Clarity of Information on Auto Europe website

An industry leader when it comes to finding the right car hire package – they cover driver eligibility and surcharges, fuel policies, costs of additional extras such as child seats and car seat, and excess limits.

Why use Auto Europe?

Apart from the ease in finding information on their site they do not charge any cancellation or amendments fees right up to 48 hours prior to your pick up. This means that you can book through Auto Europe well ahead of your break and fix your car rental costs. Should you later find a better deal you can cancel and rebook elsewhere, but before you do that give Auto Europe a call and see if they will price match it.

Be aware that, if you are booking abroad, you may be subject to exchange rate movements meaning any ‘refund’ might be slightly different from the price you originally paid.

The company charge no credit card fees – which means you can get the extra protection booking with a credit card provides (including reimbursement if your supplier fails) at no extra cost.

What could Auto Europe improve?

Publish the cost of locally purchased ‘excess insurance’ so consumers can see these options easily.

Also annoying is the fact that, if you enter their site from a comparison service and want to modify your vehicle, you are only shown alternatives from the same supplier. Only if you rerun your quotation from the start (ie rekeying location and dates) will you be given a full list of alternatives for your visit.

Insurance

Auto Europe offer a range of insurance packages ranging from a entry level Inclusive Package through to an Excess Refund Package to a Zero Excess Package, which is their top of the range offer.

In our experience it is often more cost effective and better to buy the cheaper rental package with basic insurance and a separate car hire excess insurance policy, which will also cover many of the ‘exclusions’ (damage to tyres, wheels, glass and parking damage).

The benefits and notable exceptions of the Auto Europe packages are as follows:

• Basic Insurance Package:
  
  Provides Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection, but both are liable to excess / waiver. Typically these range from &pound500 to £2,000 but check your chosen car.
  
  Unlimited liability for damage except in the following circumstances:
  
  When damage is caused to windows/windscreen, interior, wheels, hub caps, tyres, underside, or roof of vehicle.
  When any rental vehicle has been driven off-road, on unpaved roads, in unauthorized countries or areas.
  When the driver is not named and authorized on the rental agreement
  When the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  When any fraudulent, dishonest, or criminal act has been committed by the driver and/or passengers.
  When the damage is caused by the driver not taking due care, attention, is reckless or negligent (this includes – but is not limited to – adding wrong fuel, not following the rules of the road, damages incurred while parking or in a parking facility, burned clutch, using the hand brake incorrectly etc).
  
  
• Excess Refund Package:
  
  Package includes Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection but, whilst there is an excess for both if you have purchased an excess refund package, Auto Europe state:
  You will be reimbursed for any excess paid to the supplier for accidental damage. You should decline the supplier’s additional excess reduction insurance upon check out.
  
  Unlimited liability for damage in the following circumstances:
  
  When damage is caused to interior, underside, wheels, tyres, glass or roof of vehicle.
  When any rental vehicle has been driven off-road, on unpaved roads, in unauthorized countries or areas.
  When the driver is not named and authorized on the rental agreement
  When the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  When any fraudulent, dishonest, or criminal act has been committed by the driver and/or passengers.
  When the damage is caused by the driver not taking due care, attention, is reckless or negligent (this includes – but is not limited to – adding wrong fuel, not following the rules of the road, damages incurred while parking or in a parking facility, burned clutch, using the hand brake incorrectly, etc).
  
  
• Zero Excess Rate
  
  Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection are both provided with a nil excess.
  
  In common with most car hire suppliers the insurance coverage does not cover damage to windows, mirrors, wheels, tyres, the roof, underside & interior of the vehicle, towing charges or damage caused negligently, willfully or recklessly.

We suggest full details of the excesses and insurances are obtained before booking so a full assessment of the competitiveness of the package can be made. Compare to the prices and policies available via the MoneyMaxim combined car hire and car hire insurance service.

Service

Bookings can be made either online or through their call centres. They have a very efficient amendment and cancellation service online but if assistance is required, agents are on hand to assist.