Requirements & booking: What is the minimum age for renting a car in Belgium?
For most rental companies, the minimum age is between 21 and 25 years. For certain vehicle categories, especially premium or sports cars, the minimum age can also be 25, 27 or even 30 years.
Requirements & booking: Do I have to expect additional costs as a young driver?
Yes, almost all providers charge a so‑called young driver fee for drivers under 25 or 26 years. This fee is charged per day and can significantly increase the rental costs.
Requirements & booking: Is my German EU driving licence sufficient in Belgium?
Yes, the German EU driving licence in credit card format is fully recognised in Belgium and throughout the EU. An old paper driving licence (grey or pink) is also valid as long as it is legible.
Requirements & booking: For how long do I need to have held my driving licence?
Most rental companies require that the main driver and every additional driver have held their driving licence for at least one year, sometimes two years. For higher vehicle classes this requirement may be stricter.
Requirements & booking: Do I additionally need an International Driving Permit?
No, holders of a valid German or other EU driving licence do not need an International Driving Permit in Belgium.
Requirements & booking: Which documents do I have to present at pickup?
You must present your valid driving licence, a valid ID card or passport, and a credit card issued in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. The booking voucher (digital or printed) also has to be presented.
Requirements & booking: Does the credit card for the deposit really have to be in my name?
Yes, this is a mandatory and non‑negotiable requirement for virtually all car rental companies. The credit card must be issued in the name of the main driver listed in the rental agreement. A card belonging to your partner or friends will not be accepted.
Requirements & booking: Should I book the rental car from Germany or only on site in Belgium?
It is strongly recommended to book early from Germany. You benefit from lower prices, a wider choice of vehicles and have the opportunity to compare rental conditions and insurance cover in peace and quiet in German.
Requirements & booking: Is there a difference between booking via a broker website and directly with the rental company?
Broker websites often offer better price comparison, while a direct booking may sometimes include more specific offers or loyalty programmes. In both cases it is important to read the exact rental and insurance conditions, as these ultimately depend on the local rental company in Belgium.
Requirements & booking: What should I consider if another person is going to drive the car?
Every additional driver must be personally present at pickup, present their driving licence and ID, and be officially registered in the rental agreement as an additional driver. A daily surcharge is usually applied. If a person who is not registered drives the car, the insurance cover becomes completely void.
Costs, deposit & insurance: What approximate costs should I expect for a rental car in Belgium?
Costs vary greatly depending on season, vehicle class, time of booking and rental period. For a small car you should expect around €30–50 per day in the low season; in the high season or for larger models the price can be significantly higher.
Costs, deposit & insurance: What exactly is the security deposit and how is it taken?
The security deposit is a financial guarantee for the rental company. The amount (often between €800 and €2,500) is not debited from your credit card at pickup, but blocked or reserved. This reduces your available credit limit. Debit cards or cash are usually not accepted for the deposit.
Costs, deposit & insurance: When will the security deposit be released on my credit card?
After the proper and damage‑free return of the vehicle, the rental company initiates the release of the amount. However, depending on your card issuer it may take several days up to two weeks until the amount is visible again in your available credit limit.
Costs, deposit & insurance: What do the insurance abbreviations CDW and LDW mean?
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) are collision damage insurance policies. They limit your financial liability for damage to the rental vehicle (CDW) or in case of theft (LDW) to an agreed excess. Such insurance is already included in most standard rental offers in Europe.
Costs, deposit & insurance: What is an excess (franchise)?
The excess is the maximum amount you have to pay yourself in the event of damage, even if the damage is covered by the CDW/LDW insurance. The amount is often between €900 and €3,000 and is specified in the rental agreement.
Costs, deposit & insurance: Is insurance with no excess worth it?
Yes, it is highly recommended for a hassle‑free trip. This option (often called Super Cover, fully comprehensive with no excess, or reimbursement of the excess) eliminates the financial risk in case of damage and prevents disputes over small scratches at return.
Costs, deposit & insurance: Are damage to tyres, glass, roof and underbody always covered?
No, these parts are often explicitly excluded from standard collision damage policies (CDW). To cover these damages as well, you usually need an extended additional insurance. Check the insurance terms very carefully.
Costs, deposit & insurance: What liability insurance coverage should I have?
