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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?

No. All DriveNow prices come straight from the Car Leasing Company with no added charges.

Are there any hidden charges in your rates?

No. The price shown for Europe Car Leasing is the Rental Cost including comprehensive insurance. 

However: This price does not include additional extras such as fuel, child Seats, toll charges, cost of vehicle servicing (See below for details).

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

The minimum age is 18 years, provided the driver holds a full, valid licence. There is no additional fee for young drivers and there is no maximum age limit, provided the driver holds a full, valid licence.

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

Only one person can sign the contract and is referred to as the Contract Holder. Immediate family member of the Contract Holder, including spouse/partner, parents and/or children can drive the vehicle. There is no fee for additional drivers. Direct ascendants/descendants may only drive the vehicle locally and cannot drive across country borders without the Contract Holder. The spouse/legal partner can drive across international borders even if the Contract Holder is not in the vehicle. Note: it is the Contract Holders responsibility to ensure they are aware of the driving requirements through each European country.

Is an International Drivers Permit required?

An International Drivers Permit (IDP), in conjunction with your Australian driver’s licence, is compulsory in some European countries, and highly recommended in others. Citroen may refuse a rental to a customer who is unble to provide all the required licence and other documentation. Our strong recommendation is all expected drivers obtain an International Drivers Permit before departing for their holiday.

Does the vehicle come with insurance?

All Citroen lease cars in Europe are covered by comprehensive vehicle insurance if you are driving in any of the following countries: Andorra – Austria – Belgium – Bosnia Herzegovina – Bulgaria – Croatia – Cyprus – Czech Republic – Denmark – Estonia – Finland – France (mainland) – Germany – Gibraltar – Greece – Hungary – Iceland – Ireland – Italy – Latvia – Liechtenstein – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Macedonia – Malta – Monaco – Montenegro – The Netherlands – Norway – Poland – Portugal – Romania – San Marino – Serbia – Slovakia – Slovenia – Spain (including Canary and Balearic Islands) Sweden – Switzerland – Vatican.

The comprehensive insurance covers vehicle damage, theft and third party liability (including cover for glass, "wrong fuel" and punctures) with no excess. Driving in any country not listed above will void your insurance. Please note: Personal belongings are not covered by the insurance. Please see terms and conditions for further information.

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

No. All vehicles are left-hand drive.

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

It is not possible to change vehicles upon arrival at the depot as the vehicle has been manufactured for you, and is registered and insured in your name.

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

Petrol cars generally cost less to lease, however they will cost you more on fuel during your trip. Diesel cars are slightly more expensive to lease, but will cost you less on fuel during your trip.

Will I have to get my vehicle serviced?

Your Citroën or DS vehicle requires servicing at either 20000km or 30000km intervals, depending on the model. Services can only be done at an authorised Citroen/DS garage. Refer to the service card delivered with your vehicle. You will be responsible for the cost of servicing your vehicle should this need arise.

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

The vehicle will be supplied with a 10-15 litres of fuel on collection. You will need to fill up the petrol tank shortly after vehicle collection. There is no need to fill up the petrol tank before returning the vehicle.

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

Citroen operate a 24/7 call centre to assist customers in case of an accident, fire, theft, vandalism or breakdown. Please be aware that changes to planned itineraries may occur for which you will be financially responsible for.

Can I take my lease car on a ferry?

Yes – this is permitted.

Are cars equipped with Winter tires?

Only the Berlingo Grip Selection is fitted with Mud & Snow tyres. Plus it has "Grip Control" technology, meeting the legal requirements (sometimes together with snow chains) in countries that have specific requirements during the winter months (October/November to March/April). Please refer to the terms and conditions for further information.

What are the rules regarding child seats?

Child seats are available for purchase or you can bring your own. Please note each country has its own rules relating to child seats. It is your responsibility to make sure you meet the requirements.

Compulsory roadside equipment

In most countries in Europe, an emergency triangle and safety vest are required to be used by law during roadside breakdowns. Your vehicle will come with an emergency triangle and one safety vest. Some countries come with additional requirements. We recommend you research specific country needs before collecting your vehicle.