Why is it recommended to use a platform like QEEQ for booking a car in Switzerland?
QEEQ is an excellent choice for Danish travellers. It's a powerful comparison platform that aggregates offers from numerous major suppliers, ensuring you find the most competitive price. Its clear layout helps you easily compare what's included in each package—like insurance and mileage—so you can avoid surprises. The booking process is streamlined and user-friendly, making it simple to secure the right car for your Swiss adventure.
How far in advance should I book my rental car for a trip to Switzerland?
For the best prices and widest selection, book at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak seasons like summer (July-August) or the ski season (December-February). Last-minute bookings are possible but will be significantly more expensive.
We're a family of four with luggage. What type of car should we choose?
Don't underestimate your need for space. For a family of four, a compact car (like a VW Golf) will be too small once you add luggage. Look for a 'Compact Estate' (station wagon), an 'Intermediate' sedan (like a Skoda Octavia), or a compact SUV. These offer much better boot space for suitcases and comfort on long drives.
I'm planning to drive through mountain passes. Is a small engine car okay?
While a small engine car will technically make it, it will struggle on steep inclines, especially when loaded with passengers and luggage. This can be stressful and slow. For a much more comfortable and safer mountain driving experience, opt for a car with a slightly more powerful engine (at least 1.4L, preferably turbocharged or larger). An automatic transmission is also highly recommended for mountain driving.
When booking on QEEQ, what does 'or similar' mean next to the car model?
'Or similar' means you are booking a car category, not a specific make and model. For example, if you book a 'VW Golf or similar,' you are guaranteed a car of that size and class, but you might receive a Ford Focus, an Opel Astra, or another comparable vehicle.
I see options for different pick-up and drop-off locations. Is a one-way rental expensive?
A one-way rental within Switzerland (e.g., pick up in Geneva, drop off in Zurich) is common and often incurs a 'one-way fee.' This fee can range from moderate to expensive. QEEQ will show you the total cost, including this fee, allowing you to decide if the convenience is worth the price. International one-way rentals are extremely expensive and generally not recommended.
Does QEEQ offer any special deals or memberships?
Yes, QEEQ often has special promotions and a loyalty program. It's worth checking their website for any available coupon codes or signing up for their membership to potentially get discounted rates or other perks, like free upgrades or additional insurance coverage.
Can I book an automatic transmission car? I'm not used to driving a manual in the mountains.
Yes, and it's highly recommended! While manual cars are common in Europe, automatics are widely available for rent. They make driving in cities and on steep mountain roads much easier and less tiring. Be sure to filter for 'Automatic' when searching on QEEQ, as they are popular and can get booked up.
What's the best strategy on QEEQ to find the cheapest deal?
Be flexible with your dates if possible. Compare prices at different locations (e.g., airport vs. a downtown office). Booking further in advance is key. Also, pay close attention to the included insurance and fuel policy; a seemingly cheap base price can become expensive if it has a restrictive mileage limit or poor insurance coverage.
After booking on QEEQ, what confirmation should I receive?
You will receive a booking confirmation email from QEEQ which serves as your rental voucher. It will contain your reservation number and all the details of your rental: car type, dates, location, and what's included. Keep this email handy, either digitally on your phone or as a printout, for when you pick up the car.
What is the 'motorway vignette' (vignette autoroutière) and is it included in my rental?
The vignette is a mandatory sticker for your windscreen that allows you to drive on all Swiss motorways (autobahns). The fantastic news is that all cars rented within Switzerland will already have a valid vignette for the current year. You do not need to buy one.
I'm thinking of driving my own car from Denmark. Do I need to buy this vignette?
Yes. If you drive your own car into Switzerland, you must purchase the vignette at the border, a post office, or a petrol station near the border. It costs 40 CHF and is valid for the entire calendar year (until Jan 31 of the following year). Driving on a motorway without one results in a hefty fine.
What is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)? Is it enough?
CDW is a type of insurance that covers damage to the rental car. However, it always comes with a large excess (selvrisiko), typically between 1,000 to 3,000 CHF. This means if you damage the car, you are liable for repair costs up to that excess amount. It does NOT provide zero-risk coverage.
What is Super CDW (SCDW) or Zero Excess insurance?
