Renting a car abroad unlocks destinations that public transport can't reach — coastal roads in Croatia, highland drives in Scotland, national parks in the US. But the booking process trips up even experienced travellers. Here's how to navigate it without getting burned.

Quick takeaways

Book online before you travel — airport desk prices run 30–70% higher. Compare across brokers, not just one site. Check what's included in the base rate before you pay.

Why you should never book at the airport desk

Airport rental desks are the most expensive place to hire a car, full stop. You're paying a premium for convenience and last-minute availability. Prices are often 30–70% above what you'd pay booking the same car online a few days in advance. The desk agent also has every incentive to upsell you insurance you may not need.

What to look for in a car rental comparison site

The checklist before you book

  • Free cancellation policy — look for "cancel up to 48h before pickup" at minimum
  • All-inclusive pricing — confirm tax, airport surcharges, and mandatory fees are shown upfront
  • Third-party liability coverage — check what insurance is included vs what you must buy separately
  • Credit card hold amount — some rentals block €1,000–€3,000 on your card
  • One-way fees — if you're dropping the car at a different location, check for drop charges
  • Fuel policy — "full to full" is the fairest option; avoid "full to empty"

Discover Cars — our top pick for international rentals

Discover Cars is a specialist comparison platform covering 500+ suppliers across 145 countries. It shows the all-in price (no hidden extras at checkout), includes free cancellation on most bookings, and lets you compare suppliers side-by-side on a single screen. Their "Full Coverage" option bundles comprehensive insurance with zero excess — worth considering if your credit card cover has gaps.

Compare car rental prices across 500+ suppliers in 145 countries. Free cancellation on most bookings.

Compare Prices on Discover Cars

Tips to get the best price

Booking tactics that cut costs

  • Book 2–4 weeks ahead for best availability and price — last-minute rates spike sharply
  • Search with flexible pickup dates if you have a day's wiggle room
  • Compare economy vs compact — the price gap is often small but the boot space difference is large
  • Avoid upgrades at the counter — accept only what you booked unless you genuinely need it
  • Check if your credit card includes CDW (collision damage waiver) — many travel cards do, which can save €10–€20/day

Insurance — what you actually need

Don't pay twice for cover you already have

  • CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — waives or limits your liability for damage. Often included; if not, it's the key add-on
  • Third-party liability — usually mandatory and included in the base rate
  • Super CDW / zero excess — reduces your deductible to zero. Worth it for peace of mind on longer trips
  • Personal accident insurance — usually duplicates existing travel insurance. Skip it.
  • Roadside assistance — often bundled; if not, €3–€5/day is reasonable

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistakes that cost travellers money

  • Booking directly with a supplier without comparing — you'll miss better rates on the same car
  • Accepting the fuel "pre-purchase" option — you pay for a full tank but rarely get a refund for unused fuel
  • Ignoring the fine print on cross-border driving — many rentals prohibit taking the car into certain countries
  • Returning the car late without calling ahead — hourly overage charges add up fast
  • Not photographing existing damage at pickup — document everything before you drive away