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By car through canada! for many this is the best way to explore the vast and beautiful canada. But there are many points and questions to consider. Which rental car is suitable for my trip?? What to consider if I have an accident? Toll or no toll?
to have a nice tour through canada, you should know these questions answered and also contractually clarified. Therefore we would like to explain below all questions concerning the topic "car rental in canada.
important: the content provided here is for informational purposes only. these are not binding or contractual rules of the rental car companies. Please always check directly with your rental car company for exact terms and conditions.
1. What requirements do I need to drive a rental car in canada??
1.1 the minimum age
renting a car is – at alamo – possible from 21 years onwards. For drivers between 21 and 24 years old, an extra charge will be applied. Why? this is often justified by a higher risk of accidents. And that, at least statistically, cannot be denied. Alamo offers for example. The U25 package.
1.2 always have a credit card with you!
In canada – as in the USA – it is normal to pay for many everyday services with a credit card. For this reason alone you should have a credit card. For the booking of a rental car this is indispensable. So if you don’t have one yet, you should get one. The card is needed for the deposit at the rental. Although this is also possible in cash, but more uncomplicated and more usual is this service via the credit card. This applies even more if you have decided to book additional services, such as a GPS. contracts are often offered in german language as well. Here you should simply ask at the counter.
1.3 do i need an international driver’s license or is the german/european driver’s license sufficient??
The question is often asked whether you can drive in canada with a normal german or european driver’s license. The answer is: yes!
You do not need an international driver’s license. even the old grey german drivers licenses are no problem. It must be valid! not every police officer in canada will know this one though. In this case we would advise you to call the rental car agency. Of course, also an additional driver must have a driver’s license.
1.4 what documents do i still need?
In connection with your driver’s license, which you have to show at the pickup station, is often also a passport to be presented. The identity card may be sufficient here. Not from. Furthermore you need the voucher for the rental car or your confirmation number as well as already mentioned a credit card. The credit card you may need for the deposit mentioned or if you want to book other packages or extras.
1.5 how many drivers can you enter, what are the guidelines for additional drivers?
How many drivers should be authorized to drive the rental car is up to you. There is ultimately no limit. From our own experience we can only say that it is always a bit more relaxed when not only one driver has to drive. An additional driver is always an additional benefit with rental car companies. That is, for this you have to pay an additional fee as a renter. At alamo for example. However, if there are special packages that include additional drivers (e.g., a "driver’s license" or a "driver’s license"), this is not always the case. the gold-package) and so no additional fees will be charged.
2. The right car rental insurance for my tour
Of course, every time you book a rental car, the question always arises, which insurance package is the best for a tour in canada is. Often one weighs up which package is not absolutely necessary and one can thus save expenses. In canada, however, there are some special features which are fundamentally different from e.g. In germany or in europe. In canada, we think that you should insure a few additional things.
Even minor accidents with metal damage are annoying on vacation 1
Which insurances and insurance components should I be covered with when I travel by rental car in canada?? Here are a few tips and experiences from us:
2.1 fully comprehensive insurance (CDW)
In order to tour canada in a relaxed way with a rental car, we believe it is absolutely necessary to have a fully comprehensive insurance (CDW) to conclude. In the end, this is the only way to be protected from claims that can be made against you in the event of damage, even if you are not to blame for the damage (to the rental car or the passengers). You don’t have to go through this trouble when you are on vacation, even though in germany you often tend to get a partial coverage insurance. in canada, the conditions are ultimately not well known and claims or. Their facts and subsequent proceedings worse than at home. for regulations about germanwho and alamo see below.
2.2 the legal liability insurance
Of course, a liability insurance may not be missing and is included obligatory with. The liability insurance covers claims from third parties (e.g. The accident opponent), which are put against you in the case of an accident. Please do not confuse: the fully comprehensive insurance is responsible for damages to the rental car or your passengers.
However, in canada it is not like we are used to in european countries, that a damage is insured for an unlimited amount. The legally required liability insurance in canada for cars is often capped and this is sometimes very low (sometimes this is only at 10.000 dollars). this legal cap is quite different in the individual states. Here is clearly a driving point. Therefore we recommend to book the extended liability insurance.
2.3 the extended liability insurance -extended protection or "EP"
This insurance is often equipped with 1 million dollars insurance damage. the probability is relatively high to have a damage covered, because 99% of the cases are within this damage amount. This certainly lets one sleep more calmly. To be honest, however, it should be said that there are also drivers who deliberately choose not to use these tyres. We personally do not go on vacation without the EP.
Germanwho-tip: in the contracts or terms and conditions you will often only find the word "insurance" extended protection or EP. We ourselves have also puzzled at the first time. so always check the english terms in the contract. Now you know what is behind it.
Another advantage of the EP can be that other benefits are covered in addition to the increased sum insured. With alamo you are bspw. At the same time with a UMP insurance included. We consider this as compulsory. Why and what is that actually?
2.4 uninsured motorist protection (UMP) – always book it in any case!
in canada it can happen that you have an accident and the other party is not insured or only underinsured. In canada there is no insurance obligation as we know it. Bitter, if you then have to pay for the accident costs, because the other party is not insured and you have to pay for the damage to the rental car in the end. In any case, we would always book a package that includes the so-called uninsured motorist protection insurance. This is for example. At alamo in the extended liability insurance included.
