FAQs

UK Driving Licence holder driving in the EU from 1 January 2021

You need to carry your UK driving licence with you. You do not need an international driving permit (IDP) to visit and drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have:

  • a paper driving licence
  • a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

You will not need an IDP to drive when visiting Ireland if you have a UK driving licence.
Check if you need an IDP
https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit

You can get an IDP over the counter at the Post Office.

UK Driving Licence Changes

If you hold a UK Driving Licence and are renting a car or van, you must provide a DVLA licence code when collecting your vehicle. Codes can be requested from https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence or calling the DVLA on 0300 083 0013 (Monday to Friday 8am – 7pm, Saturday 8am – 2pm). The check code will allow the rental desk to see what vehicles you can drive, any penalty points or disqualifications, your name and the last 8 characters of your driving licence number.
When applying you will need:

  • your driving licence number
  • your National Insurance number
  • the postcode on your driving licence

Where can I find the Rental Terms and Conditions?

Car hire terms and conditions can differ from country to country, car rental agent to car rental agent and vehicle to vehicle, always consult the specific rental conditions relating to your rental quotation. On the quotation page of our booking process you can find the rental conditions by clicking the Rental Conditions link located at the bottom left of the car type.

The Rental Conditions include full information on:
Driver’s age | Driving licence | Deposit and Payment Card Information | Insurance coverage | Breakdown assistance | Fuel policy | Mileage policy | Special equipment/optional extras | Conditions of optional extras | Additional driver | Travel Restrictions | Tax rate | Fees | Form(s) of ID | Car types | Voucher | Cancellation and no-show policy

You can also find them on the third and final step of the booking process under the Rental Conditions link at the bottom of the confirmation page.

Finally, your rental Terms and Conditions can also be found on the confirmation voucher you need to bring to the rental desk.

How can I pay for my booking?

We accept Visa, Visa Delta, Visa Electron, Mastercard and Maestro/Laser for online payments. Please note at the time of pick up the local supplier will require a security deposit to be left for the vehicle. This takes the form of an amount (minimum: Excess + Fuel + VAT) being blocked on the primary drivers credit card.

You must bring a credit card at the rental desk; Cash deposits, Maestro, Switch and debit cards such as Visa Electron are never accepted. The cards accepted by the suppliers are listed in the rental conditions under “rate details” on the results page.

No credit card? You can use a pre-paid credit card, such as those from Visa and MasterCard.

Can I amend a confirmed booking?

Yes. Please have your booking ID ready. You will also be asked to provide a description and details of the changes you wish to make. Go to our support page to amend your booking. Please note we cannot guarantee you will receive the same rate as your original booking. Rates change frequently and are set by the car rental agents.

How do I amend or change a booking to change the pick-up or drop-off time?

Go to our support page to change your pick-up or drop-off times and dates. Please note we cannot guarantee you will receive the same rate as your original booking. Rates change frequently and are set by the car rental agents.

How do I cancel my booking?

Please use the link provided in your confirmation email.

Insurance

What is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)?

It is an insurance limiting your liability to the excess amount in case of damage. This insurance is included in most of our rates, however, please check it is so in your booking Terms & Conditions before you arrive at the rental desk.

This insurance has exclusions such as damage to glass (e.g. windows, windscreen, etc.) tyres, undercarriage, roof and loss of keys; for instance if you damage the undercarriage of the vehicle, you will be liable for the full cost of repair.

We would advise you to select our Excess Insurance provided through our partner Mondial Insurance. This policy would allow you to claim the cost of your excess for €5.50 per day.

What is Vehicle Theft Waiver?

It is an insurance limiting your liability to the excess amount in case of theft of the vehicle. This insurance is included in most of our rates, however, please check it is so in your booking Terms & Conditions before you arrive at the rental desk.

Safety Tip: CarTrawler recommends that you remove the identifying tag that is usually on the key ring of the vehicle and store it safely elsewhere.

Please note if the vehicle is stolen and you cannot return the key i.e. you were negligent and left the key in a prominent and vulnerable location, you may be liable for the full cost of the vehicle.

Can you explain what the Liability Insurance is?

It is an insurance limiting your liability for any damage caused to other people and/or other people rsquo;s property. It is usually limited to a maximum of €1,000,000. The insurance is limited and there may be excess which means that you may be liable for any amount over and above the value of the insurance.

Tip: Excess Insurance can be purchased at the time of booking in order to reduce the excess to €0 (Service provided in partnership with Mondial Assistance).

Is Breakdown Assistance included?

Most of our rates include Breakdown assistance; we would advise you to read your booking Terms & Conditions to check it is included in your rate. All car rental agents have national assistance should the renter require it. Please ask at your local desk for the number and contact details at the time of rental.

How do I reduce the excess on the vehicle?
Can I take out additional insurances to reduce it?

You can purchase additional insurances to reduce the excess on the vehicle. This can be done online at the time of booking (service provided in association with Mondial Assistance) or at the car rental agent rsquo;s office on arrival. A pre-authorisation may be required, even if you have purchased additional insurances. This pre-authorisation is taken from your credit card. Please see your Rental terms & conditions for further details.

Tips

How do I find Self Drive Van Hire?

It’s easy:

  • In Search Enter: A City, Town, Street Address or Post Code
  • Click: Get Quote and you will display all the nearest available car and van hire deals!

Questions