Auto Europe

Auto Europe: worldwide car and motorhome rental comparison service

Auto Europe is a vehicle rental intermediary that operates through its website, where users can compare rates from different rental companies and book online. Its offering covers car hire, motorhome and campervan hire, and long-term car leasing in Europe. The company presents itself as a trusted partner for travellers, with a history that, according to its own communication, dates back to 1954.

Car hire services

The main service consists of searching for and comparing car hire rates in destinations worldwide. The platform allows you to enter different pick-up and drop-off locations, as well as pick-up and drop-off dates and times. The driver age range shown on the form is 30 to 65, and it warns that additional fees may apply for drivers under 30 or over 65, according to the terms and conditions. The company states that it has 28,000 pick-up locations worldwide.

Among the advantages it highlights are comparing companies to get the best rates, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, no credit card fees, and availability seven days a week.

Motorhome and campervan hire

Auto Europe offers motorhome and campervan hire in numerous international destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Argentina, Iceland, Spain and South Africa. The site describes a selection of vehicles ranging from compact, fuel-efficient campervans for two or three people to spacious motorhomes for groups of up to seven people. All vehicles of this type are equipped with a kitchen, toilet, shower and other amenities. The company notes that this type of rental can save on hotels, restaurants and transfers during the trip.

Long-term car leasing in Europe

For stays in the European Union longer than 21 days, Auto Europe offers a long-term car leasing service with short-term conditions. According to the site, vehicles are registered in the customer's name and delivered directly from the factory. The catalogue includes models from Renault, Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles. The vehicles feature automatic emergency braking (ABS), power steering, entertainment system, navigation, lane change sensors, rear-view camera and parking sensors, among others. The service includes insurance coverage and assistance in 40 European countries.

The conditions to qualify for this leasing include: being at least 18 years old, holding a full clean driving licence, committing to a minimum lease of 21 days and residing outside the European Union (European citizens residing outside the EU also qualify). The company notes that, due to Brexit-related restrictions, vehicles can no longer be driven to the UK. The site mentions advantages such as a tax-free contract, free additional drivers, unlimited mileage, full coverage insurance with zero excess, third-party liability, theft protection, 24/7 roadside assistance, freedom to visit 40 European countries without prior declaration, a new vehicle registered in the customer's name and a buy-back guarantee. It also states that daily rates are cheaper than those of a traditional long-term rental.

Featured destinations and rates

The site shows a selection of deals in popular cities and countries. Featured city rates include Larnaca (£25/day), London (£13/day), Lisbon (£3/day), Orlando (£31/day), Dublin (£9/day), Milan (£5/day) and Vienna (£9/day). By country, rates are advertised for the USA (£24/day), Spain (£3/day), Italy (£11/day), UK (£15/day), Portugal (£20/day), Austria (£12/day) and France (£14/day). The company clarifies that these rates are per day, based on a seven-day rental, and that taxes and additional surcharges may apply; offers may also be suspended without prior notice and are subject to change.

Among the top destinations it promotes are Belfast, London, Orlando, Mallorca, Nice, Milan, Malaga, Geneva, Faro and Alicante. It also highlights airports such as Milan Malpensa, London Heathrow, Paris CDG, Dublin and Malaga.

Traveller resources

The site includes practical information sections for those renting a vehicle, such as full damage and theft protection, travel tips, road trips, fully flexible cancellation, car hire categories, driving information (including DVLA changes), infographics and a travel blog. It also offers the option to sign up to receive exclusive offers.

Booking management and customer service

Users can manage their bookings through the website using their email and voucher number, or look up an existing reservation. The company has an FAQ section and a contact area. It also offers an access programme for travel agencies and web affiliates.