Renting a car for the first time? It can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but don't worry – it's easier than you think! In this guide, we walk through the entire process step by step, from booking to return. After reading this, you'll feel confident and prepared.
📖 Contents
1. Before you book – what you need to know
Before you start looking for a rental car, there are some basic things you need to know:
Age requirements
Most car rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old. If you're under 25, an extra "young driver" fee often applies – typically €10-30 per day. Some luxury cars and larger vehicles may require you to be 25 or older.
Driving license
You need a valid driving license that has been active for at least 12 months (some companies require longer). In most EU countries, your national driving license is sufficient. Outside the EU, you may need an international driving permit – more about that in our guide to international driving permits.
Payment
You need a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the driver's name. The card is used for both payment and deposit. Note that Revolut and similar prepaid cards are often not accepted.
💡 Tip
Make sure your card has enough credit for the deposit, which is usually between €300 and €1,500 depending on the car class and country.
2. How to book your rental car
Booking a rental car is easy when you know what to look for. Here's the process step by step:
1 Search and compare
Use our search function to compare prices from different suppliers. Enter pickup location, dates, and times. You'll see the total price immediately including all mandatory fees.
2 Choose a car and check the terms
Choose a car that fits your needs. Click on the offer to see detailed terms – check fuel policy, mileage, and what's included.
3 Add insurance
Choose whether to add Full Coverage insurance (recommended!) which protects you against excess in case of damage.
4 Fill in details and pay
Enter your personal details and payment information. You'll receive a confirmation via email with all details and your voucher.
⚠️ Important
Always book in advance! Prices increase the closer you get to the pickup date, and popular cars sell out – especially during holiday seasons.
3. Choose the right insurance
Insurance is often the most confusing part for first-time renters. Here's what you need to know:
What's usually included?
Most rental car offers include basic protection such as:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – Limits your excess for damage to the car
- Theft Protection (TP) – Protection if the car is stolen
- Third Party Liability – Covers damage to others
But note: Even with these protections, you have an excess that can be anywhere from €500 to €3,000!
Our recommendation: Full Coverage
We strongly recommend adding Full Coverage when you book. It gives you:
- Zero excess in case of damage
- Protection for tires, glass, roof, and undercarriage
- Towing costs covered
- Often costs half as much as the supplier's own insurance
Read more in our complete guide to car rental insurance.
4. At pickup
Now it's time to pick up your car! Here's how it works:
Bring with you:
- Valid driving license (original, no copies)
- Credit or debit card in the driver's name
- Booking confirmation/voucher
- Passport or ID (when traveling abroad)
At the counter
Staff will:
- Check your documents
- Reserve the deposit on your card (the money is temporarily "frozen")
- Go through the rental agreement with you
- Offer additional insurance and extra services
💡 Tip
You usually don't need to buy extra insurance at the counter if you already have Full Coverage. Politely decline – they are salespeople and can be persistent!
Inspect the car
This is super important! Before you drive off:
- Walk around the car and look for scratches, dents, and damage
- Take photos or video of all sides, the roof, and the wheels
- Make sure all existing damage is noted on the contract
- Check that the fuel gauge matches the contract
- Test that all lights, windshield wipers, and AC work
⚠️ Important
NEVER drive off without documenting the car's condition! If you return the car with damage that wasn't noted, you may be liable to pay for it.
5. During the rental period
Now you can enjoy your rental car! Here are some things to keep in mind:
Fuel policy
The most common policy is "Full to Full" – you get the car with a full tank and should return it full. If you don't fill up completely, you'll be charged for fuel plus a service fee that's often expensive.
Mileage
Check if you have unlimited mileage or a limit. Unlimited mileage is most common, but in some countries there may be a daily limit.
In case of problems
If something happens (engine failure, flat tire, accident):
- Call the rental company's emergency number (found on the contract)
- Document everything with photos
- In case of accident – always file a police report
- Contact customer service for assistance
6. Return
Final step – time to return the car:
Before return
- Fill up the car (if "Full to Full" policy)
- Double-check you haven't forgotten anything in the car
- Note the fuel level and odometer reading
- Take photos of the car as proof of condition
At return
- Park at the designated return location
- Find staff for a joint inspection
- Get a receipt or confirmation that the car has been returned
- Keep all documents until the deposit has been refunded
💡 Tip
Return the car on time! Late return can cost an extra full day. Plan for unforeseen delays, especially at airports.
7. Complete checklist
Here's everything you need – print or save on your phone!
📋 Before booking
- ☐ Verify you meet age requirements
- ☐ Ensure your license has been valid for at least 12 months
- ☐ Get an international driving permit if needed
- ☐ Check credit limit on your card
📋 When booking
- ☐ Compare prices from multiple suppliers
- ☐ Read the rental terms carefully
- ☐ Choose Full Coverage insurance
- ☐ Save the booking confirmation
📋 Bring to pickup
- ☐ Valid driving license (original)
- ☐ Credit or debit card
- ☐ Booking confirmation
- ☐ Passport/ID (when traveling abroad)
📋 At pickup
- ☐ Inspect the car thoroughly
- ☐ Photograph all sides + roof
- ☐ Verify damage is noted on the contract
- ☐ Test lights, AC, and windshield wipers
- ☐ Note fuel level
📋 At return
- ☐ Fill up the car (if "Full to Full")
- ☐ Take photos of the car
- ☐ Empty the car of all belongings
- ☐ Get receipt/confirmation of return
- ☐ Keep documents until deposit is refunded
Summary
Renting a car for the first time doesn't have to be complicated. Remember the key points:
- Book in advance for the best price and selection
- Choose Full Coverage to avoid worrying about excess
- Document everything at pickup and return
- Read the terms so you know what applies
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ or contact us!
