USEFULL TIPS FOR YOUR CAR RENTAL IN GERMANY

Tourists flock to Germany for many reasons. Some are drawn to the charming towns and old forests. Some go to learn more about the country’s history, while some want to soak up the country’s culture, fashion, and music.

A great place to start your journey is Berlin, a city in the northeastern part of Germany. It is both the country’s capital as well as its largest city. Because Berlin is famous for its racial tolerance and places a high importance on culture, art, and music, you will never run out of things to do here. There are plenty of museums, art galleries, bars, clubs, and cafes to keep you occupied.

Other large cities worth visiting in Germany are Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. If you prefer smaller but dynamic ones, you can also check out Nuremberg, Dusseldorf, and Bremen.

Renting a car in Germany allows you to truly discover Germany with flexibility and independence. The amazing medieval castles trailing from Germany to Austria are a delightful visual treat, especially if you are a photography enthusiast.

With a car hire, you can also experience the best of Germany’s scenery, food, and ambience from Wuerzburg to Fuessen by driving along “The Romantic Road.” This famous route is 360 km long, all the way from the River Main to the Alps. You can drive through the Black Forest and the picture-perfect medieval towns neighboring the Rhine River, as well as live out your fairy tale dreams in the Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles in Bavaria.

Germany is also the biggest nation in central Europe, close to France, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Poland, Belgium, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. Thanks to its convenient location, you can easily explore not just Germany but also the rest of Europe with your rental vehicle.

Car Rental Essentials in Germany

Renting a car in Germany involves several essential steps and considerations:

1. Documents: You’ll need to present your passport or national ID when renting a car in Germany.
2. Driver’s License: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license recognized in Germany. For international travelers, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required, depending on your home country’s regulations.
3. Age Requirement: The minimum age to rent a car in Germany is typically 18 years old, but drivers under 25 may face young driver surcharges.
4. Rental Car Insurance in Germany: Verify the insurance coverage offered by the rental company. Consider additional insurance options for added peace of mind, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection and .
5. Vehicle Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of the rental car before driving off. Document any existing damages or issues to avoid being held liable upon return.
6. Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy of the rental company, whether it’s full-to-full or pre-purchase. Return the car with the same fuel level to avoid extra charges.
7. Traffic Rules: Familiarize yourself with German traffic regulations, including speed limits, road signs, and parking regulations.
8. Roadside Assistance: Inquire about roadside assistance services offered by the rental company for any emergencies or breakdowns during your rental period.
9. Navigation: Consider renting a GPS device or using a navigation app on your smartphone for easier navigation around Germany’s roadways.
10. Parking: Research parking options and regulations in the cities or areas you plan to visit to avoid fines or towing.

How can I find the best car rental deals in Germany?

To find the best car rental deals in Germany, consider the following methods:

1. Comparison Websites: Utilize comparison websites like Kayak, Auto Europe and TripAdvisor to compare prices from various rental companies. These platforms often offer discounts and special deals.
2. Special Offers: Look for special offers and promotions directly on rental company websites. Sometimes, companies offer exclusive discounts for online bookings or through their loyalty programs.
3. Flexible Dates and Locations: Be flexible with your travel dates and pick-up/drop-off locations. Prices may vary significantly based on demand and location, so adjusting these factors can help you find better deals.
4. Early Booking: Book your rental car in advance to secure lower rates. Prices tend to increase closer to the pickup date, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Membership Discounts: Check if you qualify for discounts through memberships like AAA, AARP, or frequent flyer programs. Many rental companies offer special rates for members of certain organizations.
6. Coupon Codes: Search for coupon codes or promotional offers online. These codes can be applied during the booking process for additional savings.
7. Flexible Cancellation Policies: Opt for rental companies with flexible cancellation policies. This allows you to change or cancel your reservation without incurring hefty fees if your plans change.
8. Airport Car Rental: Airport car rental services provide convenience for travelers arriving at airports, offering a seamless transition from flight to ground transportation. These services are typically located within or near airport terminals, allowing passengers to easily access rental vehicles upon arrival.

