The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in 2026: What You Need to Know Before Booking

Renting a car can completely change the way you travel: it gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, discover places away from the main tourist routes and organise each day at your own pace. However, if you do not rent cars regularly or you are renting abroad the process can feel confusing: insurance terms, card deposits, excess amounts, fuel policies and small print in the rental agreement.

This guide explains everything step by step: what you need, how to book, what to check when collecting the car, the most common mistakes and clear answers to the questions travellers ask most often.

Where should you rent a car?

When I need a rental car, I usually search through DiscoverCars, a comparison platform I have used for a long time and have found reliable. Its prices are often lower than those shown directly on rental companies’ websites, partly because comparison platforms may have special commercial agreements with suppliers.

You can also add full coverage during the booking process, often for much less than the additional protection offered at the rental desk. Always read the coverage terms carefully, because exclusions and claim procedures can vary. The main advantage is that you can compare the total cost before travelling and choose the option that gives you the right balance between price and peace of mind.

Comparison websites act as intermediaries. You still rent the car from suppliers such as Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt or Budget, but the search engine compares available offers in cities, airports and holiday destinations around the world. This saves you from opening every rental company’s website separately and makes it easier to compare prices, deposits, fuel policies and customer ratings in one place.

I personally recommend DiscoverCars because my own experience has been positive. Depending on the offer, you may be able to pay only part of the price when booking and the balance when collecting the car. Many bookings also include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, although you should always confirm the conditions shown for your specific booking.

When comparing cars, pay close attention to customer reviews and supplier ratings. A lower score does not automatically mean you will have a bad experience. Reviews are influenced by individual situations: one customer may have arrived during a busy period and waited longer, while another may have collected the same car quickly at a quieter time. I use ratings as a useful warning system, but I also read the most recent comments and look for repeated complaints rather than judging a company by one isolated review.

1. What do you need to rent a car?

1. Documents and minimum age

To rent a car, you will normally need a valid driving licence, a passport or government-issued identity document, and a payment card for the booking and/or security deposit.

The minimum rental age is commonly between 19 and 25, depending on the country, rental company and vehicle category. Many suppliers also require the driver to have held a full licence for at least one year. Drivers under 25 are often charged a young-driver fee, which should be displayed in the rental conditions before you book.

Some countries or rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your domestic driving licence. This often depends on where your licence was issued, the language and alphabet used on it, and the rules of the country where you will drive.

Important: you may be able to make the online booking with a debit or credit card, but the rental company may still require a physical credit card in the main driver’s name when you collect the vehicle.

Is an International Driving Permit compulsory?

There is no single worldwide rule. Whether you need an IDP depends on the country that issued your licence, the destination and the rental company’s own conditions.

• Licence accepted locally: in many destinations, your domestic licence is enough, especially when it uses the Latin alphabet and is recognised under local rules.
• Licence in a different alphabet: an IDP or certified translation is often required when the original licence is written in another script.
• Countries with specific legal requirements: some destinations require an IDP even when the rental company accepts your domestic licence.

Check both the official driving rules for your destination and the supplier’s rental conditions. An IDP is normally a translation or companion document; it does not replace your original driving licence, so carry both.

2. Credit card or debit card?

Many rental companies prefer a credit card because they use it to place a temporary hold for the security deposit and possible additional charges. Some companies accept debit cards, but they may apply stricter conditions—for example, a higher deposit, fewer available vehicle categories, additional identification or compulsory protection purchased at the desk.

Make sure the card has enough available funds for the full security deposit when you collect the car. If the company cannot authorise the required amount, it may refuse to hand over the vehicle.

2. Security deposit and excess: what they mean and how they work

What is the security deposit?

The rental company usually places a pre-authorisation on your card when you collect the vehicle. It acts as security for possible costs such as damage, missing fuel, fines, tolls, late-return charges or cleaning fees. The amount varies by supplier, destination and vehicle category, ranging from a few hundred units of local currency to several thousand for premium vehicles.

A pre-authorisation is not normally an immediate charge, but it reduces the available credit or balance on your card until the hold is released. The release time depends on both the rental company and your bank, so the money may not become available immediately after you return the car.

What is the excess or deductible?

• The excess is the maximum amount you may be responsible for when a covered incident occurs. It should be listed in the rental conditions, and the amount can vary greatly between suppliers offering a similar car.
• For example, if the excess is 500 and a covered repair costs 1,000, you may pay the first 500 while the applicable waiver or insurance covers the remaining amount, subject to the contract.

*This example assumes that no additional protection has been purchased. Exact liability always depends on the rental agreement.

