What to know before you rent

With most rental companies, no. At pick-up you need a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit. Some offers accept debit cards: this is shown in each offer’s conditions before booking.

Yes. You can pay online by debit or credit card with no card fees. Note that the deposit at the desk may require a credit card.

It must be in the main driver’s name, physical (not virtual), valid and have enough available limit for the deposit. The name on the card must match the driving licence.

It depends on the rental company and car category. The exact amount is shown in the offer’s conditions before you pay. The deposit is blocked on the card and released after the car is returned, if there is no damage or pending charges.

Usually not. Rental companies take the deposit on a credit card.

Some companies reduce the deposit if you buy their full cover at the desk. Check in the offer’s conditions whether this option exists and how much it costs.

It is shown in the offer and on the voucher. At the airport, some companies are in the terminal; others are off-airport and take you to their car park by shuttle.

The time you expect to be at the desk. If you arrive by plane, allow for disembarking and baggage collection, and add your flight number at checkout.

It lets the rental company track your flight and keep the car ready even if you are delayed.

If you added your flight number, the company is aware of the delay. If the delay is long or the desk is about to close, contact the rental company or our customer support.

It depends on the company. Some allow it with an out-of-hours fee; others do not. Check the desk opening hours in the offer’s conditions.

The main driver’s. The driving licence, ID and deposit card must all be in that person’s name.

Not with an EU licence. Licences from other countries, especially those not in the Latin alphabet, may require an International Driving Permit. Check the rental company’s conditions.

It depends on the company and car category. Young or senior driver fees may apply. Enter the driver’s real age when searching to see the correct price and conditions.

Only drivers registered on the contract. You can add an additional driver at the desk, usually for a fee, by showing their licence and ID.

Mandatory third-party liability and, usually, damage and theft cover with an excess. The excess is the maximum you pay if the car is damaged. Details are in each offer’s conditions.

It is not mandatory. It reduces or removes what you pay in case of damage. Compare before booking and read what it covers; at the desk the company may offer its own cover.

The most common are: additional driver, young or senior driver, one-way rental, out-of-hours pick-up, child seat and GPS. When known, they are shown in the offer’s conditions.

The most common is full to full: you get the car with a full tank and return it full. If you do not refuel, the company charges for the missing fuel, often with a service fee.

Online you compare several rental companies at once and see the final price before paying. At the desk, without a booking, there is less choice and rates are usually higher.

As early as possible, especially in high season (summer, Christmas, New Year and Easter). As cancellation is free up to 48 hours before, booking early does not cost you flexibility.

Yes, in «Manage booking». You can change dates, times or extras, subject to availability; the price may change.

Yes, free of charge up to 48 hours before pick-up. Cancel in «Manage booking» with your email and booking reference.

CarTrawler, a car rental technology company headquartered in Ireland, processes the booking and payment. The rental contract is made with the company you choose.

Before pick-up, our customer support. At the desk or during the rental, the rental company; if it is not resolved, contact us with your booking reference.