Car Hire Abroad

[TimG1991]

Hi,
First time poster, long time user (of insulin).

I am hiring a car in Italy this summer which I have already paid for and also taken out the excess damage waiver because I've never driven on the right hand side before.

I've had my license for 6+ years and have no issue with driving, but I haven't declared my diabetes to the car hire company yet, as they haven't asked me to. My questions is whether I should a) Tell them, and risk paying a higher car hire rate or not being hired to at all! or b) not tell them, and in the event that something happens, they ask for the full cost of repair because I didn't disclose full information, whether my Diabetes was involved or not. Has anyone got any experience of a similar situation?

Thanks in advance,

Tim

 

[Steff]

Hi Tim,
A warm welcome to the forum ive not experienced this personally but from a point of view of being moral I would disclose all you can from the outset, far rather be safe then sorry if something did happen you sure would feel more then the munitery costs on your shoulders.

 

[grovesy]

Welcome.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Hi Tim

I hired a car when in New Zealand about 14 years ago. They never asked about medical conditions on any of the forms so I didn't volunteer the information. They took a photocopy of my UK driving licence which clearly showed it was a 3 year one but they didn't question it. Hire car companies will be used to dealing with people with medical conditions and their policies and contracts would state this and whether it needs to be declared. I therefore think if the question is asked when you complete any forms or when you pick the car up you must tell them but if they don't then I wouldn't tell them. Enjoy your trip.

 

[HOBIE]

You never win with ins companies. Even if they do make a charge it should not be a fortune. I have driven in 11 different countries on the way to Asia without any extra ins to pay. Enjoy ! 🙂

 

[Copepod]

Read the terms and conditions carefully, either online before booking or in car hire office if not booked ahead of time. I've only once driven a hire car ever, and that was in Iceland in 2013, when volunteering on an ultra race, so all vehicles were paid for by organiser. I told him about my 3 year licence and (well controlled) type 1 diabetes before leaving UK, when he first mentioned that he wanted me to drive. When we picked up cars at airport, I read form very carefully. Then set off driving on right side of road (in a convoy), alone in my VW multispace. We stopped for coffee and pancakes at home of Icelandic volunteer's parents, then drove about 4 hours anticlockwise along Ring Road to Akureyri. I think that, as Iceland is in EEC, that experience may be relevant to someone hiring a car in an EU country, such as Italy.
Have a great trip. I'm not sure I'd want to contend with Italian roads and drivers, whether driving or cycling.

 

[trophywench]

They've never wanted to know why my licence was only for 3 years in either Spain or Greece, so wouldn't think they'd need to know in Italy either - we drove there in our own car so it didn't arise, haven't been back since.

Like everyone says - if they ask about medical conditions tell em, otherwise don't.

 

[HOBIE]

It easier on a M/bike in France. At the many toll roads you are at the right side to pay ! 😉. Its a big fine if you have not got your blow in the bag testers though. The frog police where taking peoples GPS off them a few years ago. (because they did not want you to travel on there non toll roads) ?

 

[trophywench]

The breathalyser 'legislation' was never enforced in France and still isn't - so that info is out of date.

As we spend several months a year in France meandering about, and using or Sat Nav to find our way (along with a large scale Michelin road atlas of course). Only ever been stopped the once anywhere - French Customs stopping everyone at a roundabout just outside Le Cateau Cambresis one morning. Asked us where we'd been and where we were going, had a friendly chat, and bade us bon voyage.

Pete's never paid a toll abroad yet in the car, or on the bikes - since the flippin passenger/pillion always has to!

They ARE however very hot on mobile phones being used - our son in law was stopped by a copper coming out from a French supermarket one day, using his phone. so he rolled the door mirror down, beamed at the guy - and pointed to our daughter behind the steering wheel LOL

The Crit Air certificate - much akin to the LEZ in London - is the latest. A number of cities enforce it, including anywhere within the Outer Peripherique so should you happen to be diverted off it cos of rd works or accidents - be warned. Fines range from 60 to 1,000 Euros - and French authorities can access the DVLA Database and DO chase up fines for that or if you eg get flashed for speeding. In French Law - the vehicle OWNER is liable, not the driver - so there's usually no defence whatever.

 

[trophywench]

Oh - Tolls - the first toll booth in all directions outside Calais has one booth marked clearly with a Union Flag, on the right hand side of that lane! And - it's very very rare that ANY toll booth will now be manned. All automatic and like ATMs, just choose the right flag on the screen to start with, to get instructions in your language.

 

[HOBIE]

I have heard LOTS of storeys about Sat navs been taken OFF British people, BMWs cars,Camper houses, Motorbikes. So I wasted my money with the TWO blow in the bag test meters that the frogs told me that I MUST have. That will be right.