Before hiring, though, it is worth looking
at some of the ways to get maximum value from your car hire. Germany is
similar to its European counterparts in that vehicles can be picked up
from most city centres, town centres and airports. At these depots,
advisors will be able to tell you what their policy is concerning fuel
charges - most companies prefer you to pick up and return their cars with
a full tank of petrol. For this reason, it is a good idea to ask the
advisor where the nearest petrol station is to their depot.
Always ensure that you are fully informed
about the excess charges. These charges apply throughout all companies
involved in car hire - Germany is no exception. Although all rental
companies' charges include third-party insurance against theft and damage
to the vehicle, there is usually an excess charge, which kicks in if you
have an accident and can cost dearly. Most firms allow you to pay a small
additional fee when you hire to waive this excess charge, however, so ask
what this actually covers to prevent any nasty surprises later on.
Finally, ensure that you have checked the
hire car carefully for any dents, scratches and other damage before you
set off. Make sure that the rental agent has noted them too, so there can
be no confusion later.
Once you have completed the process of
car hire, Germany is an enjoyable country for motoring. The road network
is modern and well maintained and features the world-famous autobahns,
which allow fast driving and have no seed limits in many parts.
Additionally useful for travellers who
have just paid out for car hire,
Germany
has decided to make all of its motorway travel entirely toll-free. The
autobahn network is some 11,000 kilometres long, with around 700 service
stations along the way - many of them open 24 hours a day.
