Filenews 15 August 2021 - by Theano Thiopoulou
Renting a car when we go on holiday outside Cyprus has become one of the most useful tools. This year the getaways outside Cyprus may not have been on such a large scale, but a trip abroad can always be on the schedule and this is accompanied by the rental of a car. The autonomy it offers is one of the most important advantages compared to other means of transport and for this reason it remains the most popular means of transport. In addition, car rental has become easier than ever, as through the internet there is the possibility of comparing prices, available vehicles and coverage from many rental companies. However, attention is required, both in choosing a reliable company in order to provide quality services and in choosing the right vehicle, in order to serve the needs in the best possible way.
There are no specific EU rules on car rental, but you are covered by basic consumer rights when renting a car in another EU country. These rights include: the right to clear information, the right to a fair contract, access to alternative dispute resolution in the event of a dispute with the rental company.
When renting a car, you need to distinguish car rental companies from intermediaries and brokers. Intermediaries do not supply the rental car themselves, but book a car in your name to the car rental company. In case of dispute, the rental company is the one responsible for the implementation of the contract, unless otherwise specified in the contract.
If you have booked a car online, by phone or email within the EU, you do not automatically gain the right to cancel it and request a refund, although the company's rental terms and conditions may allow it.
Car rental companies are free to set their prices and conditions in different EU countries, based on their costs and other factors. However, when you rent a car – either online or directly from the rental company's shop – EU rules prohibit discrimination based on your nationality or the country in which you live.
True story
An example is cited on the European Commission's website as a true story. Stefanie, from Germany, wanted to rent a car in Ireland. The rental price on the company's website was €70. But when Stefanie told the company which country she lives in, the price went up above €140. The reason they put forward was that she was not a resident of Ireland. Considering this treatment unfair, Stefanie contacted the Centre européen des consommateurs France, which forced the company to comply with EU rules.
Insurance coverage
Every rental car must be covered by a liability insurance, valid in all EU countries. This insurance must be included in the rental price. You can also have optional insurance, covering other risks, such as injury to the driver, damage to the car, theft of the car /its contents, vandalism or legal aid. Fully clarify the terms included in the insurance policy. In all cases, the company is obliged to provide you with the mandatory insurance coverage, while in case of mixed insurance, an extra amount of money may be requested. In addition, you should be aware that in any unforeseen incident, the responsibility lies with the user of the vehicle, such as causing an accident under the influence of alcohol. It is also necessary to declare the details of all persons who will drive the car.
Find the cheapest
Car rental is a fairly simplified procedure that can also be done through the internet. In any case, do an extensive market research to achieve the best possible price. Once you have reached your final choice, ask to be given the terms of the contract in detail before signing. Also, you should be aware that the delivery / receipt of the vehicle at specific points (e.g. airports or ports), as well as that the use of additional equipment, such as child seats, is charged extra. Finally, in most cases, transactions for car rental are made via credit card, from which an amount is kept as a security that is released at a second time or offset.
Driving in another country
If you plan to drive the rented car in several countries, you should inform the rental company at the time of booking. If the company allows you to drive the vehicle in another country, it can assure you that you have prescribed documents, as well as insurance coverage in case of damage. If you live in the EU and rent a car in a non-EU country such as Switzerland, special rules apply when driving it in EU countries. If you plan to travel by car rental to both EU and non-EU countries – e.g. from Switzerland to France, Germany, Austria or Italy – you will need to inform the car rental company in advance. The company can rent you a car registered in the EU to ensure compliance with EU customs rules. Most car rental companies in Switzerland provide number plates with an EU number to ensure compliance with EU customs rules, but you should contact the company.
Also, the car rental company must ensure that the car complies with the customs and traffic rules of the country to which you will travel. For example, in many countries winter tyres are mandatory during certain months of the year.
Replacement of license
In the EU you can only have one driving licence. So if you move to another EU country, you will not normally need to exchange your licence with a licence from your new country. However, if you wish, you can voluntarily replace your licence with an equivalent permit in your new country of residence. If you voluntarily wish to exchange your driving licence, you must reside in that country and meet the conditions for obtaining a driving licence (e.g. you must have reached the minimum age, your state of health should allow driving, etc.). Before the authorities replace your driving licence, they will contact the authorities of your previous country of residence to ensure your driving licence is not restricted, suspended or revoked. If you replace an old-style license, you will be granted the new standard type of license (plastic card with photo, credit card size, available from 2013). The European Commission cites an example on its website. Monica lives in Cyprus and holds an Italian driving license that has been damaged. In order to obtain a new license, she will have to replace her Italian license with a Cypriot one.
Loss or theft of a driver's license and identification from other countries
If your driver's license is lost or stolen while abroad, please contact your local police and consulate or embassy to declare it. Your consulate will contact the national authorities that issued your driving licence (to check whether it is not limited, has not been suspended, cancelled or revoked). Based on the information they will receive from the consulate, the police can then issue a temporary permit that will give you the right to drive in that country for a short period of time.
Temporary driving licences and certificates issued to temporarily replace a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in other EU countries. The European Commission mentions the following example on its website. Henrik lives in Denmark and planned to visit Germany, France and Italy on holiday. Unfortunately he lost his wallet and driver's license when he was in Germany, at the beginning of his journey. Without a driver's license, he would risk being fined if he were checked by the police. Henrik contacted the Danish embassy in Germany, where he was advised to report the loss to the local police. The Danish Embassy also issued him with a certificate that he held a driving licence in Denmark. He then had to contact the Italian and French authorities to find out whether the provisional certificate issued by the Danish authorities was recognised in those countries.
Road traffic rules vary from country to country
Road traffic and safety rules vary from one EU country to another. For example, seat belts must be used in all vehicles, including coaches and minibuses, in all EU countries. Cars/lorries and, if possible, other vehicles must have special child restraints. In most EU countries it is forbidden to use a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device. The maximum permissible level of alcohol in the blood varies: some countries do not allow any alcohol in the blood when driving. Different speed limits apply to different types of roads and vehicles. Different safety equipment is required for cars and motorcycles. In some countries it is mandatory to use daytime running lights and/or use winter tyres. You must drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom. The EU has taken steps to improve road safety, such as to reduce road traffic offences committed in other EU countries (except Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland, where the relevant rules do not yet apply). This means that if you commit such an infringement in another country, you may receive the fine by post.
