Everything you need to know before, during and after your car rental
Most car rental companies require customers to be between 21 and 70 years old. In many European countries you can rent a car at 18 years of age. If you're under 25, an additional young driver fee often applies. Read more in our guide for first-time renters.
Most companies require your driver's license to have been valid for at least 12 months before picking up your rental car, but some providers require even longer. Check the rental terms for specific requirements.
Yes! When you book a rental car through us, you can change or cancel your booking for free anytime up to 48 hours before your pickup time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Use our search function to compare prices from all major car rental companies. We always show the total price including all mandatory fees so you can easily compare and find the best price. Book in advance for the best rates! Also check our guide with smart ways to save money on car rental.
As long as you meet the necessary requirements in the rental agreement, you can rent a car for someone else. However, the driver must be present at pickup with their driver's license and payment card.
It's optional, but providing your flight number allows the rental company to track your arrival time. This is especially important if your flight is delayed – the company can adjust their plans to ensure someone is available.
Yes! Many companies, especially major chains like Avis, Hertz and Sixt, now allow both payment and deposit with debit cards (Mastercard or Visa). Cash is rarely accepted. Note that Revolut cards are often not accepted. Read more in our guide on debit vs credit cards.
You must leave a deposit when picking up your rental car. The deposit amount is stated in the rental terms – typically $300-1,500 depending on car class. Make sure you have sufficient credit available. The money is refunded when you return the car in good condition.
After returning the car in good condition, it typically takes 5-14 business days for the deposit to appear back in your account. With some banks it can take up to 30 days.
No, the payment card must be in the main driver's name. This is a security requirement from car rental companies. Ensure the name on the card matches the driver's license.
We strongly recommend Full Coverage. This gives you complete protection covering excess, towing costs and major repair expenses. The cost is roughly half compared to insurance offered by local car rental providers. Read our complete insurance guide for more information.
Most rental cars include theft protection (TP), collision damage waiver (CDW), local taxes and airport fees. However, basic insurance often has a high excess of $1,000-3,000. Read our guide on hidden fees.
Full Coverage eliminates the excess and also covers: tires and wheels, undercarriage, roof, keys, towing and administrative fees. In case of damage, contact our customer service and we'll reimburse the costs.
Some home and credit card insurance policies cover rental cars, but often with limitations. Always check the terms carefully. Full Coverage provides a simpler process in case of any damage.
You need: a valid driver's license (at least 1 year old), a credit or debit card in the driver's name, and the booking confirmation. When renting abroad, a passport is usually also required. Neither a printed copy nor a mobile scan of your license is accepted. See our complete pickup checklist.
Within EU and EEA countriesEU countries (27): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
EEA countries (beyond EU): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway., your national license is sufficient. Outside the EU, for example in the USA, Thailand and Japan, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required. Read our guide on international driver's licenses.
Yes, but additional drivers must be registered at pickup and meet the same requirements as the main driver (age, license, etc.). An additional daily fee for extra drivers often applies – sometimes $5-15 per day.
Do a thorough inspection: photograph all existing damage, verify they're documented in the agreement, test lights and brakes, check tires and fuel level. Also take photos of the odometer reading. Read our guide on common mistakes.
Unlimited mileage is common in many countries, but some destinations may have a limit of 200-300 km per day. Extra kilometers typically cost $0.10-0.30/km. Always check the terms for your specific booking.
It depends on the company and country. Within the EU it's usually allowed but may cost extra. Some countries like Eastern Europe may have restrictions. Always notify the rental company in advance and check the rental terms. See our guides for Spain, USA and abroad in general.
Yes, any toll roads, bridges and congestion charges are your responsibility as the driver. In countries like Italy, France and Portugal, highway tolls are common. Keep your receipts! Read more in our guide on traffic fines and fees.
This varies between companies. Some allow pets at no extra cost, others charge a cleaning fee. Always use a carrier or safety harness and never leave animals alone in hot weather.
Most companies offer child seats, GPS and roof boxes for a daily fee (often $5-15/day). Book in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak season. Child seats are legally required in many EU countries.
No! You can choose to drop off the car at a different location – for example pick up at the airport and drop off in the city center, or in another city. However, a one-way fee applies which varies depending on the distance.
Most companies allow a grace period of 30-60 minutes. If you return the car later, you may be charged for an extra day. Always contact the rental company in advance if you'll be delayed.
In some countries, legislation limits the rental period to a maximum of 28-30 days. For longer periods, you can make multiple separate bookings. Long-term rentals often offer better daily rates.
Fill up the tank (if Full to Full applies), photograph the car from all angles, check the odometer, remove all personal belongings, and make sure to get a receipt for the return. Read our checklist for more tips.
Full to Full (most common): You receive a full tank and return it full.
Same to Same (common in e.g. Thailand): Return with the same amount of fuel.
Full to Empty (prepaid): You pay for a full tank in advance and can return the car empty.
If you return the car without a full tank (with Full to Full policy), you'll be charged for fuel plus a service fee. Rental company prices are often 2-3 times more expensive than regular gas stations. Read our guide on hidden fees.
Fill up at a regular gas station near the return location – not at the rental company's own station. Keep the receipt as proof that you filled up.
Always fill up at a regular gas station near the return location before returning the car. Rental companies' own fuel prices are often significantly higher. Check more money-saving tips here.
In case of accident or damage: Document everything with photos, contact the police if needed (mandatory in many countries), and call the rental company immediately. If you have Full Coverage insurance, costs are handled through our customer service. Read our guide on common mistakes to avoid.
Just like toll roads and fees, you must pay any parking fines. The rental company may add an administrative fee for forwarding the ticket to you. Read our guide on traffic fines abroad.
Our customer service through DiscoverCars is available 24/7. For problems with your booking, visit help.discovercars.com or contact us.
Contact the rental company's roadside assistance number found in the rental agreement. They'll arrange towing and a replacement car. With Full Coverage insurance, towing costs are also covered.
