Car rental questions and answers

Search your pick-up place and dates, compare cars from local rental companies, choose extras, and pay a small advance online. You receive a voucher by email with the company's contacts and pick-up instructions.

Usually an advance of 15–20% of the rental price, paid online by card. The rest is paid to the rental company at pick-up. The exact split is shown before you pay.

It depends on the company: credit card, debit card or cash. The accepted methods are listed on each car, so filter by payment method if you have no credit card.

No. The price shown includes the rental and the extras you choose. Fuel, tolls, parking and fines are always paid by the driver, as with any rental.

No. Bookings are made through our partner Localrent at the same price as booking with them directly. We may earn a commission, which does not change your price.

You book a model or similar. If the company cannot provide it, they must give you a car of the same or a higher class on the same terms and price.

Yes, in many destinations. Use the “No deposit” filter in the search. These cars are popular, so book early in high season. If none are available, the “Low deposit” filter shows cars with a small deposit.

It varies by company and car. Local companies usually take much lower deposits than international brands, and the amount is shown on every car before you book.

Often, yes. Many local companies accept a debit card or cash for the deposit and the balance. Choose “No credit card” or “Debit card” in the payment filter.

The deposit is returned or released when you return the car in the agreed condition. Card holds can take a few days to disappear, depending on your bank.

Your passport or national ID, your driving licence and the booking voucher (on your phone is fine). If the car has a deposit by card, bring that card too.

It depends on the country and on where your licence was issued. The document requirements for your rental are shown in the booking terms; if in doubt, an IDP is cheap and easy to get at home.

Usually 21 with at least one year of driving experience. Many companies ask for 23–25 and some add a young-driver fee. Enter your age in the search filters to see suitable cars.

Yes. Add the “Additional driver” extra when you book; both drivers' details are entered in the rental agreement at pick-up.

Most cars include third-party liability (TPL) and a collision damage waiver (CDW) with an excess. The cover and excess are shown on each car.

Full coverage reduces the excess to zero or close to zero, so you pay nothing or very little for covered damage. Many local companies offer it for a small extra.

Damage from driving on unpaved roads where it is forbidden, under the influence or by an unlisted driver is usually excluded. Tyres, glass and the underside may need extra cover; check the terms.

Yes. Many companies meet you in the arrivals hall; others use a free shuttle to a nearby office. Add your flight number so they can track delays.

Many local companies deliver to hotels, apartments and ports. Enter your address as the pick-up location to see who offers it.

Yes, where the company allows one-way rental. Choose a different drop-off location in the search; a one-way fee may apply.

Walk around the car, photograph any scratches and make sure they are noted on the agreement. Check the fuel level and the spare tyre or repair kit.

Usually the same level you received it with. If it is lower, the company charges the difference at its own rates.

Many offers have free cancellation; the cancellation terms are shown on each car before you book. Use the “Free cancellation” filter to see only those cars.

Contact the support team listed on your voucher with your booking number. They change the details and send you an updated voucher.

Call the rental company's number on your voucher straight away, and contact the booking support team if you need help.

Many cars have unlimited mileage. Any limit is shown in the car's details before you book.

Only if the company allows it. Ask for cross-border permission when booking, as some countries and companies forbid it or charge a fee.

Yes. Add child or booster seats as extras when booking; if they are on your voucher, they will be in the car.

Yes, in most destinations. Filter by gearbox; automatics sell out first in high season, so book early.