Before You Go To hire a car from any of these providers you have to be at least 21 years old (some companies will not hire to under 25s). You have to produce a valid Driver’s Licence which you have held for at least one year. If you are from within the European Union, you can use your own country’s Driver’s Licence, but if you are travelling from Asia, Africa, Australia and some parts of the Americas, you must provide an International Driving Licence which has to be obtained in your home country before arrival in France. How to Buy Car Insurance When hiring a car you are usually provided with a Collision Damage Waiver and/or Theft Waiver along with the price. This covers you for a claim in case of any damage, but is not true insurance as you would still need to pay an excess of up to £1000. You can buy excess insurance from the hire company, but savings can be obtained by going to an independent company such as insurance4carhire.com, which also covers you for parts such as the tyres, roof and windows which typically will not be included in the provider’s insurance.