Rental Conditions in Germany

You need to be at least 21 years old to hire and drive most of our vehicles.

Young driver surcharge: As long as you hold a full, valid driving licence for at least 6 months or 3 years for certain vehicles you do not need to pay a young driver surcharge.

The renter will be required to present an international credit card at his name accepted by Budget at the time of rental.

Budget Germany accepts: 

✓American Express, 

✓Diners, 

✓Discover, 

✓Visa

✓Mastercard.

Budget do not accept digital payment cards.

Please note that the credit card must have the renter's name and numbers embossed on it.

Physical credit cards that are not close to their expiration date must be presented; otherwise, delivery of the vehicle may be refused.

All Drivers must bring all parts of their valid driving license with them.
 

If any of the following applies:

✓their driving licence was issued in another European country, 

✓their driving licence was issued in a non-European country or
✓their driving licence was issued in a non-roman alphabet language like Arabic, Greek, Russian, Hebrew, or Japanese,

and we cannot confirm with certainty the details included within the driving licence, the driver will also need to provide either an international driving licence or an official German translation, by a notary, of their driving licence. If this might apply to you, please contact us (prior to your pickup date) as we would be pleased to confirm if an international licence or official translation will be required.

We do not accept digital driving licences.

ID requirements

All drivers must have held their licences for at least 6 months from the date of pick-up. A higher minimum age limit and licence validity may apply for certain vehicles.  This will be shown during the booking process or disclosed to you before completing the booking.

If a licence does not show the driver has held it for the minimum period, then they must provide evidence, such as: 

✓previous driving licences; or
✓a letter from their driving licence authority stating that they have held it for this minimum period.

Additional drivers must be approved and specified on the Rental Agreement Form.  
All additional drivers must meet our age, driving licence and ID requirements.

You will be responsible for all costs – whether they’re down to you or your additional drivers. It is your responsibility to make sure all additional drivers read the terms set out in the Rental Agreement carefully before they drive the vehicle.

We charge a fee for every Additional Driver we allow to drive the vehicle. The price is EUR 11.00 and EUR 13.80 per day, per driver. 
If you rent the vehicle for more than 6 days, you’ll only be charged for a maximum of 6 days and get cover for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.

The amount of the pre-authorisation taken on pick-up of the rental vehicle is calculated as follows:
(The vehicle rental price* + GBP 200**) MINUS (Any sum you have already paid when making a booking) 

* The "vehicle rental price" includes the vehicle rental cost and all optional extras you’ve requested, calculated at the start of the rental based on the intended length of the rental. For the avoidance of any doubt, any “Pay at Location” amount you owe in relation to the vehicle rental (including any optional extras) will be included as part of the pre-authorisation and will be charged to you at the end of the rental (using the card provided for the purposes of the pre-authorisation, unless agreed otherwise).

** If you buy our “Fuel Up Front” product, we will reduce the GBP 200 by the amount we charge you for the “Fuel Up Front” product.

The GBP 200 is included as part of the pre-authorisation in case we have to charge you at the end of the rental for any of the following: 

✓costs to refuel the vehicle (where relevant); 
✓additional rental charges in circumstances where you fail to return the vehicle or any optional extras at the end of the agreed rental period [or 
to the agreed return location]; 

✓any additional charges or fines you incur relating to your use of the vehicle (which we have been notified of prior to you returning the vehicle, which will include, for example, charges relating to traffic violations); and/or 
✓costs incurred as a result of exceeding any relevant mileage restrictions. 
Where the pre-authorisation we take does not cover the charges you incur, we will request you make a further payment for the additional amounts owed.

In relation to certain high value vehicles, we may require you to provide us with two payment cards for the purposes of the pre-authorisation.

While this hold is in place the funds will not be available for use. When the rental is over Avis will process the reversal but the bank may take time to post it back to the account.

If you do not complete a required accident report form, or we find out the accident report form contains any significant missing or incorrect information, then you will be charged an accident processing fee of EUR 35.00.

It is not allowed to smoke in the cars. If Budget believes that anyone has smoked in the vehicle during the rental period, a specialist cleaning charge will apply.

