Rent a Car in Spain and Drive to France

[149oaks]

In a few weeks we are flying to Barcelona El Prat and plan to hire a car and do some driving into France. I was about to book a car with Rentalcars and luckily asked about driving it into France and was told that with Firefly, Goldcar and most companies I can't without paying for an additional cover to include that.
Is this something new as I've done it before with no problem - maybe it's specific companies?
But also with the EU surely if you've cover to drive in 1 country that entitles you to drive in another provided it's also in the EU?
Any thoughts anybody?

 

[Leo]

Generally a surcharge I believe, I saw it probably about 10 years ago now when I did similar, so it's nothing new.

 

[Jim2007]

Normal. Also be aware that you and not the rental company are responsible for ensuring that the car meets all the requirements of French law - things like motorway tax stickers, first aid kits whatever.

 

[Eithneangela]

Standard practice to add a daily charge for each day car is in France.

 

[wednesday]

Open to correction but think a breathalyser kit is compulsory in France also

 

[Leper]

Open to correction but think a breathalyser kit is compulsory in France also

It sure is and do yourself a favour do not rent from Firefly (see Tripadvisor) which appears to be worst car rental people to deal with in europe.

 

[peteb]

I've dealt with Firefly before in the UK and had no issues. In fact I got a 2014 Ford Focus from them. Very clean.

 

[Leo]

Open to correction but think a breathalyser kit is compulsory in France also

Yes, it is. Some of the larger motor factors here will sell cheap single use ones that will do the job.

 

[149oaks]

Yes, it is. Some of the larger motor factors here will sell cheap single use ones that will do the job.

 

[149oaks]

Just back. Spent 1 hour and 50 minutes in queue to Firefly desk in Terminal. Then another 10-15 minutes waiting on car outside. Drop off was also a long delay and saw another long queue in Terminal. So it's a balance of a good rate vs time queueing. Also bought freedom pack for €37 which allowed driving into France, an additional driver, Sat Nav & Full to Full Fuel. This was great value for 9 days.

 

[ollaetta]

Just noticed this thread and can add that in April I hired a car from Budget at Girona Airport without any surcharge for driving over the border. A first aid kit and hi-viz jacket were supplied. As mentioned you do need a breathalyser kit in France but they sell them in all service stations.