DRAIV Journal
How renting a car in Switzerland actually works
Explainers on deposits, deductibles, fines and handover. Written so you finish better informed, even if you never rent from us.
More articles
- 02Driving in Switzerland with a foreign licenceRenting a car in Switzerland with a foreign licence: what to bring, when a translation or International Driving Permit is needed, and what DRAIV asks for.17 October 2026
- 03Winter driving in Switzerland with a rental car: tyres, snow chains, passesSwitzerland has no general winter tyre law, but you are liable for a car that suits the conditions. Snow chains are compulsory only where a sign says so, and with chains on the TCS says not to go above 50 km/h. Plus mountain passes, electric cars in the cold, and what to check before you book.14 October 2026
- 04Blue zone Zurich: times, Saturday, Sunday, day permit CHF 15Mon to Sat one hour with a parking disc, over lunch until 14:30. Sundays only with an extra sign. Day permit CHF 15, resident permit CHF 300, fines from CHF 40.29 September 2026
- 05How Zurich really rents a car: spontaneous, usually one day and often localAn analysis of more than 1,400 documented rentals from the DRAIV fleet shows when, for how long and at what observed prices cars were booked in Zurich.8 September 2026
- 06Returning a rental car late in Switzerland: what actually happensIf you are not going to make it back in time, extend the rental before it ends. There is no late fee and no handling fee for that, the booking is re-priced at the new total duration, and a discount unlocked by the longer stay applies to every day. What happens if you do not, and what becomes of your damage waiver.1 September 2026
- 07Swiss rental car abroad: add CHF 7/day, get a green cardCross-border Swiss rental car: add the option when you book at DRAIV (CHF 7/day), get an electronic green card, and see which countries are covered.25 August 2026
- 08Car sharing Switzerland 2026: Mobility, 2EM, GoMore comparedWhich car sharing in Switzerland fits you? Mobility by the hour, 2EM and GoMore for private cars, DRAIV by the day. Tariffs, deductibles and three calculated trips, each number sourced.21 August 2026
- 09Parking fines in Zurich: what the slip on your windscreen actually isThree different pieces of paper in Zurich look like a parking fine, and only one of them is. Here is how to tell an official penalty from a private company's invoice, why shared cars still cannot use the blue zone, and who pays when the car is rented.10 August 2026
- 10Car rental in Switzerland without a deposit: a debit card usually worksAs a rule, we don't hold a deposit, and a debit card usually works: pay by card, TWINT, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Cars in and around Zurich.6 August 2026