3. Insurance and protection: everything you need to know

Insurance and damage waivers are usually the most confusing part of renting a car. Here is a straightforward explanation without unnecessary technical language.

Basic liability and additional protection

Rental vehicles normally include the minimum third-party liability protection required in the country of rental. Many rentals also include a CDW or LDW (Collision Damage Waiver / Loss Damage Waiver). These are contractual waivers rather than identical worldwide insurance products, and they may reduce your liability to the stated excess instead of making you pay the full repair cost.

However, common exclusions may include tyres, wheels, glass, the roof, underbody, interior, keys, towing, incorrect fuel, negligence or driving on prohibited roads. Read the specific terms before booking and decide whether you want additional protection from the rental company, a comparison platform, a specialist insurer or an eligible credit card.

Option 1: Do not buy additional protection

If you do not buy extra protection, you generally remain responsible for covered damage up to the stated excess amount. Your real liability can be higher when an exclusion applies or when the rental conditions are breached, so do not assume that the excess protects you in every possible situation.

Example: if the excess is 800 and you have a covered accident, the rental company may charge up to 800 even if the repair costs more. If the damage is excluded from the waiver, different rules may apply.

Option 2: Buy additional protection at the rental desk

Protection sold directly at the rental desk is often the most expensive option, but it can be the simplest. Depending on the product, it may reduce the excess and deposit substantially, sometimes even to zero. It may also make claims easier because the protection is provided directly by the company supplying the vehicle.

Do not assume that every desk package covers absolutely everything. Ask what remains excluded and whether there are limits for tyres, windows, keys, towing, roadside assistance or negligent use. In some destinations, the cost of desk protection can be close to—or even higher than—the base rental price.

Option 3: Use third-party coverage, such as DiscoverCars full coverage

Third-party protection can provide a significant saving compared with buying extra coverage at the desk. The main difference is that it normally works on a reimbursement basis. If the rental company charges you for an eligible loss, you pay the supplier first and then submit the required documents to the coverage provider for assessment and reimbursement.

With a product such as DiscoverCars full coverage, you may need to send documents such as the rental agreement, damage report, invoice, proof of payment and photographs. Reimbursement is subject to the policy terms and exclusions, so keep every document and follow the claim instructions carefully.

Warning: even if you have already purchased third-party coverage, the rental desk may still offer its own protection because the supplier’s system may not treat your external policy as a replacement. You can decline duplicate coverage, but you will usually still need to provide the required deposit and accept the supplier’s standard damage procedure.

•I have left the link below so you can compare the available prices as a RutasViajeros reader.

Is it better to book a rental car online or after you arrive?

The answer depends on what matters most to you: price and availability, or the flexibility of waiting until you arrive. In most cases, booking online in advance gives you a wider choice and a clearer idea of the total cost.

Advantages of booking online

You will usually find better prices, especially when booking early, as well as a wider choice of vehicles. You can compare deposits, included mileage, fuel policies, ratings and cancellation conditions before committing. The collection process may also be faster because your booking details are already registered.

Disadvantages of booking online

The main disadvantage is that changes can be less flexible once the booking is confirmed. This depends on the platform and rate. For example, many DiscoverCars bookings can be changed or cancelled free of charge until 48 hours before pick-up, but not every offer has identical conditions.

Advantages of renting after arrival

You do not need to commit in advance, which may suit travellers whose plans are uncertain. In some places you may also be able to inspect the available vehicles or discuss local conditions directly with the supplier.

Disadvantages of renting after arrival

Walk-in prices are often higher, particularly during peak season and in popular destinations. Availability may be limited, and you may have to accept a more expensive category. The process can also take longer when there are queues or several suppliers to compare.

In summary: book online if you want to save money, compare conditions and secure availability. Waiting until arrival may offer more flexibility, but it usually comes with a higher risk of limited choice and higher prices.

4. How to choose the right car and rate

Think about how you will actually use it

Ask yourself a few practical questions. Will you mainly drive in cities, on motorways or on rural roads? How much luggage will you carry? Will you travel with children or several adults? Do you expect steep roads, snow, poor surfaces or long daily distances? A compact car is usually easier and more economical in cities, while an SUV, estate car or people carrier may be more comfortable for families, luggage or difficult terrain.

Manual or automatic?

Manual cars are often cheaper in countries where they are common. However, an automatic may be worth the extra cost if you are unfamiliar with manual transmission, will drive in heavy traffic, or will be driving on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to.

