Hiring A Car And Driving Around In Austria

PUBLISHED ON Jan, 20 2023

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If you’re looking for a vacation destination that features a beautiful culture as well as gorgeous sights, Austria is the place to go.

For many people, Austria is one of the most influential European countries when it comes to culture. The nation’s history is teeming with musical excellence and breathtaking architecture. There is also the Alpine landscape, one of the most stunning in the world.

 

With a hire car, you can experience four of the best cities in Austria: Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Graz. Aside from these amazing locales, you can also enjoy the country’s natural beauty and landscapes. There are plenty of unspoiled lakes and rivers, as well as ancient forests to see. Adventure-seekers will have an unforgettable time skiing in the Alps and indulging in other winter sports.

The capital city, Vienna, is a clean, well-planned, and welcoming city that is ideal for vacations. Thanks to its good roads, you will have a smooth time exploring the area with your Vienna Car Hire. You can drop by the Museum of Fine Art and Imperial Treasury. If you’re into palaces, be sure to check out Schloss Schonbrunn, one of the most majestic palaces Europe has to offer. Its impressive architecture, immense gardens, and longstanding zoo (the oldest in Europe!) will surely make an impact.

You can also drive your rented car to Salzburg, where you can see Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, and Hellbrunn Castle. If you choose to go to Innsbruck instead, sites to see are Hofkirche Cathedral and the Alpine Zoo. Ganz, on the other hand, while less popular than the previous three cities, is also worth a visit. This city on the southeastern part of Austria houses awe-inspiring castles, art and theater-related spots, as well as the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II.

VIENNA

You can pick up your Vienna Car Hire the moment you arrive in Vienna — whether you get there by plane or by train. With a rental car, you have flexibility. You can thoroughly enjoy your time exploring the countryside, going through vineyards, and sightseeing along the Danube. You can also drop by the Wachau Valley or Melk, which is a must-see place for its castles, monasteries, and timeworn ruins.

In the cultural city of Vienna, there is always some music performance happening at night — from the Vienna Boys Choir to concerts featuring the works of Wagner, Strauss or Mozart to more diverse kinds of orchestral gatherings. You can also watch shows of the Lipizzaner Stallions at the Spanish Riding School, where Renaissance horsemanship is not just preserved but also cultivated. Another highly recommended destination in the city is the Schonbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site treasured by the locals. Here, you can watch concerts and learn about the lifestyles and leisure times of Austrian royalty.

Another unique thing about Vienna is that here, you can rent a car and travel into Eastern Europe. That is not something you can do in all European cities.

SALZBURG

Salzburg, dubbed the “City of Music” and deemed one of the most beautiful cities in the world, offers magnificent architecture and a commanding fortress. You can take your Salzburg Car Hire to Vienna, Innsbruck or Graz, or just rent a car in the farther areas in Austria.

The Salzach River divides Salzburg into the old part and the new part. This means there are a lot of different things to experience in Salzburg! In the old part, you can have fun shopping, especially if you are into Christmas and Easter decors and the usual Austrian goods. There are also many cafes nearby, tempting you to sample the area’s specialties, such as Hotel Sacher’s Sacher Torte or Mozart Ball from Furst Chocolate.

Other must-see spots include Mozart’s birthplace and the Mozart Museum. Visitors also flock to the majestic churches in the town and even the town’s cemetery, which is full of unbelievable flowers during spring. You can also check out the charming fountains and garden beds at the Mirabelle Gardens. This is the perfect spot to just observe people, take a leisurely stroll or view some interesting artwork done by local artists (and perhaps even chat with these friendly artists).

Salzburg is also a short distance away from other interesting places, such as Bad Duerrnberg Salt Mines and the Untersberg Cableway. The famous Bad Reichenhall is also just a 20-minute drive away in your rental car.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?

Short Answer: Most personal auto insurance policies extend to rental cars, but coverage varies by insurer and policy type.

Detailed Answer: Your personal car insurance typically covers rental cars with the same limits and deductibles as your regular policy. This includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage if you have them. However, coverage only applies to rentals for personal use, not business travel. Always verify with your insurer before traveling, as some policies exclude certain rental types or international rentals.

