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From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Malaysia
+60-392125422
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Available between 10.00 a.m. and 19.00 p.m. (Japan Time)
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The Complete Germany Driving and Rental Guide

Whether for leisure or daily use, driving is very popular in Germany, which is said to feature the most well-established and fast Autobahns. However, not all motorways in Germany have unlimited speed restrictions. You are allowed to drive as fast as the circumstances allows on 50% of the motorways, while for the other half are limited from 80 to 130 km/h, which are enforced.

  • Speed Limit and Traffic Signs
  • Seatbelt and Child Safety
  • Parking, Fuel and Toll
  • Traffic Violation
  • Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Speed Limit and Traffic Signs

Driving in Germany is on the right side of the road. On Autobahns, one must take the right lane and overtake from the left. 

Speed Limit

There is a speed limit of 50 km/h in rural areas and 100 km/h in built-up areas. Recommended maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h.

Traffic Signs

German traffic signs can be classified into 4 types: regulatory, warning, information and direction signs. 


Warning Signs 

Warning signs are in red triangle shape with a few exceptions. 

Germany_Traffic_Sign_Bumpy_RoadBumpy RoadGermany_Traffic_Sign_Level_CrossingLevel CrossingGermany_Traffic_Sign_PedestriansPedestriansGermany_Traffic_Sign_Children_CrossingChildren CrossingGermany_Traffic_Sign_Wild_Animals_CrossingWild Animals Crossing

Regulatory Signs

German regulatory signs mostly feature circular shape with a red border, with some exceptions. 

Germany_Traffic_Sign_Give_WayGive WayGermany_Traffic_Sign_Stop_And_Give_WayStop and Give WayGermany_Traffic_Sign_No_U_turnNo U-TurnGermany_Traffic_Sign_No_OvertakingNo OvertakingGermany_Traffic_Sign_No_Passenger_CarsNo Passenger Car

Information Signs 

Information signs normally feature a square shape as well as blue background, with some other exceptions. 

Germany_Traffic_Sign_First_Aid_or_HospitalFirst Aid or HospitalGermany_Traffic_Sign_Car_Park_Parking_GarageCar Park, Parking GarageGermany_Traffic_Sign_Toll_RoadToll RoadGermany_Traffic_Sign_Stop_CustomsStop-Customs

Direction Signs 

German direction signs mostly feature a blue or yellow background and markings with location signs, route number information and distance. 

Germany_Traffic_Sign_Motorway_Junction_Sign_to_Service_AreaMotorway Junction Sign to Service AreaGermany_Traffic_Sign_Signpost_at_Junction_Leading_Onto_a_Minor_RoadSignpost at Junction Leading Onto a Minor RoadGermany_Traffic_Sign_Diversion_SignDiversion SignGermany_Traffic_Sign_End_of_DiversionEnd of Diversion

Take a further step to read more useful information regarding Germany traffic signs here.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Seatbelt and Child Safety

Seatbelt Laws

The driver and all passengers are required by law to wear seatbelts if the car is underway. Failing to do so will incur an on-the-spot fine of €30.

Booster Seat Laws

Children over 150cm tall can sit in the front of the car. Younger ones will require appropriate restraints in the rear. Note that a baby must be seated in a baby seat facing backwards in the front passenger seat, and the front airbag must be disabled. If the child seat is not set properly, a fine of €60 will be imposed.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Parking, Fuel and Toll

Parking

· Permitted Parking


Drivers are allowed to park when a “Parkschein” can be found, and can pay the related parking fee to a parking machine. Insert coins to pay for the amount of time you wish to keep your parking spot. then place your ticket on the car’s dashboard in plain sight.

Germany Parking Machine Sign(Image from hiveminer.com)


· Permitted Parking


In Germany, you are considered "parked" if you leave your vehicle or if you stop/stand for longer than 3 minutes, unless you are actively boarding or discharging passengers or loading/unloading cargo. 


You may not park in the following spots: 


- Within 5 metres on either side of an intersection


- In front of driveway entrances or exits, or on the opposite side of the street


- If the roadway is too narrow to allow vehicles to enter or exit the driveway


- If parking will obstruct the use of marked parking places


- Within 15 metres on either side of a bus or streetcar stop marked with a green H-sign with yellow background

Germany_Traffic_Sign_Bus_or_Tram_Stop_15m_Parking_Prohibition_Prior_to_And_Behind_This_Sign_30m_Altogether


- Within 50 metres on either side of a white X-sign with red poles when outside of urban areas or within 5 metres when inside an urban area

Germany_Traffic_Sign_X_Sign_Give_Priority_to_Rail_Transport


- On a priority road outside of urban areas


- In front of a curb-cut or wheelchair ramp


- Adjacent to a traffic island or median


- On the street side of another parked vehicle ("double parked")


- On a marked bike lane - Anywhere there is a “No Parking” sign on the same side of the street

Germany_Traffic_Sign_No_Parking


Parking in forbidden areas will result in a parking fine that generally ranges from €5 to €25.