Which alamo packages the UMP have, you can see here.
2.5 glass, ground and roof insurance
Very often people ask whether the glass, floor and roof of the rental car are also insured. So there seem to be some rental companies that charge extra for this or try to get away with it. Normally – and with respectable offerers it is so – these points should be contained in the comprehensive insurance. Here you should ask in case of doubt.
Germanwho-tip: especially in such popular touring regions like e.g. through british columbia it sometimes makes sense to drive off the roads. Here you should pay attention, because that is partly not included in the insurance. We do not mean the gravel parking lot at a scenic spot, but e.g. the parking lot in the middle of the countryside. Long offroad tours on unpaved roads or the like. Tempting but well thought out and to be enjoyed with caution. Look for it in the contract.
In the case of alamo we can say that these damages are covered by the fully comprehensive insurance without deductible, as long as the damages are not caused by a violation of the rental conditions (such as driving on said unpaved roads). When renting a car in canada, you may choose.B. Also "state-maintenance-streets" drive, which are partly unpaved, but state-maintained.
3. What is the right car rental for my canada tour??
Many would like to do a kind of round trip in canada. For example, multi-day or week-long tours of british columbia are popular. starting point is often vancouver. Canada is a vast country. This is not to be underestimated. If there are more than 2 or 3 people, the SUV or even a minivan is interesting. This class of car offers definite added value for such long trips. these cars have a very good comfort and especially space! From our own experience we can say that regarding the offered price-performance an SUV is a very good choice and is always favored for your own vacation. For smaller tours or more frequent trips to canadian cities can be reduced in price by choosing a different car class and save money. In the following we would like to give you a few tips for the right car rental in canada for larger tours.
The right car for big tours in canada
For example, the question is often asked which is the most suitable rental car for large tours with 5 suitcases. Sure, suitable is just the car that offers me enough space for my tour. Therefore, when planning the trip, you must ask yourself how many people will be travelling with you, how much luggage each person will be carrying and how long will the trip last?? Carpooling is of course a good way to share the cost of the rental car. However, this is not always useful if the comfort, especially on long trips, has to suffer from it. For canada we present you suitable car rental categories – from the point of view of comfort and space – as follows.
Fullsize SUV
This class of cars, which include for example. A chevy tahoe is to be classified, is very well suitable for tours with 4-5 persons. Especially there is always the question about the available storage space. All in all, this class of car offers space for 7 people. What of course would have to be considered here is that with 7 occupants the storage space in the trunk can not be increased. As a result, it is stated that with 7 passengers you can carry 2 large suitcases and 1 small suitcase. With more than 5 people plus. Suitcase is then probably more recommended to book a minivan or to plan a split on two rental cars.
For 4 – 5 people, however, this car class is optimal, because the rear back seat (the middle often also) can be folded and is divisible. This means that I can potentially increase the number of suitcases I can carry by 2 -3 suitcases.
Space miracle tahoe 2
An SUV is very comfortable to drive in any way. You sit higher and very comfortable. Mostly the cars are equipped with automatic transmission and cruise control, which can be very pleasant, especially for the driver. Especially for long trips in Canada, an SUV is recommended.
Intermediate SUV
The middle SUV class (also midsize SUV named) – like e.g. A toyota RAV4, but also popular brands like jeep, KIA or dodge – is also great and suitable for longer trips. Not only for long tours, but also for smaller tours this car class is wonderful. Here, however, it is also worthwhile to compare prices with other vehicle classes in terms of the amount of space available. If you value comfort, you can’t go wrong with an SUV.
Toyota RAV4 3
The intermediate car class offers space for 5 passengers. In case of full occupancy, it is usually stated that one large and one small suitcase can be taken along. From my own experience, this is a bit of a conservative estimate. 2 large suitcases are more realistic.
Trunk toyota RAV4 4
As is well known, the rear seats can be folded down here too. The storage space can thus be increased. Optimal for 3-4 people, especially for families with 1-2 children. There is enough space and a very good driving experience.
Minivan
Perhaps at first glance a little unusual but on closer inspection interesting and quite popular is a tour of canada with a minivan. It is interesting that up to 7 people can be taken along and that this can result in cost savings. In contrast to the premium SUV class, the trunk capacity is given with 3 large suitcases with 7 passengers. Also here the back seats are foldable. It may be that an SUV is a little more comfortable to drive. This is then but rather a subjective assessment.
The right rental car for small and medium tours in canada
Fullsize
But it does not always have to be an SUV. For small and medium tours, limousines are also suitable, which from a cost point of view are also easy on the family budget. Under the car class fullsize are so far understood 4-door rental cars that can carry 4 people and stow 2 suitcases. Very suitable for families with one child or 2 people (except for families with a baby and related equipment such as strollers). Especially for smaller tours or city trips this car class is super. Of course, it can also be used for longer tours.
