If you are going on vacation or business to France, especially in Paris, renting a car is probably in your best interest. You will be able to take advantage of the country’s beautiful scenery and explore places outside of cities. However, renting a car can also be stressful and expensive if you do not plan or do some research beforehand. Here are some tips for renting your next vehicle in France.
Pay attention to the size of your car
The first thing to consider before booking a car is the size of your vehicle. France is a country with many winding roads and small villages, so it’s important that you are comfortable driving the vehicle you choose. If you need to transport large items or people (e.g., children), consider renting a larger vehicle such as an SUV or minivan instead of opting for something smaller like a compact sedan or hatchback. You may also want to check the trunk space before booking; some cars have smaller trunks than others have and won’t be able to accommodate all of your luggage at once!
Check in and out times
Check in and out times. When you rent a car in France, you’ll want to know when you can pick up and drop off your vehicle. Most rental companies require that renters check in by 2:00 p.m., but the check-out time is usually 10:00 or 11:00am. If you’re late returning your car (or if there’s some other issue), expect additional fees; these may include an extra day’s worth of rental charges plus an administrative fee for each hour past your agreed upon departure time that it takes for them to get another customer into their vehicle after yours has been returned late — which could add up quickly!
Don’t forget a GPS system
A GPS system is a must-have for any trip to France. The country’s roads are notoriously confusing and can be difficult to navigate, but with a good GPS system, you’ll never get lost!
GPS systems are not included in most car rentals, but many companies offer them at an additional cost–and sometimes there are even deals where you can rent one for less than the regular price of renting a car without one. Be sure to check out this option before booking your rental, as it will save time and money in the long run.
If you’re planning to drive outside of France (or even just within another part of Europe), there’s one thing worth knowing: not all GPS systems work everywhere. Some have better coverage than others do; if possible, try testing yours out before setting off on vacation so that when disaster strikes (like getting lost), at least it won’t ruin everything!
Fill up the tank before you start driving
When you rent a car in France, it’s important to make sure that you have enough gas in the tank when you return the vehicle. The price of fuel can vary depending on where you buy it and how much is left in your tank when you turn over the keys.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises when paying for your rental car, fill up before starting out on your journey. If not enough gas has been purchased, some companies may charge an additional fee or refuse to accept payment altogether!
Drive on the right-hand side of the road (even in traffic)
Driving on the right-hand side of the road is a good thing–it makes it easier for you to see oncoming traffic and reduces your risk of being hit by another vehicle. If you’re used to driving in America, this may take some getting used to.
Get familiar with French road signs before leaving home (you can find them online)
Keep both hands on the wheel at all times while driving, even when making turns or changing lanes.
Be aware that many French drivers do not use their turn signals very often; they will just make eye contact with other drivers as they prepare their moves — so be ready!
Use an unlimited mileage policy
If you’re planning to drive a lot, use an unlimited mileage policy. They’re more expensive than other options and have higher base rates, but the cost can be worth it if you plan to drive more than 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) per month. If not, look for a cheaper deal with limited mileage.
It’s also important to note that most companies offer unlimited mileage policies only on cars up to 4 years old or newer — and some may require you to pay extra fees if they don’t have enough vehicles available in this category (which could mean older models).
Consider getting insurance for damage to the car
When you rent a car in France, you’ll be liable for all damage to the vehicle. Even if someone else caused the accident, if your car is damaged and can’t be driven anymore, it’s still up to you to pay for repairs or replacement.
If you are renting from an agency, they will likely offer insurance on their vehicles which covers damage caused by non-criminal acts like vandalism or accidents (but not theft). If this option is available through your agency but not included in their price quote–say because of how old or new the car is–you should ask about it before signing anything; otherwise, consider buying additional coverage later on (see below).
If instead of using an agency’s fleet of vehicles and drivers’ services like fuel delivery and GPS navigation systems provided by them at no extra cost beyond standard rental fees themselves already include things like insurance coverage against liability risks such as damages inflicted upon other people’s property while driving under influence alcohol consumption etcetera then there might still be ways around paying more money than necessary by opting out certain optional extras offered when booking online.
Know that your personal car insurance may not cover you
Make sure to take any valuables out of your rental car before driving away – thieves love cars! Check with your insurer if they have any exclusions related to foreign travel or rental vehicles.
If you’re unsure about what coverages are included in the policy, ask! The best way to do this is by calling the number on the back of your insurance card and getting in touch with one of our agents who can help answer all of your questions.
Remember: only drive as fast as the locals do!
Now that you know what to expect when renting a car in France, it’s time to hit the road. The best part about traveling with a rental vehicle is that you have all the freedom and flexibility of driving wherever you want without having to worry about taking public transportation or paying exorbitant taxi fares!