Fuel Prices

The average value for Germany gasoline price is €1.39 in January 2018 while diesel is €1.16.

Toll

Unlike trucks, passenger car can drive the Autobahn without toll fee. 


However, cross a border into neighbouring countries such as Austria, Switzerland and Czech Republic will require purchasing a vignette that should be stuck on the car’s windshield. Make sure you let the car hire company know if you are planning to drive your vehicle outside Germany, and double-check at the counter whether the rented vehicle features the relevant vignette.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Traffic Violation

DUI Laws

Drivers with more than 2 years' experience are charged with a fine if found driving with 0.05% BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) or with 0.03% in conjunction with any other traffic offences or accidents.

Traffic Fines

There are traffic signs indicating a speed limit at many street sections. Drivers who are speeding in Germany may be caught by a speed trap and the fine ranges from €15 to €680 in town and €10 to €600 outside towns.

Germany Speed Trap(Image from ksta.de)


Travellers renting a car in Germany may receive billing details from their credit cards indicating that a certain amount has been debited, mainly because they have been found guilty of speed driving or prohibited parking. You can always contact QEEQ' 24/7 customer service team for clarifications on such cases.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Foreigners on short-term visit may rent a car and drive with a valid foreign driving licence for up to 6 months in Germany. All licences issued by the European Union are accepted. To drive in Germany, the driver must present a valid national driving licence that has been held for at least 1 or 2 years (according to different car hire companies). 


You must be at least 18 years old to hire a car in Germany, and age may vary by car category. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Guest reviews

1 /

April 16, 2024

Destination: Erlangen

10Alles gut

Alles gut

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U.Franzmann

March 30, 2024

Destination: Dusseldorf

9.7Good service, very good value

Always friendly and helpful

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naser_alrashidi@yaho

March 29, 2024

Destination: Munich

10Previously, a car rental reservation was canceled and the amount was not returned, only an additiona

THANKS

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March 18, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

8Very good

The location is not clear I spent a lot of time to reach to their office even after asking information staff

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B.Neziraj

March 12, 2024

Destination: Stuttgart

6.7Under average

Car was partially ok. Staf at Europcar (who cover Bucbinder) were very unpleasant. Would not like to deal with them again.

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March 9, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10Excellent

Didn't have the answer automatic as ordered, but upgraded to a different car.

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The Gautya

January 22, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

9.7Overall good

The car was excellent but the front desk tried to upsell the insurance (I declined). The child car seat provided was old and instructions to install were not clear.

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Andrew Davies

January 14, 2024

Destination: Leipzig

8.7Really poor experience

Poor. No petrol cars only an electric with 50% charge. “No charger” claimed. When I picked up the car a charger was right next to it. They couldn’t be bothered. Range supposedly 158 kms for a 194km journey. Rubbish it lasted 60 1/2 hour wait and I supposedly had 170 again it fell so fast (no heater no radio in eco mode) I had to stop for another 1/2 hour and by the time I reached the airport I had 16 left. Awful.

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Kelvin Kwok

January 12, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

7.3CHECK YOUR CAR SERVICE LIFE BEFORE TAKING IT

They gave me a car that needs service (at least 70 days past). I E-mailed customer service but never get a respond.

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Doctor P..G .Rogan

January 10, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

7.7Disgusted

On pick up we were charged an extra 100 euro Unsure of why but were told this would be refunded within days of car return.Still no refund 4 weeks later despite phone calls and emails to car hire company

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S.HASILOGLU

January 10, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

8Not happy

Location was very confusing. There are no sign about "Shuttles". OK Mobility does not know your COMPANY QEEQ. OK Mobility applied a surprise deposit that I have never been notified about this amount(1350 euro). It was to enforce to accept their insurance. I had to pay extra 250 euro as my credit card limit was insufficient at that time.

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R.Connelly

January 9, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

9Easy to reserve and pickup. The price was very affordable.

The car was a great fit. We got an MG SUV instead of the NISSAN and I'm glad we did. Everything worked as expected and there was a lot of room for luggage in the back. My biggest complaint is that we wanted to pick up the car 45 minutes early due to an early arrival and the rental agent wanted to charge us 50 Euros. The car was already ready to go, so I'm not sure why we'd be charged extra. He ended up reducing this fee for us and I'm grateful, but I'm not sure why we needed to be charged for such a small shift in pick up time. Additionally, I was told by the agent that I'd need a sticker (vignette) for driving across the border into Luxembourg. I spent time stopping and asking about this only to find our that this is needed only for commercial trucks. OVERALL, the pickup was easy and the entire rental experience went smoothly.