This is an additional insurance you can purchase to reduce your excess to zero or a very low amount (e.g., 100-200 CHF). While it adds to the daily cost, it provides great peace of mind, especially when navigating narrow village streets or tight parking garages. You can often purchase this directly at the counter or as part of a premium package on a platform like QEEQ.
My Danish credit card offers rental car insurance. Can I rely on that?
Possibly, but you must be very careful.
- Verify Coverage: Call your credit card company and get written confirmation that their policy covers rentals in Switzerland and understand the exact terms.
- Decline Supplier's CDW: To use your credit card's insurance, you must decline the rental company's CDW.
- Large Deposit: If you decline their CDW, the rental company will block a very large deposit on your credit card (often 3,000-5,000 CHF or more).
- Pay First, Claim Later: If there is damage, you will have to pay the rental company for the full amount of the damage yourself and then go through a lengthy process to claim it back from your credit card insurance provider.
How much is the security deposit (depositum) and when do I get it back?
The deposit amount depends on the car category and the insurance you choose. With standard CDW, expect a block of 1,000-3,000 CHF on your credit card. The hold is usually released within 7-14 business days after you return the car, provided there are no new damages or outstanding fees.
Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of?
Common extra fees can include: young driver surcharges, additional driver fees, one-way fees, cross-border fees, fees for renting equipment like GPS or child seats, and airport or railway station surcharges (often included in the base price but good to be aware of). Using a transparent booking site like QEEQ helps you see most of these costs upfront.
What is Theft Protection (TP)?
Theft Protection is another standard part of rental insurance. Similar to CDW, it covers you if the car is stolen, but it also comes with an excess. This means if the car is stolen, you would be liable for the excess amount.
What is a 'full-to-full' fuel policy?
This is the most common and fair fuel policy. You receive the car with a full tank of fuel, and you are expected to return it with a full tank. If you don't, the rental company will refuel it for you at a highly inflated price per litre plus a service fee. Always fill up at a petrol station near the drop-off location.
Are winter tires included in the rental price during winter?
In Switzerland, it is a legal requirement for cars to be equipped for winter conditions. From approximately October to April, rental cars will come equipped with winter tires by default. This is usually included in the rental price, but it's always wise to confirm this in the booking details on QEEQ.
What are the general speed limits in Switzerland? They seem different from Denmark.
Yes, they are. Pay close attention:
- Motorways (Autobahn): 120 km/h (marked with green signs).
- Expressways (Autostrasse): 100 km/h.
- Outside built-up areas (country roads): 80 km/h.
- Inside built-up areas (towns/villages): 50 km/h, with many zones at 30 km/h.
Switzerland uses speed cameras extensively, and fines are very high, so stick to the limits.
The yellow postal bus is honking its horn on a mountain road. What should I do?
The iconic yellow PostBuses have priority on narrow mountain roads. They will sound a distinctive three-tone horn when approaching blind corners. If you meet one on a narrow section, you must give way. This may mean you have to reverse to a wider passing point. Always yield to the bus.
How do roundabouts (rundkørsel) work in Switzerland?
They work similarly to Denmark: traffic already in the roundabout has priority. However, a key difference is that you must signal your intention to exit the roundabout (i.e., signal right before you take your exit). This is a strictly enforced rule.
Do I need to have my headlights on during the day?
Yes. It is mandatory to drive with dipped headlights (or daytime running lights) on at all times, day and night, just like in Denmark.
What is the 'priority to the right' rule?
This is a crucial rule. At intersections in towns and residential areas that are NOT marked with priority signs (like the yellow diamond), traffic coming from your right has the right of way. Always be prepared to yield to traffic from the right unless you are on a clear priority road.
I've seen blue parking zones. How do I use them?
Blue zones offer free parking for a limited time. You must display a blue parking disc (Parkscheibe) on your dashboard, set to the arrival time (rounded up to the next half-hour). The rental car should have one. For example, if you arrive at 10:10, you set the disc to 10:30. The signs will indicate how long you can park (e.g., 1 hour).
Where can I buy fuel, and what types are available?
Petrol stations are plentiful. 'Bleifrei 95' is standard unleaded petrol (equivalent to Blyfri 95), 'Bleifrei 98' is the premium version, and Diesel is also widely available. Prices are displayed per litre and are generally higher than in Denmark, especially at motorway service stations.
Are mountain passes open all year round? How can I check?
