How do I hire a car abroad?

Key takeaways

• You can hire a car abroad with the right documents, usually your UK driving licence, DVLA licence check code, passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name.

• Brexit hasn’t changed car hire rules, but it has added extra checks, such as possible IDP requirements, passport validity rules, and the need for a VE103 if taking a UK‑rented car across borders.

• Taking out separate car hire excess insurance is often the cheapest and most effective way to protect yourself.

• Fuel, payment and inspection rules can add unexpected costs, so choose full‑to‑full fuel policies, pay in local currency, and photograph any pre‑existing damage when you collect your car.

Can I hire a car abroad?

Yes, you can hire a car abroad, but you’ll usually need a few key documents and meet certain requirements.

What you’ll typically need:

• A valid driving licence - usually from your home country.

• Access to your driving licence code through the DVLA website, as some car rentals will want to see your driving record.

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) in some countries, alongside your licence.

• A passport or other photo ID.

• A credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.

• To be aged at least 21, sometimes older depending on the vehicle.

Has Brexit changed how to hire a car abroad?

Brexit hasn’t radically changed how you hire a car abroad, but there are a few small changes and extra checks to be aware of.

Several countries now require additional paperwork from UK licence holders, and some insurance rules have shifted.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103) - If you’re taking a UK‑rented car across borders, you may need a VE103 to prove you’re allowed to drive it abroad.

• Passport validity rules - Your passport must meet EU post‑Brexit validity requirements.

• If your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has expired, you’ll need to replace it with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It’s best to also have travel insurance.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car abroad?

Some EU/EEA countries may require an IDP (International Driving Permit) alongside your UK licence, depending on the type of licence you hold and the country you’re visiting.

An IDP is a document that translates your UK driving licence into multiple languages so foreign authorities can understand it. These cost £5.50 from the Post Office, and you’ll need to be a UK resident over 18 to qualify.

If you have a UK-issued photocard driving licence, you won’t need an IDP to travel in the EU, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. However, if you only have a paper licence, or a photocard licence from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, then you may need an IDP.

What insurance do I need if I hire a car abroad?

If you hire a car abroad, some basic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want extra cover for better protection.

Most rental agreements include basic insurance, such as collision damage waiver, but these policies usually come with a high excess – often several hundred or even thousands of pounds.

Some car rental companies offer super collision damage waivers (SCDW) or other extras to mitigate these high excess costs, but these policies can be expensive.

A much better option is to take out car hire excess insurance before you travel. These standalone policies are usually cheaper and more comprehensive than excess cover sold by car hire firms.

Car hire companies may also offer other add-ons that can be confusing, especially after a long flight. Be sure to check and understand everything before agreeing.

Car hire abroad is not usually covered by standard travel insurance. Most travel insurance policies focus on medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings.

How do car hire fuel policies work?

Most car rental companies have two different policies for fuel charges:

• Full-full is when your car has a full tank upon you receiving it, and it’s expected you’ll return the car with a full tank too. This is the most common option with car rental companies – be sure to top up the tank as close as possible to the rental location.

• Full-empty is the other option and likely less preferable – you’ll be expected to return it empty and won’t be refunded any fuel left in the tank so it can be expensive. Additionally, you don’t want to risk running out of petrol before you can return the car, so it’s better to opt for full-full where possible.

How should I pay for car hire abroad?

It’s usually best to pay for car hire abroad with a credit card in the main driver’s name. Most rental companies require a credit card to hold a security deposit, which can be several hundred pounds, and debit cards are not always accepted.

Using a credit card can also provide extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act – this provides cover for purchases between £100 and £30,000, such as if there’s an issue with the car.

When paying abroad, it’s almost always cheaper to pay in the local currency rather than pounds, as this avoids the higher exchange rates sometimes applied by rental companies.

What should I consider when renting a car abroad?

To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, keep the following in mind:

Before you drive the car, take photos of any existing damage and make sure it’s recorded on the rental agreement so you won’t be held responsible for it later.

• Consider taking out separate car hire excess insurance.

• Familiarise yourself with local road and driving rules, and ensure you and the car are compliant.

• Check for limits on mileage and ensure it’s enough – and check for extra charges for exceeding the mileage limit.

• Arrange an emergency contact you can call should the car break down or if there is an accident.

• Bring your own child seat if you’re travelling with children as a way to save money – you might even be able to bring it on the aeroplane without any extra charges, though you should check beforehand.

Frequently asked questions