European Road Trip: How To Save A Tonne Of Money On Car Rental, Insurance & Parking

So, you want to take a road trip across Europe? I take my hat off to you. You’re committing to a truly legendary travel conquest! The continent is a tough nut to crack (especially if you’re on a budget) but it can be done, we promise! If you want to avoid overspending, there are a few things that you need to get clued up on before you go. Here are some tips for planning your next European road trip without breaking the bank.

How to plan your European Road Trip: quick tips

• Book car rentals in advance and compare prices from different rental companies to find the most affordable option. Discount codes, promotions, and vacation packages can also help save money.
• Independent insurance policies from companies like Allianz and Insuremyrentalcar.com can save money on car rental insurance.
• Leasing a car can be a cheaper alternative to car rental, with buyback agreements offered by companies like Peugeot and Citroen.
• Europeans support free parking options, and a guide is provided for finding free parking spots.
• Electric cars are recommended for avoiding fees and charges in low-emission zones in many European cities. Rental companies like Europcar and Sixt offer electric cars in their fleets.

The car

The car is the biggest hurdle when planning a European road trip. Want to know the cheapest way to rent a car? There are a huge variety of companies and rental options! What will give you the most mileage per gallon of fuel? Which model is the least likely to break down? How do you deal with (gulp) car insurance?

It’s OK. Here’s what you need to know…

Renting a car cheaply

The car is the biggest hurdle when planning a European road trip. Want to know the cheapest way to rent a car?  Rentalcars.com can provide car rental options at affordable prices.

One way to save money is to book your rental car in advance, which can help you find the best deals. You can also compare prices from different car rental companies to find the most affordable option. Some well-known car rental companies in Europe include Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Sixt. However, there are also smaller, local rental companies that may offer more competitive prices.

Save money by taking out your own independent insurance policy. Companies such as Allianz and Insuremyrentalcar.com offer affordable car rental insurance options that will help you avoid paying extra at the rental desk.

Another way to save money on car rentals in Europe is to look for discount codes or promotions. You can check the car rental company’s website or sign up for their newsletter to receive special offers. Additionally, some travel websites offer discounted car rentals when booked as part of a vacation package.

Finally, you can consider renting a car from a peer-to-peer car sharing platform like Turo, which operates in several European countries. Turo allows private car owners to rent out their vehicles, often at a lower cost than traditional car rental companies.

Leasing a car

📷@pjarran

This can make the perfect alternative to car rental if you’re a non-EU resident. Car leasing involves setting up a ‘buyback’ agreement – this is when you technically buy a brand new car from a company and promise to sell it back to them within a certain period of time, leaving you to cover the cost of the buyback difference.

This option applies to lease agreements of between 17 – 165 days, making it a great option for lengthier European road trips. The buyback difference works out a lot cheaper than the cost of a car rental, and you can arrange insurance cover independently (see above). You just have to be over 21 and hold a driver’s license that is valid for at least a year.

Depending on where you want to go, you can secure a tax-free lease for a minimum of 17 or 21 days. Buyback deals typically work with cars that are brand new, straight out of the factory, so your car will be much less likely to break down. Peugeot and Citroen offer some great buyback deals.

It’s important to note that leasing a car in Europe is typically only available to non-European residents, so if you are a European citizen, you may not be eligible for this option. Additionally, there may be age restrictions and certain requirements for your driver’s license, so be sure to check with the specific company for their requirements.

Where to park

Paying for car parking is another scary cost that can creep up on you during your road trip. Luckily, Europeans support free parking. There are tons of free parking options across the continent for road trippers on a budget; you just have to know where to look. This handy guide lists the best places to find free parking, so you won’t have to drain your fun budget.

Electric Cars

If you are considering a road trip in Europe, consider renting or leasing an electric car. The EU is currently pushing for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and many cities in Europe are implementing low-emission zones that restrict cars with high emissions from entering. Electric cars can help you avoid these fees and charges.

With the advent of electric cars, there are now several rental companies that offer electric cars in major cities. Companies like Europcar and Sixt have started to introduce electric cars into their fleets, making it easy for you to rent one and save money on fuel costs.

Hopefully these tips will give you a head-start on planning your next European road trip without breaking the bank. Bonne voyage…

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!