UK/France car rental

[Danger UXB]

Trying to organise a car for a month in the UK. We will be taking the car to France for 12 days during the rental. Avis and Hertz are very up front about the additional "Continental" charges but their rates are very high. Thrifty are by far the best rate but I cannnot even get a quote on CDW let alone LDW which seems to be compulsory (I think?) for continental trips.
Anyone any info on Thrifty or for that matter web sites or discount codes. Any info would be greatfully received
Cheers Danger UXB

 

[docjames]

Is two seperate rentals not an option (Uk and EU)?

 

[Mal]

Is two seperate rentals not an option (Uk and EU)?

Indeed, between the Eurostar, Ferries, and other options between UK and France - all of which are reasonable options, I'm not sure what will be achieved by moving a car to France for part of a hire.

 

[clifford]

Trying to organise a car for a month in the UK. We will be taking the car to France for 12 days during the rental. Avis and Hertz are very up front about the additional "Continental" charges but their rates are very high. Thrifty are by far the best rate but I cannnot even get a quote on CDW let alone LDW which seems to be compulsory (I think?) for continental trips.
Anyone any info on Thrifty or for that matter web sites or discount codes. Any info would be greatfully received
Cheers Danger UXB

When are you going?

Also agree that it mightn't make a lot of sense to take a UK rental car to Europe (not only the cost, but you put your life in danger when overtaking, for example).

Sorry, may not be relevant, forgot your name is "Danger UXB").

 

[Danger UXB]

If we do 2 seperate hires then we are up for 2x one way hire fees approx UK40 each time so just easier and less expensive to take the car all the way thru the tunnel(UK106 return) and back. Mrs Danger will be sitting in the passanger seat and can authorise the overtaking manouvres. Besides with all the luggage for the ski trip and 3yr old Mini Dangers' toy chest it is far easier to stick with one mode of transport.
We will be traveling between 25/3/10 and 22/4/10
Cheers Danger UXB

 

[Natt]

Not sure if this helps - but have you thought about leasing a car

Here's an example:

Peugeot Open Europe - Peugeot Leasing by DriveAway Holidays

this is something we are looking at ourselves, although we still need to check into it properly

It something the automobile clubs promote as well, and it sounds close to what you need

 

[CaptainPesmo]

Not sure if this helps - but have you thought about leasing a car

Here's an example:

(Peugeot Open Europe)

this is something we are looking at ourselves, although we still need to check into it properly

It something the automobile clubs promote as well, and it sounds close to what you need

Just briefly, I leased a Peugeot through Drive Away back in 2004 and found it to be pretty much as advertised and a good deal overall. I liked the fact that you book a particular model - none of this "or similar" stuff which can make for annoying substitutions at times.

For anyone looking to drive through more than one country - and especially the eastern part of the EU, and even beyond - it tends to avoid high fees, additional charges, etc. Renault also offers a similar deal (Eurodrive). Citroen does Drive Europe, which as I recall is the most flexible as to the countries where you're permitted to take the vehicle. Eg. You could take the Citroen into Ukraine, but not the Peugeot.

As far as negatives go, there's the fact the car is supplied on standard tyres all year round (may or may not be an issue depending on time of year/weather). Also - at least back in 2004 - the vehicle is supplied with red number plates which immediately differentiate you from the crowd and may label you a tourist. That said, I certainly didn't have any issues, just putting that out there for anyone who may find it a concern.

Oh yeah, lead time may be an issue - it takes some time to get the paperwork sorted.

 

[grussellt]

I have used Driveaway several times to book UK/Europe car rentals (including a 5-week Peugeot lease) and have always found them cheaper than booking direct and offer efficient service. For your stay I think the lease would be expensive as you will have to pay for pick-up/drop-off outside France. Also check the regulations in France re need for emergency triangle/vest as it may now be required. They are mandatory in Spain and we had to buy them in Southern France in 2008 just as the French were due to change the rules. They are not an expensive item but not always easy to find (and in Spain you can be fined if you don't carry them).

 

[grussellt]

Just for safety:

REFLECTIVE JACKETS & WARNING TRIANGLES IN FRANCE


The French Road Safety Department has confirmed that:
From 1st October 2008 all drivers in France, including drivers of vehicles registered outside of France, must have one warning triangle and one reflective jacket in their vehicle.
This regulation, which we understand does not apply to two and three wheeled vehicles, will be enforced with on-the-spot fines of between €90 and €135.

 

[Danger UXB]

Thanks for that. I have found a kit in the AA shops in the uk and I also think they sell them at Eurotunnel ( probably for a serious price).
Ended up booking with Avis for GBP 747 for a mondeo for 29 days. They didn't charge me the continental cover for the whole trip (hertz, europcar etc were all going to ) only the 12 days in france.
Thanks for all the advice
Ca va!
Danger UXB

 

[Travel Guru]

Not sure if this helps - but have you thought about leasing a car

Here's an example:

Peugeot Open Europe - Peugeot Leasing by DriveAway Holidays

this is something we are looking at ourselves, although we still need to check into it properly

It something the automobile clubs promote as well, and it sounds close to what you need

I'd highly recommend leasing a Peugeot if taking the car for a month, if you book now when they have earlybird deals where they usually give you the 17 days plus the free 7 bonus days it can work out really well.

I've had countless clients use it over the years and have myself once used it and have never had an issue, the clients are always extremely pleased and often use it again and again.

TG

 

[Danger UXB]

I'd highly recommend leasing a Peugeot if taking the car for a month, if you book now when they have earlybird deals where they usually give you the 17 days plus the free 7 bonus days it can work out really well.

I've had countless clients use it over the years and have myself once used it and have never had an issue, the clients are always extremely pleased and often use it again and again.

TG

Thanks again but I cannot seem to get the price for an intermediate below A$2084 plus $287 pick up fee. Much higher than my avis GBP747 (approx A$1340) for the mondeo. Am I doing something wrong?
Danger UXB