If the interior of the vehicle is especially muddy, dirty, stained or smelly, and Budget standard cleaning procedure will not fix it, renter will be charged a Specialist Cleaning Charge of at least EUR 150,00.

If renter has liability reduction in case of a damage (CDW) and the vehicle, keys, any accessories or any vehicle documents are damaged, the amount he has to pay for the damage will be reduced to no more than the excess stated on the rental agreement meaning he will pay for the cost of repair or replacement plus a damage or theft processing fee in the amount of EUR 30.00.
 

In most cases, Damage Waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it’s included, it will be stated on the rental agreement. If it isn’t included, the price depends on the vehicle and the rental location.

What do I have to pay if I don’t have Damage Waiver?
If the vehicle, the key, accessories or vehicle documents should be damage during the period in which you have rented the vehicle, you must pay for the following:

✓ Either the cost of replacement, or the estimated repair costs – whichever is cheaper.
✓ Plus our loss of use.
✓ Plus an administration fee.

 

If Theft Protection (TP) is not purchased or is not included in the rate, in case of theft the customer will be responsible for the total value of the rental car, keys, any accessories and any vehicle documents plus our loss of use and an administrative fee of EUR 30.00.

If a liability reduction for the event of theft (TP) is purchased and the vehicle is stolen, the amount that the renter will have to pay will be limited to the excess stipulated in the rental agreement, which means that he/she must pay for the costs of replacement plus a fee for the processing of the event of damage or theft in the amount of EUR 30.00.

If any optional extras are lost or stolen, customer has to pay for the cost of replacement in addition to the rental fee.
TP coverage may be included in the rate booked. If it isn’t included, its price depends on the vehicle rented and the rental location.

The excess will not apply and the renter will have to pay the car’s full value if the loss or theft was due to his/her intention or gross negligence, such as, for instance, in cases when:

✓Keys being left in the vehicle.
✓Keys being lost or stolen.
✓Using the vehicle in breach of the contract.

In the event of losses caused by gross negligence, Budget is entitled to claim damages against the renter in an amount equivalent to the grade of negligence, up to and including the full amount of the loss or damage.

The liability restriction will be void if the renter or his/her co-driver should intentionally infringe any contractual obligation as per the rental agreement.

Super Damage Waiver (SCDW) is an excess reduction product which reduces the excess to zero in case of accidental damage to the rented car. Renter can purchase this coverage when starting the rental if it is not included in the rate.

If not included, the cost is between EUR 19,00 and EUR 35,00 per rental day.
 

What happens if the customer damages any optional rented extras?
If any optional extras are damaged, renter has to pay for the cost of replacement, or their estimated repair costs in addition to the rental fee.

Are there any times when the excess would not apply?
The amount that renter pays will not be reduced if the damage was caused deliberately or by gross negligence – or as a result of:

✓ Driving the vehicle without due care and attention.
✓ Driving or using the vehicle in breach of your contract.
✓ Breaching a contractual obligation (for example not calling the police in the event of a damage)

In the event of losses caused by gross negligence, Budget is entitled to claim damages against the renter in an amount equivalent to the grade of negligence, up to and including the full amount of the loss or damage.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) covers the driver of the vehicle in the event of an accident.
Personal Accident Insurance provides the following benefits:

✓A maximum of EUR 40,000 in the event of death, loss of limbs or eyes or permanent total disability.
✓A maximum of EUR 2,000 towards emergency medical expenses related directly to the accident.
✓Medical assistance and rescue costs (conditions apply).

If the renter has bought Personal Accident Insurance, it will be stated on the rental agreement. The price depends on the rental location, but it is usually between EUR 6.00 and EUR 7.50 a day plus tax.

In case PAI is not purchased, if the driver of the vehicle is involved in an accident and is injured or dies, we will not pay their costs. If any personal items in the vehicle are damaged, lost or stolen, we will not pay for their repair or replacement.

NOTE: The passengers are considered third parties and would benefit from the third party liability cover provided with the vehicle as standard.

