Your one-step-guide to rent a car

If you wonder what to do you need to rent a car, remember that the necessary documents are:

• Driving license: If you travel to a non-EU country or to an EU-country as a non-EU resident, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car and be fully legitimate in the country you are visiting.
• Passport or ID: National ID is accepted with the prerequisite that all essential data (last name and first name) are in Latin Alphabet.
• Credit card under your name (the main driver’s name).

Regarding the last document, you can rent a car with debit card or cash, but there are strict requirements regarding insurance. Plus, most companies require a credit card not only for the deposit (which is eliminated with full-coverage insurance), but also for the guaranty, as we will see further.

The age requirements to rent a car depend on the company and the country you are visiting. However, in most places and most companies, the age limits are stricter than the limits of driving a car.

Usually, the minimum age is between 19-25 years, and for some car groups you may be required to pay an additional young driver fee. The maximum car rental age limit is usually between 65-80 years, and for some car groups you may be required to pay an additional senior driver fee.

We recommend you, if you are younger than 25 years or older than 65 years, to ask about the age limitations when you book the car.

If you have read the article so far, and you have ticked the boxes of all requirements, the next question is: How to rent a car?

Renting a car is a simple procedure, given that you choose a reliable car rental agency with a customer-first philosophy, such as Abbycar. The step-by-step rental process consists of the following:

1. Visit the user-friendly platform of Abbycar and do a search in the destination and the dates you want.
2. From the results, you can choose the vehicle type (category, size etc.) that meets your criteria according to your needs and budget.
3. You can also book the car in person in one of our rental locations.
4. At the rental desk, when you arrive at your destination, provide a valid driving license, passport or ID and credit card.
5. A deposit amount will be blocked in your credit card but not charged. This deposit will be charged only in case of damage.
6. You take the car after inspecting its situation and take photos to prove the existence of any prior damage. You should also check the mileage and gas mileage.
7. You return the car at the drop-off point.
8. If you wonder if you pay for a rental car before or after, the answer is after, unless something else is accepted in the rental agreement. Usually, you pay after you have returned the car, but for some options (e.g. deals or specific car categories) you may need to pay the whole amount before you take the car.

Car booking is offered both online and in-person. However, booking your car online has the advantage of organizing your journey in advance and having the benefit of special offers and deals.

The cost of car rental depends on various factors. The main factors affecting rental prices are season and destination. The touristic destinations are more expensive than other, less touristic places.

Plus, during the high season, prices are significantly higher than in the mid or low season.

One other thing you should remember regarding the destination and the seasonal variations is that in destinations with only a few cars, such as small places, rental prices are higher due to the low offer in combination with high demand.

Another factor affecting car rental costs is the vehicle type, as bigger cars, such as SUVs and family cars, are more expensive than small cars.

Keep also in mind that for long rental periods, you can find special prices that significantly lower the rental cost.

Rental prices start from EUR per day, but as mentioned, you may expect variations in seasonal car rental prices. In the middle season, you can rent a car on average at 20-50€, while during the high season, average prices are 40-70€ for small cars.

However, you may pay more in the following situations:

• Additional fees and charges apply with extra options, such as additional driver, GPS, child seat etc.
• There are also additional fees for young or senior drivers.
• Penalties are charged in case you disrespect the terms and conditions of rental agreement and in case of damage or state fines, you will be charged an administration fee.
• Regarding the security deposit, keep in mind that an amount of money, which depends on the vehicle type and the type of insurance, will be blocked on your credit card. If you don’t have a credit card, you can pay cash or with debit card, if you choose Super Collision Damage Waiver, which covers any damages, so that no security deposit is required.

The payment options for renting a car are:

• Cash
• Debit card
• Credit card.

However, to have the option of paying with debit card or cash, you are required to choose Super Collision Damage Waiver insurance, as abovementioned, because this kind of insurance eliminates the security deposit.

Remember to ask about this option when booking the car, as most companies require a credit card regardless of the insurance coverage, as they want to be fully covered in case of theft.

There are many options regarding the vehicle type you will choose.

Generally, the rental cars are categorized in the following categories:

• Economy cars, such as Toyota Yaris
• Mid-size and family cars, such as Toyota Corollla
• Premium cars, such as BMW Series 5
• SUVs and 4X4, such as Jeep Compass
• Luxury cars, such as Porsche 911
• Vans and minivans
• Convertibles, such as BMW Z4
• Pickup trucks, such as Ford Ranger.

The factors you should consider when choosing the right car are:

• Budget
• Destination: For large cities with traffic and difficulties in parking, it is wiser to rent a small car. But if you are about to make road trips, travel long distances or drive in rural areas, then an SUV or family car is more convenient.
• Number of passengers: If you travel as a group of friends or family, then a van is the most value-for-money option to avoid renting multiple cars.
• Cost of fuel: In destination with expensive fuel, it is wiser to book an economy car.