No. Many of the high alpine passes (like Furka, Grimsel, Susten) are closed due to snow from late autumn (October/November) until late spring (May/June). Always check the status of passes before you plan your route. The TCS (Touring Club Suisse) website provides real-time information on pass closures.
What are snow chains (snekæder) and will I need them?
Snow chains provide extra traction on roads covered in deep snow or ice. If you are driving in mountainous areas during winter, you might encounter roads where signs indicate chains are mandatory ('Chaînes à neige obligatoires'). You can rent them from the rental company. Practice putting them on before you actually need them.
Is it difficult to drive in Swiss cities like Zurich or Geneva?
It can be challenging. City centres often have complex tram networks (trams always have priority!), many one-way streets, pedestrian zones, and limited, expensive parking. A good strategy is to park at a 'Park and Ride' (P+R) on the city outskirts and use Switzerland's excellent public transport to explore the centre.
What do I do if I see a tram?
Trams always have priority, period. This applies even if you are turning right and a tram is coming from behind you. Always stop and let trams pass. Be extremely cautious of tram tracks, especially when on a bicycle or motorcycle, as they can be slippery when wet.
The roads in old villages seem incredibly narrow. Any tips?
Go slow, fold in your side mirrors if necessary, and be prepared to stop. If you meet another car, the vehicle that can more easily reverse to a passing place should do so. Driving a smaller rental car is a huge advantage in these situations.
What's the deal with tunnels? Switzerland seems full of them.
Switzerland has many long tunnels. Remember to:
- Turn on your dipped headlights before entering.
- Take off your sunglasses.
- Listen to the radio for traffic announcements (frequencies are often posted at the entrance).
- Maintain a safe distance from the car in front.
Can I drink any alcohol and drive? What is the limit?
The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.5 promille), which is the same as in Denmark. However, for new drivers (who have had their license for less than three years) and professional drivers, the limit is effectively zero. The best and only safe advice is: do not drink any alcohol if you are driving.
What are the fines like for traffic violations?
Extremely high. Fines for speeding, illegal parking, or using a phone while driving are significantly more expensive than in Denmark. Fines are often calculated based on your income for severe offences. Drive conservatively and obey all rules.
What is the most important thing to do when I first get my rental car?
Conduct a thorough inspection before you leave the rental lot:
- Walk around the car and look for any existing damage: scratches, dents, scuffs on the wheels.
- Take photos and a video of the entire car, both inside and out.
- Ensure every single scratch, no matter how small, is marked on the rental company's vehicle condition report.
- Check that the lights, wipers, and air conditioning work.
- Confirm the blue parking disc and safety equipment (warning triangle, high-vis vest) are in the car.
I'm running late for my drop-off. What happens?
Contact the rental company immediately. Most companies offer a short grace period (e.g., 30-60 minutes), but if you are later than that, you will likely be charged for a full extra day at a very high walk-in rate. Plan your return journey with plenty of buffer time.
What should I do if I have an accident or the car breaks down?
1. Safety First: Turn on your hazard lights. If on a motorway, move to the hard shoulder. Everyone must put on a high-visibility vest before exiting the vehicle. Place the warning triangle 50-100 metres behind the car.
2. Call for Help: Find the emergency contact number for the rental company on your rental agreement or keychain. Call them first. They will guide you on the next steps and their breakdown assistance partner.
3. In Case of Accident: If another vehicle is involved or anyone is injured, you must call the police (emergency number 117).
4. Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, the damage to all vehicles, and exchange details with any other drivers involved. Do not admit fault.
How do I handle the drop-off process to avoid disputes?
- Return the car with a full tank of fuel (if on a 'full-to-full' policy) and get a receipt from the petrol station.
- Remove all your personal belongings.
- Have a member of staff inspect the car with you and sign off on the condition report, confirming no new damage.
- If dropping off 'out of hours,' take detailed photos and a video of the car's condition in the parking bay, including a shot of the final mileage and fuel gauge.
Can I drop the car off in a different country, for example, in Munich, Germany?
This is called an international one-way rental. While technically possible with some suppliers, it is almost always prohibitively expensive. The fees can run into many hundreds or even over a thousand Euros. It is far more cost-effective to plan your trip as a loop, returning the car in Switzerland, or to drop the car at the Swiss border and continue your journey by train.
