What advantages do additional rental car services offer?

Important facts described briefly below:

Examples of additional services may include a navigation device, a one-way rental option, or a children’s car seat. On our site, you can book the appropriate additional services you may need. If you have chosen a suitable rental car and proceed to the booking form, you can select the desired extras. In the rental conditions, you will find the additional costs for the selected extras. If these are not shown, please contact our customer service. The additional costs are to be paid when you pick up the car.

********************

If you have a planned a simple trip, a basic rental car, without spectacular extras, is usually sufficient. Depending on what you plan to do, where you are going, with whom, and how long you are on the road for may influence whether you want to add some additional car rental services to your rental. Find out here which of these extras can be useful and what you can use them for.

Additional car rental service: What is a one-way rental?

You don't always stay in one place during your vacation. Sometimes you might want to explore the country or area you are visiting by going on a road trip. In such cases, you may also fly home from another airport.

Once you have rented a car, you will have to return it somewhere else. Most of the time, this is not a problem because big car rental companies have numerous branches in different cities and towns. Therefore, you can often decide to rent a car from one location and drop it off in another. Some rental companies charge extra for this service, and others do not.

When do you need to book an additional driver?

If you do not plan on driving your rental alone, you need the additional car rental service, "additional driver." For example, you may want to take turns with a co-driver for longer journeys. To ensure that insurance covers you when another driver takes the wheel, for a fee, you can usually add an additional driver in the rental agreement.

What are the advantages of hotel delivery?

If you have a cab take you to the hotel, or if you decide to rent a car later, the additional car rental service, "hotel delivery," is a great idea. With this option, the rental car will be brought to you, or you will be picked up by a shuttle bus that will take you to the rental company so that you can pick up the vehicle. The price depends on the season and the distance to the place where you are staying.

Can car seats be added as an additional car rental service?

If children under the age of twelve are traveling with you, you are mandated -at least in the States and also in some other European countries- to ensure that the children are seated in an appropriate car seat. Even if the law of the region you are visiting does not require this regulation, you should still ensure appropriate seating for the safety of your children. Inform the supplier of the age and weight of your child so that they can provide a suitable child seat.  

Tip: If you compare the different providers, you may even be able to save money on a car seat. However, do not sacrifice quality because of the money you save. You can also bring a car seat from home.

Why add a navigation device as an additional car rental service?

Especially in countries and places you aren’t familiar with, a navigation device is extremely useful. Without having to deal with cumbersome paper maps, you can be easily guided by the device. If you rent a navigation device, you have to expect an additional rental fee of ten to 15 euros. However, the fee can also be higher.

Tip: You can also use your own portable navigation device. However, you should first download the necessary maps. If you use your smartphone as a navigation device abroad, first check with your mobile phone provider about possible roaming charges.

Can luggage racks be added as an additional service for a rental car?

Especially during winter vacations, special equipment such as roof racks or ski racks is necessary. Your rental car should also be equipped for the weather. Winter tires and snow chains are even mandatory in many cases. You can specify the desire for winter tires when you are looking for a rental car. Other rental car additional services include bicycle racks. These can also be requested from the respective rental car suppliers. Nothing stands in the way of having a bicycle tour on your next vacation.

Are Wi-Fi and an electronic toll pass available as additional rental car services?

You can add Wi-Fi and an electronic toll pass to your rental. However, this depends on the respective car supplier. Not all suppliers offer these additional services. With Wi-Fi, you and your passengers can surf the Internet without having to use the monthly surfing volume. The toll pass makes it easier for you to move through toll marked areas.

Why do you need additional insurance?

Fully comprehensive car rental insurance, liability insurance, theft insurance, and glass and tire insurance are often useful and can save you money. You can protect yourself against all eventualities. The best way is to book an excellent offer with insurance included. The costs are much lower this way. It will be more expensive if you book an upgrade with a respective rental car company.

1. Fully comprehensive car rental insurance: Apart from damages caused by gross negligence, the fully comprehensive car rental insurance covers all damages caused by your fault.
2. Liability insurance: If objects or persons outside the rental car cause damage to the vehicle, you are covered by liability insurance.
3. Theft insurance: A stolen rental car is covered by theft insurance. However, this does not include objects that are stolen from the vehicle. The insurance also does not apply if the rental car is stolen due to a lost key.
4. Glass and tire insurance: Since the fully comprehensive insurance does not cover damage to the windows and tires, you will need additional insurance coverage. The roof and underbody of your rental car can also be additionally insured.

What is the significance of the different fuel regulations?

At the respective rental companies, you can also choose between different fueling regulations. With the full/empty tank regulation, you can take the rental vehicle with a full tank and return it empty. However, please note that in this case, you will have to pay a service fee for re-fuelling to the respective provider. Besides, the rental company will charge you for the first tank of fuel.

The supplier can also determine the price per gallon/liter. In addition, you will not be reimbursed if there is still petrol in the rental car when you return it. With the full/full fuel regulation, however, you can look for a cheap gas station near the place of return. All you have to do is make sure that the tank is as full as when you received it. This means: If the rental car is only half full when you pick it up, the tank must also be only half full when you return it. However, the fill level should also be accurately noted in the rental agreement. So make sure you check it before you drive off.

What is the real benefit of additional car rental services?

It is helpful to plan before your next vacation which additional car rental services you will need.

Are you planning a bike tour or a skiing vacation? If so, you can ask the rental company for different luggage carriers to transport the appropriate equipment.

Do you want to explore foreign areas? Then rental companies will provide you with a navigation system. With a rented car seat, you can ensure the safety of your children. With the numerous additional services provided by rental car companies, you will not have to worry about the next trip with your rental car.