In Belgium, the legally required minimum liability coverage limits are sufficiently high. Nevertheless, it is advisable to ensure a coverage amount of at least 1 million euros or more when booking, which is standard with reputable providers.
Costs, deposit & insurance: Are there typical hidden fees I should watch out for?
Yes. Watch out for fees for additional drivers, young driver fees, charges for GPS devices, child seats, refuelling service fees (if not returned full), one‑way rentals, or fees for pickup/return outside opening hours (after‑hours fee).
Costs, deposit & insurance: Is a private additional rental car insurance useful?
It can be an alternative. Some providers or credit card programmes offer annual policies that reimburse the excess in case of damage. However, check carefully whether the policy is valid for Belgium, covers all vehicle types and what exclusions apply.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: What is most important at vehicle pickup?
Take your time. Carefully compare the vehicle’s condition with the pre‑existing damage listed in the handover report. Insist that every scratch, dent or stone chip, no matter how small, that is not listed, is added in writing and signed by staff.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: Should I take my own photos of the rental car in addition to the report?
Absolutely. Photograph or film the vehicle at pickup from all sides, inside and outside. Pay special attention to the rims, bumpers, windscreen and the mileage. Ideally, the photos should have a time stamp and show the pickup location.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: What does the fuel policy “full to full” or “full/full” mean?
This is the best and most transparent policy. You pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Keep the receipt for the last refuelling near the return station as proof.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: What other fuel policies exist and are they recommended?
Another common policy is “full to empty” (or “buy the first tank”). Here you buy the first tank of fuel from the rental company (often at an inflated price) and may return the car empty. This is almost always more expensive because you do not get any money back for unused fuel.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: Am I allowed to drive the rental car from Belgium to neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands, Germany or France?
Generally yes. Cross‑border travel to Western European neighbouring countries is allowed by most providers. However, this must be checked when booking and must be declared at pickup and noted in the rental agreement. A small cross‑border fee may apply in some cases.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: Is there a mileage limit?
Most offers in Belgium include unlimited mileage, especially for shorter rental periods. However, some low‑cost offers or long‑term rentals may have a mileage cap. Any additional kilometre will then be charged at a high rate. Check this in the contract.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: What should I do if I receive a different, e.g. smaller car than the one I booked?
You are entitled to a vehicle from the booked category or a higher one (free upgrade). If you are offered a smaller vehicle, you do not have to accept it. Insist on the booked category or demand a substantial price reduction, documented in writing.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: What equipment must be in the vehicle?
The rental company is responsible for providing the legally required equipment in the car. In Belgium this includes a warning triangle, a first‑aid kit and a fire extinguisher. In addition, it is recommended to carry one high‑visibility vest per occupant. Check that these items are present at pickup.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: Is a navigation system (GPS) included in the rental car as standard?
No, not always. In higher vehicle classes it is often integrated. In smaller classes it usually has to be booked as an expensive extra. A more economical alternative is to use your own smartphone with a suitable holder and an offline maps app.
Vehicle pickup & on the road: Which fuel should I use?
The correct fuel type (petrol or diesel, possibly with octane rating) is indicated on the fuel cap, in the rental agreement or on the car key. In Belgium, the fuel types are called “Super 95” (E10), “Super 98” (E5) and “Diesel”. Misfuelling is not insured and results in very high costs.
Traffic rules & specifics: What general speed limits apply in Belgium?
The limit is 50 km/h in built‑up areas. Outside built‑up areas it is 70 km/h in Flanders and Brussels, and 90 km/h in Wallonia. On expressways and motorways the general limit is 120 km/h. Pay close attention to road signs, as limits may vary by region.
Traffic rules & specifics: What are the low emission zones (LEZ) in Belgium?
Cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent have established permanent low emission zones to improve air quality. Entry is only allowed for vehicles that meet certain emission standards.
Traffic rules & specifics: Do I have to register my German rental car for Belgian low emission zones?
Yes. Even if your rental car meets the emission standards, foreign licence plates (including German ones) must be registered online and free of charge for the respective city before first entry. Failure to do so will result in high fines of around €150–350. Registration is required separately for each city.
Traffic rules & specifics: Are there motorway tolls in Belgium?
