What We Wish We Knew Before Renting a Car in Europe:
After countless international road trips over the years, we’ve become pretty comfortable navigating car rentals abroad. From picking up vehicles in unfamiliar countries to decoding insurance policies and adapting to different road rules, we’ve learned a lot—often through trial and error.
One thing became clear early on: there are a few key things we wish we had known before renting a car internationally—especially when it comes to choosing a vehicle that looks great online but isn’t always practical for narrow European roads.
Our first big lesson: maybe don’t rent a Jaguar…
Sounds fun, right? But in reality, it brought a lot of unnecessary attention when we were driving it… We definitely looked a lot like tourists (and probably like we could be carrying something valuable).
Plus, the car was much wider than we expected, which made it a challenge to squeeze through narrow European alleyways in historic towns. Not to mention, find parking in tight city streets and parking garages was next to impossible.
What looked sleek and adventurous quickly turned into a stress test on Croatian roads. Womp!
Skip the “Free Upgrade” Trap When Renting a Car in Europe
Another one of our biggest lessons? Be cautious with the “free upgrade.”
It might sound tempting to get a luxury or high-end vehicle at no extra cost, but there’s often a reason behind the offer. In many cases, rental companies are happy to put travelers in larger, more expensive cars—especially knowing there’s a higher chance the vehicle could come back with a scratch or ding.
In reality, those fancy cars can quickly become more of a hassle than a perk. They’re often wider, harder to maneuver through narrow European streets, and much more stressful to park in tight city spaces.
Our advice: stick with a smaller, practical car. It’s easier to drive, less stressful, and far better suited for navigating historic towns and crowded areas across Europe.
Inspect Your Rental Car in Europe: Take Photos and Videos Before You Drive Off
One of the most important tips when renting a car in Europe is to document everything before leaving the rental lot — but people still forget.
Before leaving the parking lot, take detailed photos and videos of the car at pickup. Capture every angle—each panel, the wheels, mirrors, roof, and even inside the trunk. A quick walkaround video is especially helpful, as it provides continuous proof of the car’s condition.
If you notice any scratches, dents, or damage (no matter how small), make sure to photograph it clearly.
Why does this matter? Rental car companies can be very strict when it comes to damage. Even minor marks you didn’t cause could result in unexpected charges—especially if you’re driving a higher-end or luxury vehicle.
By documenting the car thoroughly, you protect yourself and have clear evidence of its condition before you hit the road.
Pro tip: Spending five extra minutes inspecting your rental car (before you drive off the lot!) can save you significant stress—and money—at drop-off.
Do You Really Need an International Driver’s License?
Yes, It is strongly recommended if driving in Europe.
If you’re planning on renting a car in Europe, you may need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)—even if your U.S. (or other home country) driver’s license is valid where you live.
Many European countries, including Croatia, require an IDP alongside your regular license in order to legally rent and drive a car. **While some rental companies may not always ask for it, local authorities can request it at any time—especially during traffic stops.**
It’s easy to get before you leave home, and it can save you headaches (and fines) at pick-up or if you are pulled over. You can obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) through AAA (American Automobile Association) before your trip, which translates your U.S. driver’s license into multiple languages and is required or recommended for driving in many countries around the world.
https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
Our tip: Don’t risk it. Apply for an International Driver’s Permit before your trip—it’s inexpensive, easy to obtain, and can save you from unexpected issues while traveling.
Key Tips for Renting a Car Internationally?
From our experience, here are the top things to know before renting abroad:
- Size matters: Check the width and length of the car. Historic European towns have very narrow streets and tight parking. (When they offer a “free upgrade” at the rental place — we typically DECLINE because larger vehicles mean more risk on narrow roads).
- Don’t draw unnecessary attention: Luxury cars may seem fun, but they can make you stand out as a tourist and even attract unwanted attention.
- Familiarize yourself with local rules and signage: Some streets are one-way or restricted to residents—research beforehand to avoid fines.
- Insurance & paperwork: Make sure your coverage is valid internationally and understand local driving requirements.
- Manual vs. automatic: Automatics can be harder to find and more expensive in Europe, so plan accordingly…
- Bring your IDP: Always carry your International Driver’s Permit—it’s required in many countries.
The Takeaway?
Renting a car gives you amazing freedom to explore, from castles and vineyards to winding coastal roads— but the right car choice makes all the difference.
Learn from our mistakes: pick something practical, document the condition, bring your IDP, blend in, and enjoy the adventure.
We’ve had plenty of great car rental experiences across Europe since the infamous Jaguar incident. These days, we’ve learned we much prefer a smaller, low-key car—bonus points if it already has a few scratches.
It’s easier to drive, easier to park, and lets us enjoy the journey without worrying about every tight street or curb.
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