Europe Road Trip Checklist
Everything you need to know before renting a car in Europe — driving requirements, insurance, tolls, and emergency contacts for 25 countries.
Before You Book
- Compare prices on aggregator sites (saves 20-30%)
- Check cross-border policies if driving to multiple countries
- Book 3-8 weeks ahead for best rates
- Choose manual transmission for cheaper rates (if comfortable)
- Return to same location to avoid one-way fees
Insurance Essentials
- Decline counter insurance (3-5x overpriced)
- Buy standalone excess coverage online (€3-5/day)
- Check if your credit card covers rental car damage
- Photograph the car before and after pickup
- Keep all paperwork until charges clear
Country-by-Country Requirements
Key requirements vary by country. Here are the essentials:
- France: Crit'Air vignette for major cities, reflective vest required
- Italy: ZTL zones in historic centers, headlights on highways
- Spain: Two warning triangles required, spare glasses if you wear them
- Germany: Umweltplakette for cities, no speed limit on some autobahns
- Switzerland: Vignette (€40/year) required for highways
Toll Systems
- Vignette countries: Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria
- Pay-per-use: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece
- Free highways: Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark
- Always carry cash for older toll booths
- Electronic toll devices available at borders
Emergency Contacts
- EU Emergency: 112 (works in all EU countries)
- Roadside assistance: Check your rental agreement for the number
- Police (non-emergency): Varies by country — save the local number
- Keep your rental agreement, passport copy, and insurance docs accessible
Checklist
International Driving Permit (if required)
Valid driving license
Passport or ID
Rental confirmation printout
Insurance documentation
Credit card (same one used for booking)
Phone mount and charger
Offline maps downloaded
Reflective vest(s) in cabin
Warning triangle(s)
Country-specific vignettes purchased
Emergency numbers saved
Photos of car before pickup