There is no general motorway toll for cars in Belgium. One exception is the Liefkenshoek Tunnel near Antwerp, which is subject to a toll.
Traffic rules & specifics: What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Belgium?
The alcohol limit is 0.5‰, as in Germany. For professional drivers and novice drivers (less than 3 years of holding a driving licence) a stricter limit of 0.2‰ applies.
Traffic rules & specifics: Are there any special parking rules to observe?
Yes. Pay attention to blue zones (Zone Bleue / Blauwe Zone). Here you may park free of charge for a limited time, usually 2 hours, using a parking disc. The German parking disc is recognised. Yellow lines at the kerb mean no parking.
Traffic rules & specifics: Does the “priority to the right” rule also apply in Belgium?
Yes, the “priority to the right” rule (priorité de droite) is the basic right‑of‑way rule in Belgium at intersections without signs and is applied very strictly, including at some roundabouts without corresponding signs.
Traffic rules & specifics: How do you form an emergency corridor (Rettungsgasse) in Belgium?
In case of traffic jams on roads with two or more lanes, all vehicles must move as far to the right as possible to create a single lane on the left for emergency vehicles. This differs from the way the emergency corridor is formed in Germany.
Traffic rules & specifics: What fines can I expect for traffic violations?
Fines in Belgium are often significantly higher than in Germany. Minor speeding offences start at around €50, using a mobile phone while driving at around €115, and driving without registration in a low emission zone at around €150.
Traffic rules & specifics: Is there a requirement to drive with lights on during the day?
There is no general daytime running light obligation for cars, but it is strongly recommended. Motorcyclists, however, must always drive with lights on.
Return & potential issues: What does the ideal vehicle return look like?
Allow sufficient time. Return the car during opening hours, refuel it shortly beforehand (if you have a full/full fuel policy) and have a staff member confirm in writing on a return report that the vehicle is in good condition and note the mileage.
Return & potential issues: What happens if I return the car late?
Most rental companies grant a short grace period of about 30–60 minutes. If you are significantly late, you will usually be charged an additional full rental day at a very high, non‑discounted rate.
Return & potential issues: Do I have to clean the car inside or outside before returning it?
Normal use results in typical dirt that is included in the price. However, if you return the car excessively dirty, for example with a lot of sand, animal hair, rubbish or stains on the upholstery, you will be charged an expensive special cleaning fee.
Return & potential issues: What should I do if I discover new, previously unrecorded damage when returning the car?
If you have insurance with no excess, you are financially protected. Nevertheless, report the damage honestly. Without such insurance, the rental company will retain the repair costs from your deposit up to the amount of your excess.
Return & potential issues: How should I act in the event of an accident with the rental car?
Secure the accident scene, provide first aid and always call the police via the emergency number 112 if there are any injuries. Inform your rental company’s emergency hotline immediately. Carefully complete the European Accident Report and take photos of the scene and the damage.
Return & potential issues: Who do I contact in the event of a breakdown?
Contact only the breakdown hotline of the rental company or its partner indicated in the rental agreement or on a sticker in the vehicle. Never call a tow truck on your own initiative, otherwise you will have to bear the costs yourself.
Return & potential issues: Who pays fines for speeding or illegal parking?
You as the driver are responsible for all fines. The rental company receives the request from the authorities, forwards your data and charges you a sometimes high processing fee, which is debited directly from your credit card. You must then pay the actual fine separately to the authority.
Return & potential issues: What can I do if the rental company later makes unjustified claims?
Your evidence is crucial: the signed handover and return reports as well as your own photos of the vehicle’s condition. Dispute the claim in writing and provide your evidence. If you booked via a German broker website, you can also ask them to mediate.
Return & potential issues: Is a return outside opening hours (key drop) safe?
It is convenient but involves risks. You have no witness and no report confirming the damage‑free return. Responsibility for the vehicle remains with you until it is officially checked in by an employee the next morning. In this case, make sure to take meaningful photos or videos of the parked, undamaged car at the return location.
Return & potential issues: Should I request a return report even if everything seems fine?
Yes. Always insist on a written document, signed by the rental company, confirming that the vehicle was returned with a full tank and without new damage. This is your most important proof to fend off later unjustified claims.