Super Personal Accident Insurance (SPAI) provides the following enhanced benefits:

✓ A maximum of EUR 120,000 in the event of death, loss of limbs or eyes or permanent total disability.
✓ A maximum of EUR 6,000 towards emergency medical expenses related directly to the accident.✓ Medical assistance and rescue costs (conditions apply).
✓ Baggage up to EUR 6,000 per vehicle – excluding any items rented through us (again, there are conditions, and a limit of EUR 350.00 per item)
✓ Expenses for replacing main house keys and locks up to EUR 500.00
✓ Emergency travel expenses up to EUR 500.00

The price of SPAI depends on the rental location, but it is usually between EUR 9.00 and EUR 11.07 a day.

NOTE: The passengers are considered third parties and would benefit from the third party liability cover provided with the vehicle as standard.

In case of breakdown caused by the customer's fault or when the breakdown occurs in a non-authorized country, a "call out" fee will be charged for our partners to come and provide "on the road" assistance. 

This cost will be between EUR 300 and EUR 600, and in addition, an administrative fee of EUR 35 will be applied.

The vehicle will normally be supplied with a full tank of fuel. Renter must return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel it had in it when he picked it up – usually a full tank – as shown on the factory-installed fuel gauge.
We recommend to fill up as close to the return location as possible on the return date, and keep the receipt to show us. If renter does not return the vehicle with a full tank – and can’t show us a receipt for fuel – we will charge him.

Fuel options

✓ FUEL UP FRONT: renter can pay for a full tank of fuel, based on the manufacturer's stated fuel tank capacity for the rented vehicle – plus our costs of refueling the vehicle. Then renter just returns the vehicle with whatever’s left in the tank (even if it’s virtually empty) so long as the engine still runs. If renter wants to buy Fuel Up Front, he must ask for and buy it at time of rental.

How do I calculate the cost of Fuel Up Front?
Depending on the rental location, we charge the average fuel price at the start of the rental period. However, renter will not get a refund for any fuel he does not use.

If renter drives less than 120 kilometers Avis will apply EZ fuel?
Often the fuel gauges stills look “full” so Avis asks customers to fill up the tank near the return location and show a copy of the receipt when returning the vehicle. If the customer doesn’t have time to fill up the tank, or can’t show a receipt, Avis will apply EZ Fuel to cover refueling costs.
EZ Fuel cost can vary depending on the rental location. It is generally a fix fee of between EUR 26.00 and EUR 32.50.

Pay on Return will apply if renter has driven more than 120 kilometers and:

✓ Doesn`t buy Fuel Up Front.
✓ Doesn´t return the vehicle with a full tank.

He will pay for fuel based on the factory-installed fuel gauge rounded down to the nearest eighth (1/8) of a tank. This is based on the manufacturer’s stated fuel tank capacity.

We charge between 1.5 and three times the average fuel price at the end of the rental period.
This charge covers Avis cost of driving to the nearest petrol station at short notice, and potentially delaying the next customer’s rental.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

You must return the vehicle with at least a 70% battery charge, or the same % battery charge as it had at time of pick-up. 

We charge a fixed amount dependent on the battery life showing on the factory-installed battery gauge. This is the “Pay on Return” rate. The amounts charged are set out below:

Some rental locations let renters collect the vehicle and any optional extras from one rental location and return them to another.

The price depends on the rental location and the car group rented. If renter wants to pick up the vehicle and return it to a different location in the same country, he can expect it to be between EUR 17.00 and EUR 35.00.

If customer wants to pick up the vehicle in Germany and drop it off in another country, an International One-way rental fee, between EUR 100.00 and EUR 4.500.00 will be charged.

The cost will be informed when making the reservation.

If you did not request a one-way rental but return the vehicle to a different location you will be charged a one-way fee at the ‘pay at location’ prices available on the day you return the vehicle.

Within Germany there are toll roads and toll bridges which require you to pay a fee if you wish to use them.  If you do not pay these charges before you use them you will incur a 
fine.  
We recommend you check the Internet to find out about any restricted areas before you travel.  Websites such as www.urbanaccessregulations.eu provide useful information. 

Budget cars rented in Germany are permitted outside of borders, with restrictions.
Renters are only allowed to use the vehicle in the following countries:
 

You’ll need to pay a Cross Border Fee for journeys outside of Germany, this is likely to cost EUR 7.50 per day, up to a maximum charge of EUR 62.74 per rental.

