Driving Abroad and Cross Border Policies
When your clients plan to drive a rental vehicle across national borders, specific rules, fees, and restrictions apply. As an agent, it is essential to verify these conditions during the booking process to ensure the client's insurance remains valid.
1. Mandatory Declaration
Clients must inform the Hertz staff at the rental counter if they intend to drive the vehicle outside the country of pick-up.
- Cross Border Fee: A specific fee usually applies for driving abroad. This fee covers the additional administrative and insurance costs of taking the vehicle into another jurisdiction.
- Penalty for Non-Declaration: Failure to declare the intent to cross borders can result in significant penalty charges and the immediate invalidation of all insurance coverage.
2. Geographical Restrictions
Not all vehicles can be driven into all countries. Restrictions typically depend on:
- The country of rental: Policies vary based on the starting point.
- Vehicle Category: Luxury cars, vans, and commercial trucks often have stricter geographical limitations than standard economy cars.
- One-Way Rentals: Driving into a country is often permitted, while dropping the car off there (one-way rental) may be prohibited or subject to a high "drop-off" fee.
3. Insurance Validity
This is the most critical point for your clients. If a driver takes the vehicle into a prohibited country or fails to declare a cross-border trip:
- All protections are voided: CDW, TP, Super Cover, and Third-Party Liability will become null and void.
- Full Liability: The driver becomes 100% financially responsible for any damage, theft, or loss of the vehicle.
- Repatriation Costs: The client will be charged the full cost of returning the vehicle to its home country, which can amount to thousands of euros.
4. Local Regulations and Equipment
When driving abroad, clients are responsible for complying with the local laws of each country they visit. This includes:
- Headlight Requirements: Some countries require dipped headlights at all times.
- Vignettes/Tolls: Clients must purchase necessary road tax stickers (vignettes) for countries like Switzerland or Austria.
- Environmental Zones: Some cities require specific permits or registrations to enter city centers.
Agent Tip: How to Check Specific Rules
Because these rules are highly specific to the pick-up location, always check the "Rental Terms" or "Qualifications and Requirements" section under "Driving Restrictions" for the specific country your client is visiting.