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Car Leasing in Europe

If you are travelling to Europe on vacation, leasing a car could be the perfect way of travelling around the continent and provide options not available through regular vehicle rental channels.

Car leasing in Europe is well established and dominated by French vehicle makers including Citroen, Renault and Peugeot. All vehicles are brand new and left-hand drive with pick-up and drop-off locations in major cities right across Europe.

Car leasing owes its origins to a French Government incentive scheme to encourage tourism in France. The tax-free buy-back program allows the 3 French car manufactures to lease out vehicles at discounted rates and receive tax credits. The program has proven to be very popular as well as successful with over 125,000 European visitors taking advantage of it each year.

The way it works is very simple and along the lines of a regular car lease. You lease the vehicle and the manufacturer guarantees to buy back the vehicle at the end of the leasing period.

To lease a car in Europe on this program you must be a non-European national and reside in a country outside Europe

Car leasing starts at 21 days through to 175 and offers the flexibility of picking up in one European country and dropping off in another. In addition, all vehicles come with full comprehensive insurance cover which removes that nagging worry about excess insurance liability.

All the paperwork is completed and submitted well in advance of your departure date. This is to allow enough time for your vehicle to be sourced, registered in France and then delivered to your pick-up location. Therefore, you have peace of mind knowing that everything has been organised prior to your arrival. We recommend allowing 6-7 weeks prior to departure.

Vehicles can be collected up at delivery centres across Europe (no home or hotel delivery service is available) and offer the flexibility of picking up in one country and dropping off in another. This may entail a pick-up/drop-off fee. This is factored into the upfront price. In France, which has the most delivery locations, there is no fee.

How to modify or cancel a booking

Change My Booking

We understand your travel plans may change, so we at DriveNow do not charge any fees should you need to change or cancel your booking. However, Citroen will charge amendment and cancellation fee in excess of $500 which we would be obliged to pass on.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any Booking fees?

Are there any hidden charges in your rates?

What is the minimum/maximum age to drive the vehicle?

How many people can sign the contract and who can drive the vehicle?

Is an International Drivers Permit required?

Does the vehicle come with insurance?

If I collect my vehicle in London will it be right-hand drive?

Can I upgrade or downgrade the vehicle on collection, if it is the wrong size, or I change my mind?

What's the difference between leasing a petrol and diesel car?

Will I have to get my vehicle serviced?

Is the vehicle supplied with a full tank of fuel when I pick it up?

What do I do if I have a problem with my car?

Can I take my lease car on a ferry?

Are cars equipped with Winter tires?

What are the rules regarding child seats?

Compulsory roadside equipment