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M.Keim Lees

January 9, 2024

Destination: Frankfurt

10too much money in addion to what I expected

I told the staff that I had to go to Switzerland and paid Euro 35 for travelling accross the border. I understood that part and paid. I was told the car had most likely the required sticker for going across the border, which it did not have and I paid Euro 40 at the border. When I returned the car I was told I had to pay an addional 52 Euro border fees, which was all in all very disappointing as my currency is South African Rands which is x 20 in other words I had to pay R 1840 in addion which is a lot for me !

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J

January 4, 2024

Destination: Nurnberg

10Nice and clean car

Thanks for free upgrading and concern of drop off place

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J.HA

December 27, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

6.3찌그러진 사고차량이었지만 잘 사용한 차

처음 계약한 차종과 다른 것은 상관 없었으나 사고차량으로 문짝이 많이 찌그러져 있고 앞뒤 스크래치가 많이 심함. 연락되기까지 시간이 많이걸림. 나중에는 이미 알고 있다고 했고 남은 차종이 없어서 그렇다고 했음. 차 성능은 괜찮았음. 직원들과 연락은 어려웠으나 친절히 설명은 잘해 줌.

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O.Figlin

December 24, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

10Great experience

Flawless experience, very smooth and exactly how it should be

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naser_alrashidi@yaho

December 23, 2023

Destination: Munich

10excellent

excellent

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December 21, 2023

Destination: Berlin

10Thumbs up!

Given new car!

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December 21, 2023

Destination: Munich

10Thumbs up!

Good and quick

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M.Caceres Martinez

December 20, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

9.3Fantástico

El coche muy bien, además de ser un modelo superior al contratado. Gracias

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A.Katrib

December 16, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

10Great experience, thank you Qeeq

Counter at terminal 1 was not crowded during this time of the year and easy to find The car was new VW TAIGO Medium SUV as expected. The staff at the counter was nice paper less.

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driver

December 14, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

7.7basic

there was no windshield fluid in the vehicle.

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A.Palma Palomo

December 12, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

5.7Shit

After a small assessment, I was given an electro auto which was horrible and I needed to change after less than 24 hours. With the temperature in Frankfurt the battery does not last and the provided plug in the car for charging was a home one. It would have needed like 30 hrs for charging.

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D.Lopez Rodriguez

December 11, 2023

Destination: Baden-Baden

10Calidad de viaje

El coche ha estado muy bien pero hemos tenido difícultad a la hora de entregar el coche ya que la oficina estaba cerrada.

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A.Orlov

December 6, 2023

Destination: Dusseldorf

10It was an exclusive rental

We got an amazing new cabrio instead of the ordered one. Enjoined so much :)

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P.Guymer

December 2, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

8.7Was a bit confusing but the overall experience was good.

It was difficult to understand what Alamo were charging me as the amounts they blocked on my credit card did not correspond to my quote from Qeeq. In the end, what they charged me was correct.

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Alan Chua

November 28, 2023

Destination: Kiel

10Excellent

Recomended

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d.wright

November 22, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

9.3Excellent experience.

It all went very smoothly.

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November 13, 2023

Destination: Berlin

10perfect!

Great car and staff.

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J.ALVAREZ BENIGNO

September 21, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

9.7mejor oferta. con un servicio excelente

todo muy facil y muy fluido. sin imprevistos sobre lo contratado

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R.GAUCI

September 14, 2023

Destination: Memmingen

9.7the best

excellent service

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LK

August 16, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

9.7Good

We were very satisfied with both the booking process and the car itself. The vehicle was exactly what we ordered and the price was reasonable.

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August 15, 2023

Destination: Munich

7Cheap and cheerful in the centre of Munich, but not for the faint-hearted!

The car was pretty old and knackered, and parked on the top floor of a multi-storey car park with limited lift access, so we had to carry heavy suitcases up the last few steps. The Alamo staff were friendly but there were some hidden catches (not allowed to take the cars on a ferry, for example). Drop-off very quick but I haven’t received any sort of receipt from them.

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Mauricio Rubio

August 9, 2023

Destination: Saarbruecken

10Excelente

Todo estuvo bien

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July 31, 2023

Destination: Munich

8.7I enjoyed the trip with the car

السعر مرتفع جدا

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C.Brett

July 27, 2023

Destination: Frankfurt

9.3Very satisfied with rental. MG SUV was very comfortable for four adults. Very nice checkin lady!

Great selection of vehicles. The MG SUV was a very high tech automobile.