Midsize or compact class
From my own experience it is also sufficient for 2 persons, with a car like e.g. to drive the toyota corolla or nissan versa note. With 2 suitcases you can get through the vacation, even if you have to use the storage space from time to time. With 2 persons there is always the option to use the backseat as a stowage area.
Child seats
child seats are mandatory for children up to 5 years and up to 18 kg respectively. Attention, different rules apply in the different states.
Special traffic rules in canada
Generally driving in canada is very strongly regulated and very extensively signposted. However, there are some peculiarities you should know about. In most places or. in canadian provinces it is allowed to turn right at a red light. Excluded is for example. Quebec. The condition is that the traffic allows it and that the car has stopped before. In this country, this is comparable to the green arrow.
on highways there is a speed limit of 100 km/h in canada. On country roads the speed limit is 80 km/h. Unusual for us is that overtaking is also allowed on the right, but lane changes are less frequent.
In this country it is for example. Prohibited to overtake stopping streetcars, because people are getting on and off the streetcars. The same applies in canada with school buses that display a stop with red warning lights. No matter from which direction you approach the bus, passing or overtaking is prohibited at this moment.
special traffic signs in canada
Can I make trips with the rental car in the USA?
the best example for such a trip is a tour to niagara falls. So beautiful, so big and stretching over the USA and canada! So of course the question arises, whether it is possible to cross over with the rental car from canada to the USA. This depends of course on the car rental company. with the germanwho-partner alamo you can cruise between the countries. What would be problematic is the issue of one-way rental. So, if you rent the car in canada and want to return the car in the USA, this would have to be discussed with the rental car company beforehand. By default and for a fee, this is only provided within a country for the time being.
refueling in canada
gasoline prices in canada are usually cheaper than in europe. In contrast to the local gas stations, you have to pay in advance in canada. You pay for it at the pump with your credit card. this will be swiped at the pump, a maximum amount has to be indicated, the pump will be unlocked. If applicable. Is there also a gas station attendant who can help you. Unlocked does not mean that you put the nozzle in the tank, press the fuel lever and then the gasoline runs. In canada there is a more or less visible main switch at the gas pump, which you have to pull first. Only then the refueling works.
Which fuel you have to take for the rental car is often written on the inside of the door or the inside of the fuel tank lid. There is in online-blogs sometimes the recommendation or the apparent tip, that you can also use cheaper gasoline, with then other octane number, than the one that is given by the rental company. But please remember that if there is a damage because of this, for example, you have to pay for it. Failure of the fuel pump, you are not covered, as this would be a negligent act to classify.
car rental in canada via germanwho
as a member of germanwho you get a special discount on car rentals in canada with alamo. Another advantage is that you enter into a direct contractual relationship with alamo for the booking.
Germanwho is not a direct middleman between you and alamo. You will receive all information and vouchers directly by mail after booking. How to get the complete service directly from alamo. Of course we are always there for you, even if you are already in canada. You can always ask us for advice, support and help via email.
fully comprehensive (CDW) with germanwho-partner alamo
When booking through alamo in canada, fully comprehensive insurance is included in all packages. However, as a special rule, you have to pay a security deposit. this is a deductible that will be refunded at the end of the rental period.
Liability insurance with germanwho partner alamo
This is included as standard in Canada for foreign car hire drivers. However, we recommend that you also book the extended liability insurance.
what does "one tank free" fuel service option mean for booking packages in canada?
Through alamo, for example, you will receive a free tank of gas when you book the following packages:
- The alamo master package,
- The alamo gold package,
- The alamo U25 package.
The following procedure should be taken into account:
With this so-called "fuel service option" you will receive a fully refueled rental car at the rental station. A "free fill-up" means that you do not have to fill up the car again when – or before – you return it, as is usually the case. So you can leave the car with an empty tank. Remaining quantities are not refundable.
Do you have to return the rental car to the pick-up station or can you return the car to another station as well?
No need to return the rental car to the pick-up station. If you don’t want this, you have to specify the desired new drop-off station when booking (booking form). Please note that the car rental company will charge you a fee for the effort involved. The amount of the fee depends on the tour (length, state, geographic location, etc).) and is to be shown in the price calculation. This fee is called a one way fee.
Cancellation options
You can stay until one week before pick up cancel the booking for free.
Do you need a confirmation from germanwho at the rental car station?
No, you do not need. You will often be asked if you need to show proof of germanwho membership at the rental station. you will benefit from germanwho’s membership with canada car rentals, but you will make the contract directly with the car rental company at the discounted rate. You can ask us anytime by email about it.
what packages include alamo’s UMP, an underinsured motorist coverage in canada??
All packages with the "extended liability insurance" (extended protection "EP") up to 1 million. USD (US american dollars) includes the insurance for accidents with uninsured/underinsured parties, i.e. z.B. The master or gold package.
You want to take advantage of the discount of up to 20% on rental cars? then register for free as germanwho-member. It only takes a minute, I promise!
1 photo by erocsid, published on flickr under the creative commons license
2 photo by abdullah albargan, published on flickr under creative commons license
3 photo by jesus abizanda, published on flickr under creative commons license
4 photo by kārlis dambrāns, published on flickr under the creative commons license
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