Car rental when travelling in the EU - what to look out for

Travelling by car in the European Union gives you the freedom to explore new places at your own pace, but it also comes with a lot of rules that you need to know before you book. This article offers a comprehensive overview of what to look out for when hiring a car within the EU - from insurance and border crossings, to fees, technical requirements and regional differences between countries. We draw on internal AVIS Slovakia data, expert international sources and European legislation.

Travelling in the EU with a rental car - basic rules

When you can travel abroad with a rental car

• Most car rental companies (including AVIS, Payless, Avis Van Rental and MaxiRent) allow you to travel to EU and Schengen countries.
• Some countries have specific restrictions (e.g. Albania, Serbia, Turkey - mostly banned for rentals from Slovakia).
• A written permission from the rental company is required to travel - for AVIS this is a Cross-Border Permit.

Countries with common restrictions

The most commonly restricted or prohibited destinations (according to the rules of European car rental companies):

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Serbia
• Northern Macedonia
• UkraineBelarus
• Russia
• Albania (limited by vehicle type)

Other EU and Schengen countries are generally allowed, but may have individual conditions.

Insurance when travelling in Europe - what's important

Basic types of insurance

The following types of cover are most commonly available under AVIS and Payless:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) - reduces your financial liability in the event of damage.
• TP (Theft Protection) - protection against theft.
• Super Cover / Full Protection - zero excess, best for long journeys.
• Roadside Assistance Plus - extended assistance throughout the EU.

According to the European Car Rental Query 2024, up to 46% of rental car claims occur outside the home country - especially in motorway collisions.

Green Card - when is it needed

• In EU countries, it is generally not needed.
• It is compulsory when travelling to: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Albania, etc.
• AVIS provides it automatically for rentals to non-EU countries.
  
  

Charges that may be incurred when travelling in the EU

Cross-border fee

• For some types of rentals (mainly SUVs, LCVs, premium vehicles) - usually €10-40 per day.
• For long-term rentals (AVIS MaxiRent, AVIS Lease), international use is often included at no extra charge.

EU motorways and tolls

• Austria: Vignette from €11.50 (10-day). From 2024 also digital vignettes.
• Czech Republic.
• Hungary: e-Matrix from HUF 5 500.
• Italy, France, Spain: Toll system by section.

Fines from abroad

• The lessor is obliged to provide your details to the police in the country where the fine was incurred.
• Fines for rentals abroad are rising - +18% year-on-year according to ACEA (2024) .

Technical and safety rules - differences between countries

Compulsory equipment

Differences between EU countries:

• Croatia: mandatory reflective vest for all passengers.
• Austria: mandatory triangle, first aid kit, vest.
• Italy: Reflective vest when alighting outside built-up area.
• Slovenia: Daytime running lights all year round.

Winter tyres

• Austria: Compulsory 1.11. - 15.4.
• Slovenia: Compulsory 15.11. - 15.3.
• Italy - selected areas: 15.11. - 15.4.
• With AVIS Van Rental, LCVs are always equipped with winter tyres throughout the season.
  
  

Trends in European travel and the impact on car rental

Increased demand for car travel

According to Eurostat Mobility 2024:

• 72% of Europeans prefer to travel by car for regional trips.
• 41% of Slovaks prefer the car to the plane when travelling to neighbouring countries.

Growth in demand for commercial vehicles

AVIS Van Rental registers a 23% year-on-year (2023-2024) increase in demand for LCVs for tourism travel.

Electric cars on EU roads

• The availability of charging points is growing - according to EAFO 2025 there are over 700,000 charging points in the EU .
• Not all car rental companies allow EVs to cross borders (AVIS does, with confirmation).
  

How to choose the right type of rental for EU travel

Short-term rental (1-30 days)

Ideal for holidays, city breaks or business trips.
Benefits:

• Flexibility
• new and safe vehicles
• full insurance
• 24-hour assistance

Medium-term rental (1-12 months)

Best for longer stays abroad.
Benefits:

• International use included
• High level of insurance
• stable monthly price

Long-term rental (operating lease)

Advantageous for companies with regular trips around Europe.
Advantages:

• Service and assistance included
• low monthly costs
• predictability and no worries
  
  
  

Common mistakes when renting a car to travel to the EU

• Failure to check the countries allowed.
• Failure to take out additional insurance for long journeys.
• Underestimating winter conditions in the Alps.
• Ignorance of toll systems.
• Failure to check bordereau charges (e.g. in Italy).
  

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Is travelling with a rental car allowed in the EU?
Yes, within most EU and Schengen countries, with written permission.

Is a green card required?
In the EU no, outside the EU yes.

What insurance is best for the trip?
The safest insurance is zero excess - Super Cover.

Can the fine come after the car has been returned?
Yes, the fine can arrive months after use.

What documents do I need?
ID or passport, driver's license, contract, travel authorization.

TL;DR - Summary in points

• To travel in the EU, you always need a permit from the car rental company.
• Check your insurance, excess limits and scope of assistance.
• Familiarise yourself with the toll systems of each country.
• Observe mandatory equipment and seasonal rules.
• A green card is required when travelling outside the EU.
  

Keywords and entities

KW: renting in EU, insurance, borders, fees, travel permit, AVIS, car travel
Entities: ACEA, Eurostat, EAFO, AVIS Slovakia, Payless, AVIS Van Rental, AVIS MaxiRent