Key Considerations:
  • Coverage matches your personal policy limits
  • Same deductible applies to rental claims
  • Business rentals often excluded
  • International coverage varies by insurer
  • Luxury or exotic vehicles may be excluded

Will my car insurance cover a rental car abroad?

Short Answer: Most US car insurance policies do not cover rental cars outside the United States and Canada.

Detailed Answer: Standard US auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for rentals outside North America. Some insurers extend coverage to Canada, but European, Asian, and other international rentals usually require separate coverage. For international travel, consider purchasing rental insurance from the rental company or a third-party provider like CarInsuRent that specializes in international rental protection.

International Coverage Options:

- Rental company insurance (most expensive)

- Credit card coverage (limited protection)

- Third-party providers like CarInsuRent (comprehensive, cost-effective)

- Travel insurance with rental coverage

- Temporary international auto policies

What's the best rental car insurance for international travel?

The data is clear: CarInsuRent offers up to 70% savings on rental car insurance

Beyond savings, CarInsuRent offers:

  • Transparency: Clear policy terms you can read at leisure.
  • Control: You choose coverage levels without sales pressure.
  • Flexibility: Coverage travels with you across countries and rental companies.
  • Protection: Comprehensive excess coverage at a fraction of rental counter cost.
In an industry notorious for expensive add-ons and pressure tactics, CarInsuRent, the best rental car insurance for international travel, puts travelers back in control while saving substantial money.

Should I buy rental car insurance from the rental company?

Whether you should buy the rental company’s insurance depends on what coverage you already have and your personal risk tolerance. Here’s a practical decision framework most people use:

Skip the rental company insurance if ANY of these apply:

  • Check if your personal auto policy include coverage for rental cars.
  • Most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Chase Sapphire, etc.) offer primary or secondary collision damage waiver offer rental car insurance coverage. Note: Almost always this coverage excludes liability, theft of personal items, and exotic/luxury vans/trucks. You must decline rental company CDW and charge the entire rental to that card.
  • Check if your travel insurance (e.g., Allianz, World Nomads, credit-card trip insurance) includes rental collision.

Buy (or seriously consider) rental company insurance if:

  • You have no personal auto insurance (e.g., you don’t own a car).
  • You’re driving in a country where your U.S./home policy explicitly excludes coverage (fairly rare, but happens in Ireland, Jamaica, Israel, etc.).
  • Your credit card coverage is secondary and you don’t want to deal with filing through your personal policy first (deductible + possible rate hike).
  • You want zero-deductible peace of mind and don’t mind paying $30–$60/day extra.
 

Can I buy a plan for just one day?

Yes. Insurance for a single day is available.

Can I buy a plan when I pick up my rental car?

No. You should purchase a policy before starting your travel.

Can I use the policy for car hire in my home-country / country of residence?

Local rentals are covered by our Car Club / Car Sharing Hire Excess Insurance. You can use it in your Country of Residence and there are no restrictions regarding proximity of use to your home address.

If You are renting a Vehicle for use within your Country of Residence and if you purchased Multi Trip (Plan B) Policy, You must also have at least 2 nights pre-booked accommodation in your Country of Residence. The Annual Policy is priced for travelers who rent cars intermittently across multiple trips, not as a substitute for owning a car. Tourists typically drive fewer total days/miles per year and face different risks. Local renters drive far more and more often, which materially increases claim frequency and would break the pricing if covered at the same annual premium. The product is excess reimbursement for short-term rentals, not long-term / leasing / continuous domestic car use.

If You are renting a Vehicle for use within your home country and if you purchased Daily coverage (Plan A) you are covered even if theft or damage occurs within 150km of your home provided that you are a resident of the EEA.

Multiple rentals are allowed as long as each rental will not exceed 45 consecutive days.

in event that You return the rental vehicle and pick up another rental vehicle during the 48 hours after you return the first rental vehicle, the new rental is not covered under this policy, unless the new rental occurs within more than 150km from the rental station where you left the first rental vehicle.

We encourage you to read our full guide about Car Rental Insurance in Europe to learn everything you need to know about European car rental insurance.

Find the answers you’re looking for to the most frequently asked car hire insurance questions as well as other questions relating to our products and services.

Visit the FAQ page