11 Car-Rental Tips for Indians: Easy Driving Across Europe

Driving in Europe can feel like stepping into dadi's stories about long road trips—exciting, slightly mysterious, and full of small surprises. For many Indian travellers, renting a car means freedom to visit hill towns, coastal lanes, and vineyards at your own pace. Before you pack your favourite chai tin, take a breath and prepare the essentials. A few clear steps will turn what feels like a maze into a comfortable plan. This guide gives eleven practical tips that focus on paperwork, insurance, local rules, navigation, and money-saving moves. We keep things simple and specific so you can act quickly. Expect checklists you can screenshot and short actions to take before you walk into the rental desk. You’ll also find country notes from research: some places accept an Indian driving licence for a short stay, while others ask for an International Driving Permit. Think of this as advice from a helpful neighbour who’s checked the route and packed spare sunglasses for you—practical, grounded, and easy to follow. Read the introduction, then jump to the numbered tip that matters most right now. By the time you lock the car and step out to explore a European town, you’ll feel calm, prepared, and ready to enjoy the ride.

1. Get your paperwork straight before you book

First things first: your paperwork decides whether you drive on day one or stand in a queue. Carry your passport and the visa documents that match your travel dates. Keep your Indian driving licence with you at all times; it’s the primary document rental companies want to see. Research shows some countries accept an Indian licence for short visits—examples include the UK and Switzerland for limited periods—so check the exact rules for your destinations. Always bring the rental booking confirmation and the credit card used for the booking, since many companies place a temporary hold on that card. Print copies of the rental agreement and insurance documents and store digital photos in a cloud folder in case something goes missing. It helps to carry a simple folder in the glovebox with passport photocopies, local accommodation contact details, and a note of any driving restrictions or expiry dates. If you plan multi-country travel, confirm cross-border permissions on your rental contract. This step avoids surprises at pickup and ensures you spend less time at counters and more time tasting local snacks at your first stop.