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Yaroslav Drabyk

July 3, 2023

Destination: Leipzig

7.7Good

I have reserved limousine class but got universal.. I have reserved bmw and got mersedes...

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Umut HIRA

June 28, 2023

Destination: Cologne

7.7Never ever again from Thrifty or Hertz

additional charges were outrages! i was late for the pick up cause of canceled flight, delayed train ride etc. So first i was convinced it was their after working hours so i will be charged! then they have had some nicer cars where i can pick for an upgrade where i was charged 30% then realized they dont even have my prefred calls and would have to give me one of the upgrades anyway. then i was told they will wvae the addtional after hours service charge however what i see in my invoice is addtional charges and plus taxes on those charges... finally i pay more then the rental value that i paid to QeeQ to addtional service cahrges to rent the car! what is a service fee if your job is to supply a rental car? i will never ever pick a car from either Hertz or Thrifty!

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W.Lim

January 29, 2023

Destination: Munich

8.3Excellent

This car is meet my expectations with a good guided of GPS. Thanks and appreciated!

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Subhas

January 23, 2023

Destination: Berlin

10Excellent

Excellent. Car received as expected. We went skiing, needed to be towed in a place out of snow – Buchbinder support was excellent.

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Subhas

January 23, 2023

Destination: Berlin

9.3Excellent

The car I booked was unavailable, and they tried to sell me a huge, 3-seater Transporter vehicle used for moving goods/homes. Completely unsuitable for a 1000km family trip. After 2 hours, we got a different car.

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January 21, 2023

Destination: Freising

9.7Excellent

New car and fast service

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A.Lukianova

December 15, 2022

Destination: Dortmund

10Excellent

It was not the car we booked, but still very good car. We were very pleased with it.

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Judi Maxwell

December 13, 2022

Destination: Dusseldorf

10Easy service and you get good car and good price

Easy collection and good value

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Nigel

November 29, 2022

Destination: Hamburg

10Excellent experience

Counter staff really helpful and no hard sell

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E.Yagudaev

November 2, 2022

Destination: Dortmund

10Excellent

Very good

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October 19, 2022

Destination: Munich

10Excellent

Fantastic service, great value, easy to pick up and drop off

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Lena

October 14, 2022

Destination: Munich

6.3Just an ok car rental experience

Counter staff at Munich Airport was a bit slow with 3 staff members working and a queue over 60 minutes. It was incredibly difficult to find the counter due to location and lack of visible sign.

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R.Rajendrakumar

October 14, 2022

Destination: Munich

10Excellent

Hassle free experience. And no hidden charges. Satisfied with the service.

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M.Khan

December 6, 2023

Destination: Hamburg

10Go for Wheego one time and all the time....

Excellent Service far more better than the other portals the best part of Wheego is they automatically adjust your price if gone lower, this is amazing

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Best car rental deals in Germany

Best rates found by QEEQ users in the last 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Q1.What is an insurance excess?

The excess is the amount you'll only be liable for in case of damage(under Collision Damage Waiver) or theft(under Theft Protection) of the vehicle.
Information about the excess will be clearly stated in the price inclusion when you reserve a car on QEEQ.

Q2. How can I add an addtional driver?

You are advised to make a request upon your arrival at the rental counter. Additional charge per day will incur unless '1 Additional Driver Included' is stipulated on the rental.
Please note that the same licence and age requirement applys to the additonal driver. The addtional driver is supposed to present the required licence document along with the main driver at pickup.

Q3.What if I want to pick up or drop off my rental car out of office hours?

QEEQ will show you the car offers available at your chosen time on the search results.
However, pick-up or drop-off out of general opening hours may subject to an extra fee unless self-service pick-up or drop-off is available.
After you reserve a car on QEEQ, we will inform you of specific policy of the car hire company by email.

Q4. Can I take the hired car to another country or cross border?

If you want to pick up your car in one country and drop it in another, your search results will show you cars you can do that with.
If you're planning to cross any borders during your trip, bear in mind:
1. You may have to pay more.
There are often extra fees, taxes or additional cover you'll pay at the car hire counter.
2.It may not be allowed.
Depending on where you're hiring, you may not be able to take your car to another country.
Please email us if you want to take your hire car into a different country during your trip, and we'll talk you through your options.

Q5. Can I pick up my car at one location and return it at different location?

Yes. You can pick up the vehicle in one place and drop it off in another. An ‘one-way fee’ will incur. Whether it is inclued in the rental price or what additional cost may arise will be clearly stated at the time of booking on QEEQ.
Please inform the car hire company of your drop-off location when you pick up the vehicle or contact them directly during your trip. You will find a phone number on the rental agreement you signed at pickup.

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