If you don’t return a rental car on time, the consequences are serious, and most car rental companies require a credit card regardless of the insurance coverage in order to be covered in this kind of situation.

The things that will happen if you don’t return a rental car are the following:

1. Initially, you will be charged for the extra hours or days at a rate, which may be higher than the rate you agreed.
2. If you continue to delay the return without communicating, the company will consider the vehicle stolen, reporting the car as missing or stolen to the police, which is the beginning of a potential criminal investigation.
3. You will be charged also with penalties for violating the contract.

Remember, that in many cases, the company can use GPS tracking to locate the vehicle. If you have abandoned the car or returned it damaged, further charges may apply.

So, it is basically impossible not to return the vehicle, as the legal consequences are strict and unavoidable. 

The answer depends on the destination and your needs.

If you want to travel on a budget, then the best time to rent a car is the low season in every destination you may visit.

However, you should consider also other factors:

• Weather conditions: In mountainous areas, you should be familiar with driving on snow roads or with snow chains, so it is better to avoid it if you are unfamiliar. The same is true for rainy or foggy conditions. On the other hand, in places with hot temperatures, we recommend you not to drive if this makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Travel goals: If you want to make long road trips, see off-the-beaten-path places and explore the countryside, then choosing a less-crowdy season, such as autumn is recommended.

Let’s see now what to know when renting a car. Which are the top things you should be aware of for a seamless and stress-free procedure?

• Book your car in advance to get the best rates and options.
• Check whether your driver's license is valid or you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Understand the insurance coverage and consider additional protection.
• Inspect the car for prior damage and take photos to prove any pre-existing damage.
• Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules to avoid fines.
• Fill up the tank before returning the car to avoid extra charges.
• Read thoroughly the Terms & Conditions and keep the rental agreement.
• Choose a reliable rental company, such as Abbycar, with clear rental agreements.
• Consider buying an all-inclusive package with everything you may need to know exactly what you will pay, even before leaving home.

The vehicle rental insurance is mandatory and you can choose wider coverage according to your needs. The insurance options for car hire and their coverage details are:

• Collision Damage Waiver: This type covers the financial liability for damage to the rental car, but it includes a deductible. This is the amount, which is blocked in your credit card.
• Theft Protection: It covers the rental car in case of theft.
• Third-Party Liability Insurance: It covers damage to other people’s property and injuries to others.
• Personal Accident Insurance: It covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver: This type covers all damages to rental car and others, so it reduces or eliminates the deductible. If it eliminates the deductible, you are not obliged to provide a credit card, as no security amount is blocked.
• Roadside Assistance: Road assistance provides help 24/7 in case of emergency.

These types of insurance can be offered both individually and in packages. The mandatory basic coverage includes Third-Party Liability Insurance and Collision Damage Waiver. Additional coverage is not mandatory, but you may find it useful, especially if you drive in a place, you are not familiar with or you are an inexperienced driver.

The main factors you should take in mind when choosing the right insurance are:

• Budget
• Destination
• Driver’s experience
• Vehicle type.

Choosing the Super Collision Damage Waiver is the best way to travel without stressing out about a potential damage or accident. But if you are an experienced driver, you travel to a safe destination, want to stay on a low budget and the car is economical, it may be more efficient to consider the simple Collision Damage Waiver.

Should I rent a car? This is the most common question people ask when organizing their trip. Let’s see the advantages and disadvantages of car rental.

Renting a car offers significant advantages, such as:

• It provides the freedom to explore the whole country with the surrounding areas of major cities at your own pace.
• A car enables access to remote and scenic spots that are less reachable by public transport.
• It gives you comfort and convenience, especially for families or groups.
• It allows for spontaneous travel plans and flexibility.

However, keep in mind that there are some disadvantages:

• Traffic in the rush hours in large cities, especially in Europe, is heavy.
• The driving behavior may be aggressive in some places.
• Parking can be difficult to find and may require additional fees.
• Navigation might be confusing due to limited signage.
• The travel cost, including rental price, insurance and fuel, is higher than with public transportation. 

However, there are some situations where renting a car is crucial:

• Road trips
• Travelling with a large group of people
• Travelling with kids or pets
• Carrying sports equipment
• Travelling in a place with limited local transportation
• Having only a few days to explore a destination with many must-see sites.

To find the best car rental deals, keep in mind the following tips:

• Book in advance, even 6 months before your arrival.
• Compare prices online.
• Check often online to find and book car rental discounts.
• Visit the destination during the off-season.
• Prefer an international company with local providers, such as Abbycar, that offers both low prices and reliability.
• Buy an all-inclusive package to avoid hidden fees.
• Rent an economy car.

Rent a car with Abbycar and take advantage of our great deals all year round for all destinations, as well as our all-inclusive packages with everything you may need during your journey. Our top quality 24/7 customer service will give you the opportunity to enjoy the best journey totally stress-free!