Can you travel abroad with a rental car?
Renting a car offers great freedom of movement, and in recent years, especially after the pandemic, more and more people have opted for long road trips, even international ones, for their summer and winter vacations. These trips are more flexible, more comfortable, and often more cost-effective than flying or taking trains, whose prices continue to rise. Beyond the unlimited mileage offered by many rental companies, some people wonder about the actual travel limits, particularly whether it’s possible to cross national borders with a rental car. Let’s explore this topic in the article.
Can you drive a rental car outside Italy?
In most cases, the answer is yes: you can drive a rental car abroad, especially within the European Union and certain neighboring countries. However, there are rules and conditions to follow, which vary depending on the rental company and the destination.
For example, international political situations may impose restrictions on specific countries or regions, or additional insurance may be required for international travel. With Locauto, it is possible to travel with the car throughout the European Union, as well as in Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
International road trips: where to return the vehicle
When it comes to returning the rental car outside Italian territory, this also varies between rental companies and should be clarified before booking the vehicle with the specific company. This option can be very convenient for those planning a one-way international trip, for example, starting in Italy and finishing in France or Germany.
Locauto allows its customers to drive beyond Italy's borders, but it does not allow the return of the vehicle outside Italy, simply because its branches are only located within the country. Therefore, if you rent your car from one of our offices, you must plan to return to Italy before dropping off the car. However, you can choose different offices for pickup and drop-off within Italy.
What to do in case of fines or accidents abroad
Driving abroad with a rental car also requires attention to local laws, which may differ from those in Italy. If you receive a fine during your trip, you’ll need to pay it according to the procedures of the country where it was issued. Typically, the rental company receives the fine notification and charges the customer’s credit card used for the rental.
In the event of an accident with a rental car abroad, it’s essential to follow the same procedure you would in Italy: contact local authorities immediately to report the incident and inform the rental company using their emergency number. Many rental companies offer assistance for international travel and will guide you on how to proceed. So, always keep the emergency number and rental contract details handy to facilitate communication.
For more information on how to handle an accident abroad with Locauto, refer to the Terms & Conditions of your rental contract and read the guide we’ve prepared on this topic.
