing to consider however, is that most cards will only cover the driver whose card the rental was charged on and who is the person on the contract.
May 18th, 2008, 07:42 AM
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I always use a credit card to cover the CDW. I second NeoPatrick's advice on calling your credit card company for info.
I no longer get an international driver's permit. I think the original idea was to have a driver's licence that could be read by people who don't read English. I think so many people speak and read English that it's no longer necessary. My opinion.
I no longer get an international driver's permit. I think the original idea was to have a driver's licence that could be read by people who don't read English. I think so many people speak and read English that it's no longer necessary. My opinion.
May 18th, 2008, 08:16 AM
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I personally disagree with the last statement about IDP. I agree that it "seems" unnecessary, but in countries like Italy where it is a LAW to have one, I choose to obey the law. In countries where it is not a law, I choose not to get one.
May 18th, 2008, 09:22 AM
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It is a LAW here in Spain (I think since last year) for everyone not from an EU country, Norway or Switzerland. Maybe it is not enforced (I mean, the police that stops you don't ask for it)..but I wouldn't risk it.
May 18th, 2008, 10:40 AM
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Never mind. I found it. Yes. I agree, with this apparently new requirement, I definitely WOULD get an IDP to drive in Spain (assuming you are from the US).
madrid.usembassy.gov/cons/acstraveling.html
madrid.usembassy.gov/cons/acstraveling.html
May 18th, 2008, 11:59 AM
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Wow, I didn't know it was a law to have IDP in Italy! We were actually stopped while driving around Lake Maggiore - a random check I guess - they looked at my friend's drivers license and passport and sent us on our way. My guess is if you were involved in an accident - having the permit would simplify the situation.
May 18th, 2008, 12:57 PM
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As kenderina stated, the IDP is now required under Spanish law, but few, if any rental car agents will ask you to see one, especially if you speak Spanish. It's not their job. As pointed out, if you are stopped by the police, it helps to have one if you are not fluent in the local language.
The IDP doesn't contain anything except some basic information and your photograph. The problem with the IDP is that it is the same document issued back in the 50s. It’s old technology, doesn't fit into any of the standard document holders so that you can carry it along with your passport, which you should have if stopped. It certainly needs to be updated and made useable for more than one year at a time. A 5-year IDP, geared toward a particular country, or two, would be great.
The best credit card insurance for car rental is the VISA Signature card and the Amex Platinum card. None of the credit card companies cover "road damage" as part of their policies.
http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/b...v_sym_benefits
I believe Amex now offers full coverage for $19.95 per rental, but you have to sign up for the program ahead of time.
The IDP doesn't contain anything except some basic information and your photograph. The problem with the IDP is that it is the same document issued back in the 50s. It’s old technology, doesn't fit into any of the standard document holders so that you can carry it along with your passport, which you should have if stopped. It certainly needs to be updated and made useable for more than one year at a time. A 5-year IDP, geared toward a particular country, or two, would be great.
The best credit card insurance for car rental is the VISA Signature card and the Amex Platinum card. None of the credit card companies cover "road damage" as part of their policies.
http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/b...v_sym_benefits
I believe Amex now offers full coverage for $19.95 per rental, but you have to sign up for the program ahead of time.
May 18th, 2008, 01:38 PM
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Hmmm ... I have a Visa Signature card. I actually use it most of the time because we earn miles with it, but not for foreign transactions because they charge that pesky 3% fee. I use Capital One M/C for my foreign travels ... I wonder if they also have insurance built in.
I'll have to call them and find out. If not, maybe I'll use the Visa for the car rental - it's only for a four day rental, so it won't be a big deal to pay the fee. The car rental insurance fees were hefty - came to at least as much as the rental itself.
A far as the IDP, I know it's required in Italy. Our daughter needed one when she was there working as an au pair a few years ago. We weren't sure if we need ones for Spain, but I see we do.
And, yes, it seems silly, as it is very low tech ... practically looks as if you could easily make your own on any computer and just fold it up and go. Must be a money-maker for AAA, as they appear to have the sole govt. contract to supply them.
I'll have to call them and find out. If not, maybe I'll use the Visa for the car rental - it's only for a four day rental, so it won't be a big deal to pay the fee. The car rental insurance fees were hefty - came to at least as much as the rental itself.
A far as the IDP, I know it's required in Italy. Our daughter needed one when she was there working as an au pair a few years ago. We weren't sure if we need ones for Spain, but I see we do.
And, yes, it seems silly, as it is very low tech ... practically looks as if you could easily make your own on any computer and just fold it up and go. Must be a money-maker for AAA, as they appear to have the sole govt. contract to supply them.
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