Car rental questions, answered
Everything travelers ask us most — from deposits and insurance to one-way rentals.
A valid driver's license held for the supplier's minimum period (often 1–2 years), a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit, and proof you meet the minimum age. International renters may need a passport and, in some countries, an International Driving Permit alongside their home license.
Suppliers place a hold on your credit card — often a few hundred dollars — that's released after you return the car undamaged. The exact amount and whether a debit card is accepted varies by supplier and car class, and is shown before you book.
Rentals include basic coverage by law, but it usually carries a high excess (deductible). Full-coverage / excess-reduction options reduce what you'd owe if something goes wrong. Some credit cards and travel policies also cover rentals — check before doubling up.
Drivers under 25 (sometimes under 30) often pay a daily young-driver surcharge, and the youngest renters may be limited in which car classes they can book. Enter the driver's age in the search so prices reflect any fee.
Often yes — pick up in one city and drop off in another. There may be a one-way fee depending on the supplier and distance. Toggle a different drop-off location in the search to see availability and pricing.
'Full-to-full' is usually fairest: you collect the car full and return it full. Avoid 'full-to-empty' unless you'll use nearly a whole tank, since you pay for fuel you may not use. The policy is shown on each result.
Most bookings include free cancellation up to a set time before pickup. The cancellation terms are clearly marked on each rate, so look for the free-cancellation badge if flexibility matters.
It depends on the city. Airports have more inventory but add facility fees; city locations avoid those but may price higher per day. Our search lets you compare both side by side.