Even if the distances in France are less important than in Canada, renting a car facilitates travel on the spot and allows you to travel inland.

What are the conditions for renting a car?

The driver of the rental car must be at least 21 years old . For those under 25, young driver insurance is compulsory.

The driver must have a valid driver’s license for more than one year and corresponding to the vehicle you wish to rent. In France, there are several types of license: car license, motorcycle license, truck license… For certain vehicles such as 4X4s or large sedans, the driver(s) must be over 25 years old and have had their license for three years.

It is possible to have several drivers for the same vehicle for an additional fee. All you have to do is specify it when picking up the vehicle and respect the conditions seen above.

What are the documents to provide?

Declarations of loss, declarations of theft, “white” permits and permits with limited validity are not accepted.

For citizens outside the European Union, an international license or an official French translation of the national license must be accompanied by the national license to be accepted. In Canada, international driver’s licenses are issued by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). For more information, click here (External link) .

A proof of residence dating less than 2 months (or even a proof of income). Example: hydro bill.

A means of payment in your name , the person who takes a rental must be the one who pays, the credit card is obligatory, the debit card is not accepted.

A deposit will also be requested in the event of damage that may occur during the rental or to cover any additional billing.

And what about insurance?

It covers material damage and bodily injury caused to a third party and their vehicle, even if you are responsible for it. However, this insurance does not cover damage suffered by the driver or his rented vehicle.

Many basic contracts provide for an often high deductible (damage not guaranteed by the lessor). If you are partly responsible for an accident, the damage suffered by the rented vehicle remains your responsibility up to the deductible provided for in the contract.

You can take out additional insurance to be covered in the event of damage to the rented car.

Do you know that some banking institutes cover you during your travels?

Provided you have made payments with the same card. We invite you to inquire with your bank or the issuer of your credit card, you could have good surprises!

Can we go abroad?

You can use your rental car abroad under certain conditions. Check with your rental company beforehand because if you do not respect the rule, the vehicle insurance will not be valid.

The purchase-repurchase option , a sales formula with a takeover agreement, is often more advantageous for long-term stays. This formula is intended for people residing outside the European Union and coming to stay there for a period of between 17 and 165 days . The customer owns a new vehicleand only pays for the period of use, hence the particular name of buy-back. The cost of the rental includes comprehensive insurance without deductible.

Some advice

 However, if you have chosen a specific model, the rental company cannot guarantee you this particular one.

Before getting behind the wheel of the rental car, it is important to check the condition of the vehicle (interior and exterior) in the presence of the rental company, so as not to be held responsible for damage prior to your rental.

Before returning the car, don’t forget to fill it up otherwise the rental company will take care of it but will apply their own prices, which are usually higher.

Always return the car at the time agreed with the agency because, in case of delay, it will charge you half a day or even an additional day.