I was wondering if I could hire a car from a French supermarket as a non resident. Anyone tried?
It may vary by the branch but Leclerc told me they hire to a lot of non-resident Brits. The main thing seems to be the proof of address eg electricity bill from past 3 months, even if it is in the UK.
I agree with Karen. Definitely possible, based on our experience with Leclerc. However given the franchised nature of many French supermarkets, it is perfectly possible that the issue may be more about the reluctance of some supermarket branches to hire cars that cross France’s borders, than whether or not you are a resident…
One Leclerc Branch refused to hire us a car as they claimed they didn’t have the insurance to retrieve their car if it broke down outside France. The next nearest Leclerc was entirely happy to hire cars that would be driven across borders, regardless of the residence status of the hirer.
I have used Super U’ s cars and vans in the past without issue.
I’ve not been able to find an email on Leclerc’s car hire websites. Not sure I’m confident enough to call and ask and end the call feeling 100% certain I’ve understood. Maybe I should record my call. Cahors would be straightforward to get to a Leclerc from the railway station. Flight into Toulouse arrives 2205 and I’m concerned about a delay meaning we’ll be too late to collect a car from the usual providers. The better ones close at 2300.
What did they require? Utility bills from UK?
Passport definitely, cant remember using a utility bill but possibly in my case if they did it would have been a french one as unlikely to have been carrying a UK one.
I’ve had a look at their website and they have email contacts and a store in Caussade so could work out if they will allow me to hire. Thanks - will mail them.
Pre or post Brexit?
In 2008 I hired a luton van from Intermarche and drove it to Yorkshire and back without issue but that was in the glory days of EU membership.
I doubt it would be possible today.
1 Like
No mention that I could find in Leclercs Ts and C’s about non residence. As I’m sure you’ve seen, the only documents required are:-
I’d assume a bill from your French house would be better tactically than a non French bill.
Problem is I don’t have a French house…yet.
I’ve hired cars and vans from Super U as a non resident. I only remember showing passports and driving licences for each driver. They did take our french address, maison sécondaire but I’m sure i wasn’t asked for a bill. The most recent was last September, 2023. I even got a refund because I’d over estimated the milage we’d do !
1 Like
Pressure’s off now as I have found a hotel with decent reviews within walking distance of the terminal though I will have my rucsac. Must remember to keep it light.
Can either find a good car at the airport or travel to one of the supermarkets the next day without any time constraints.
I’ve hired a van from our local Carrefour and compared to Abis, Hertz et al the amount of paperwork was onerous, and all manual and in triplicate. Lots of signing, stamping and stapling. But is was cheap. I’m not sure they do cars.
Had no difficulty hiring a van from Europcar in Redon for a trip to Ikea - it was a good few years ago though (pre Brexit). Haven’t tried the supermarkets.
If you haven’t already then check rates. Leclerc low entry price but scalped on even moderate mileage. The international brands usually higher quoted rates but typically unlimited mileage.
Also if you are UK based very very strongly advise you to take out car hire excess insurance in the UK - these generally cover most other countries, annual coverage usually works out by far cheapest. such as questor, insuranceforcarhire etc. Other providers easily findable on the main UK cashback sites.
Excesses can be swingeing and sometimes damage fictitiously claimed. These policies limit the damage of that.
4 Likes
I always do this. Agree it’s cheap and gives peace of mind.
2 Likes
Independant though not via rental Co, their policies are rubbish.
Yes, loads of photos at pick up.
And when you take it back!!
Actually a video walkround might be easier.
1 Like