Renting a Car Abroad? Road Safety Expert Reveals the 12 Biggest Costly Mistakes
The Biggest Car Hire Traps Around the World
Article submitted by Sophie Rhone - Research provided by Sarah Jenkins, road safety specialist at
(Reproduced with kind permission, copyright retained by Ms Rhone and Ms Jenkins)
Renting a Car Abroad? Road Safety Expert Reveals the 12 Biggest Costly Mistakes
Whether it’s a summer holiday or a business trip, millions of Brits will rent a car overseas this year — but small legal differences between countries are leaving drivers with unexpected fines, invalid insurance, and even refused rentals.
That’s the warning from Sarah Jenkins, road safety specialist at My Car Reg Check, who has compiled the most common “global gotchas” that catch UK drivers out when hiring a vehicle abroad.
“Most rental car problems are avoidable,” says Jenkins. “It’s usually a simple case of not knowing a local law, not having the right paperwork, or ignoring small-print fees. Ten minutes of prep before you travel can save you hundreds.”
Sarah Jenkins’ Top 5 Tips Before You Book
- Check local laws for your destination — camera bans, tolls, and low-emission zones can differ wildly.
- Confirm insurance cover — don’t rely solely on your credit card or UK policy.
- Match your booking details exactly to your driving licence and payment card.
- Ask about toll handling — e-tags, passes, and admin fees add up.
- Renew your photocard licence before travel if it’s near expiry.
Further Information Below
Country / Region - Key Rule or Risk - Potential Cost / Fine
France
Speed-camera detectors (including sat nav warnings) are illegal.
Up to €1,500 fine and confiscation of device.
Italy
ZTL (restricted traffic) zones in city centres – cameras fine rental cars automatically.
€80–€300 fine plus rental admin fee.
Portugal
Electronic tolls (Via Verde) – billed later with rental admin charges.
Tolls + €15–€25 admin fee.
Switzerland
Mandatory motorway vignette – not always included on foreign rentals.
CHF 120 fine plus vignette purchase.
USA
Under-25 “young driver” surcharge.
$25–$50 per day.
Canada
Some provinces allow rentals from 21+, others from 18+ with high surcharges.
$15–$40 per day.
Mexico
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory and often not covered by credit cards.
£10–£20 per day if added at desk.
UAE
Visitors need a licence from a recognised country or an IDP. Residents must have a UAE licence.
Refused rental if documentation is wrong.
Australia
Most rentals have e-tag toll devices with admin fees; manual payment requires setup.
Tolls + AU$3–AU$5 per trip fee.
EU / EEA
UK paper licences may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Refused rental without correct IDP (£5.50).
General
Not matching booking name to driver’s licence/credit card.
Refused rental + full cost of booking.
Failing to check excess and insurance cover for theft/damage.
Thousands in potential charges.