REMARKS
✓Entries into Czech Republic, Croatia, France, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia are not allowed for vehicles of car Group F.
✓Not allowed are also: Balearic Islands, Canaries, Corsica, Crete, Sardinia.

Please note that if you are permitted to take the vehicle outside of Germany, it is your responsibility to make sure you comply with legal requirements applicable in the relevant country/countries you travel in.

Please note: In Germany, all children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 150 cm tall.

Budget Germany offers baby, child and boosters seats.

(CSS) (Child Baby Seat) is typically suitable for a child from birth to 12 months old and weighing no more than 13 kilos.

(CIS) (Child Infant Seat) is typically suitable for a child aged 9 months to 12 years old and weighing between 9 and 36 kilos.

(CBS) (Child Booster Seat) is typically suitable for a child aged 4 to 12 years old and weighing between 20 and 45 kilos.

Remember, it is always the renter’s responsibility to check the seat is fitted correctly before you drive away.

The fee for renting a seat is between  EUR 13.00 and EUR 16.31 per day (máx. EUR 86.59). 

If the seat is damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement. The costs of this are based on the replacement value and based on experience, range between EUR 80.00 and EUR 200.00 plus the rental costs.

The fee for renting a GPS will depend on where you’re renting – but you can expect it to cost between EUR 11.00 and EUR 13.80 per day.  If you rent the vehicle for more than 14 days, you’ll only be charged for a maximum of 14 days and get to use the GPS for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.

If the GPS device is damaged, lost or stolen, you are responsible for the cost of the replacement, this is likely to cost between EUR 209.00 and EUR 260.00 on top of the hire fee. 

PLEASE NOTE: In some countries, including Germany, it is against the law to use a GPS that tells where speed cameras are. If you rent a GPS from Budget, it won’t give you speed camera information.

This provides a GPS service and unlimited data per day, as well as other useful features you may need when travelling. We provide this service on behalf of a third party – so you will need to read and agree to separate terms and conditions with, which will be signed by you on the device at the time of rental check out. 

The fee for hiring Travel Companion Tablet is between EUR 13.80 and EUR 16.80 per day. If the Travel Companion Tablet is damaged, lost or stolen, you’ll have to pay for a replacement. 

This is likely to cost from EUR 260.00 on top of the hire fee.  If any of the accessories are lost, damaged or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement.  This is likely to cost between EUR 10.00 and EUR 150.00 on top of the hire fee. 

Please note in many countries, including Germany, it is illegal to drive while using a handheld mobile phone, tablet or any other communications device. It is your responsibility to drive safely and according to the laws of the country you are driving in.

Provided you are using the vehicle in a country which we have agreed to, this product provides roadside assistance without any additional costs being charged if you break down as a result of vehicle failure you have caused (this includes lost keys).  

Normally between EUR 7.00 and EUR 8.78 per day.

If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you’ll only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get cover for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.

Winter Tyres: Please note that from 15th November to 15th March all passenger cars are equipped with winter suitable. 
Any cost associated with that will automatically be incorporated into the retail rate levels during that period. 
The customer will not incur any extra charges. Outside these dates, winter tires are available at an additional cost between EUR 15.00 and EUR 18.70 per day up to a maximum of 10 rental days.

If the winter tyre is damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement. The costs of this are based on the replacement value and based on experience, range between EUR 100.00 and EUR 400.00 plus the rental costs.

Snow chains are available only at Ski Resorts. We can also supply snow chains at other locations and you can expect to pay between EUR 72.00 and EUR 90.35 per rental.

If any snow chain is damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement pair. The costs of this are based on the replacement value and based on experience, range between EUR 69.00 and EUR 100.00 on top of the hire fee.

Some rental locations offer ski racks. We can also supply ski racks at other locations and you can expect to pay between EUR 72.00 and EUR 90.35 per rental.

Ski racks can’t be fitted to all our vehicles, so customer might need to upgrade if he needs one. This may increase the price of the vehicle and any excess he would have to pay.

If the ski rack is damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement. The costs of this are based on the replacement value and based on experience, range between EUR 250.00 and EUR 500.00 plus the rental costs.

Please give us at least 1day’s notice if you want to hire a ski rack.