By combining these strategies and comparing prices from multiple sources, you can find the best car rental deals in Germany.

RENT A CAR IN BERLIN

The vibrant city of Berlin allows for all kinds of lifestyle. Here, you can have the best of both East and West.

The best way to explore Berlin is by getting around the metro through a rental car. You can get your vehicle from Berlin Tegel Airport (about 20 minutes from the city center) or Berlin Schoenfeld Airport (about 30 minutes away from the center of Berlin). You can also pick up the car hire from Alexanderplatz or from the main train station Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

You can then head over to the KaDeWe department store, which is the biggest shopping center in the continent. This department store occupies eight floors, giving you plenty of opportunities to shop til you drop.

If history and culture are more your thing, you can check out the remainder of the Berlin Wall. During the Cold War, the wall symbolized a divided Berlin, a divided Germany, and a divided Europe. Now, there are only four small parts left to remind tourists and residents of the political conflict that the city endured for three decades.

Another interesting symbolic site in the city is the Brandenburg Gate, which now represents unity and peace in Germany. You can also visit Museum Haus Am Checkpoint Charlie, a museum named after the crossing point Checkpoint Charlie between East and West Berlin. This museum preserves the stories of the people affected by the Berlin Wall and of those who fought for freedom and civil rights.

And because we’re talking about Berlin, we also have to talk about the Holocaust. You can pay your respects at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The Memorial has 2711 concrete blocks organized in a grid pattern. The design evokes unease and confusion, a reminder of how the Jewish people felt during the Holocaust.

Another must-visit site is Museum Island in the Spree River in the city’s Mitte district. You can spend a day exploring the five historical museums and buildings housed in this island.

DISCOVER FRANKFURT

Frankfurt is the European counterpart of Manhattan. This cultural city is home to a wide variety of attractions — both old and new. Here, you can find the Stock Exchange, skyscrapers, and banks. Its historic center, Römerberg, meanwhile, is a primary city plaza featuring the old town hall and a lot of 14th century architecture all over the area. Be sure to also check out the Saint Bartholomew Cathedral for artistic and historical finds. You also cannot go wrong dropping by the Eschenheimer Tower. This impressive tower is 47 meters high and was constructed in the early 1400s.

To learn more about evolution and biodiversity in the world, you can drop by the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Senckenberg Gardens.

Love castles? There’s the breathtaking Reichsburg Cochem Castle just two hours away by car to the west of the city. Tour guides are available to take you around and tell you all you need to know about this castle. Feeling adventurous? Then why not join a ghost tour and hear about all the interesting legends about this place.

RENT A CAR IN MUNICH

Renting a car in Munich is easy. You can pick up your vehicle from a convenient location downtown. If you’re arriving by plane, you can collect from the Munich Airport. For travelers taking the train, pick up is available from the Munich Hauptbahnhof.

With a car hire, you can go around Bavaria to see the Glockenspiel, the area’s famed fairy tale castles, and the Olympic Complex.

Drive to Frauenkirche, the tallest church in Munich. This 14th century cathedral in the city center is 99 meters high and climbing up its 86 stairs will give you a spectacular view of the city below. There is also the Nymphenburg Palace, an eye-popping example of Baroque architecture, with its beautiful interiors and impressive gardens. You will be able to imagine the feasts held in its spacious halls as you go around the palace and you can also indulge in a gondola ride on the palace park’s central canal.

Another interesting castle is the Neuschwanstein Castle. It was built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century but was opened to the public after the king’s death. This castle is a pinnacle of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architecture.

And of course, if you are arriving in late September, there is everyone’s favorite Bavarian festival — Octoberfest! Have a blast drinking beer dressed in traditional clothes, that is, Dirndl for ladies and Lederhosen for men.

When you hire a car, your rental agreement will usually include cover such as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW, sometimes referred to as Loss Damage Waiver – LDW) or third party liability insurance. By buying excess insurance from carinsurent.com, you’ll be covered against excess charges of up to $ 4,500. Our policies also cover vulnerable parts of the car often excluded from standard rental company policies, such as tyres, windscreen, roof, and undercarriage.