Mileage policies

Some rates include unlimited mileage, while others set a daily or total limit and charge for every additional kilometre or mile. If you plan to travel long distances, prioritise unlimited mileage or calculate the likely extra cost before booking. Travel plans often change, and paying slightly more for unlimited mileage can be cheaper than worrying about a strict limit throughout the trip.

Bookings with free cancellation

Whenever possible, choose a rate with free cancellation. It gives you flexibility if your plans change and allows you to rebook if a better price appears later. This is one of the reasons I like DiscoverCars: many offers can be changed or cancelled free of charge until 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up time.

Some offers also let you pay only part of the price when booking and the balance later without increasing the final rate. Check the payment breakdown carefully because different suppliers and offers may use different schedules.

5. Fuel policies: how to save money and avoid surprises

Fuel policies vary, but these are the two you will see most often:

• Full-to-Full: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full. This is usually the fairest and most economical option because you pay local fuel-station prices and only replace what you use.
• Prepaid / Full-to-Empty: you pay for a tank in advance and return the car as empty as possible. It is often more expensive because the supplier may charge a higher price per litre or gallon and may not refund unused fuel.

My recommendation: choose Full-to-Full whenever possible and keep the receipt from your final refuelling stop. Take a photo of the fuel gauge when you collect and return the car.

Avoid leaving refuelling until the last petrol station next to an airport or rental area. Prices can be higher, and busy stations or unexpected closures can make you late for your return.

6. At the rental desk: what to check when collecting the car

This is the most important moment for preventing disputes later:

1. Inspect the car carefully: check the bodywork, windows, mirrors, wheels, tyres, roof and interior. Take clear photos and a continuous video from every angle.
2. Check fuel and mileage: make sure the recorded fuel level and odometer match the car.
3. Read the rental documents: confirm the excess, deposit, exclusions, fuel policy, mileage and emergency procedure.
4. Confirm extras: child seats, additional drivers, GPS units and other extras should appear correctly on the agreement.
5. Check return rules: confirm the location, time, grace period, after-hours procedure, toll policy and what happens if your journey is delayed.

IMPORTANT: Before leaving the collection area, inspect the vehicle in detail. If you notice a scratch, dent, damaged wheel, stained seat or any other issue that is not recorded, report it immediately and ask for written confirmation. Previous damage is sometimes missed, and without evidence it may be difficult to prove that you did not cause it.

I have rented from companies that documented every small mark and others that barely inspected the car. That is why I always take my own photos and video, even when the employee says everything is already recorded. Repeat the process when returning the vehicle, including the fuel gauge, mileage and where you left the car.

A simple step-by-step guide to booking with DiscoverCars

Renting a car does not have to be complicated. With DiscoverCars, you can compare options and complete the booking in a few minutes.

1. Choose your pick-up location
Enter the city, airport or location where you want to collect the car. If you plan to return it somewhere else, select a different drop-off location and check the one-way fee.

2. Select the dates, times and driver’s age
Rental periods are usually calculated in 24-hour blocks. Returning the car even slightly later can sometimes add another rental day, so choose realistic times and check the grace-period policy.

3. Compare and filter
Use filters for vehicle size, transmission, supplier rating, deposit, fuel policy, mileage and payment method. This helps you avoid wasting time on offers that do not meet your needs.

4. Read all rental conditions
Open the offer details and check the deposit, excess, accepted cards, driver requirements, cross-border rules, included mileage, fuel policy, office hours and cancellation conditions.

5. Complete the booking
Enter your details carefully and pay the amount requested. Some offers require full payment, while others allow a smaller prepayment with the balance due at pick-up.

6. Keep your confirmation
Save the voucher on your phone and, ideally, keep an offline copy. Check which documents and cards you must present at the desk.

Quick link: you can use the button below to check current prices and compare available cars.

7. Extras and options worth considering

• Additional driver: sometimes included in promotions, otherwise usually charged per day or per rental.
• GPS or phone navigation: most travellers can use their phone, but download offline maps in case mobile data is unreliable.
• Child seats and booster seats: legal requirements vary by country. Reserve them in advance and check their condition before leaving.
• Roadside assistance: confirm what is included, what is excluded and whether lost keys, flat batteries, tyre damage or towing incur extra charges.

8. Traffic rules and country-specific requirements

Before driving in another country, check local speed limits, road signs, toll systems, parking rules, low-emission zones, alcohol limits, child-seat requirements, winter-equipment rules and whether headlights must be used during the day. Also confirm which side of the road you will drive on and the correct procedure after an accident.

Do not rely only on what is normal in your home country. Rules can differ even between neighbouring countries, and rental companies may impose additional restrictions beyond the law—for example, bans on unpaved roads, ferries or certain regions.

9. Driving the rental car into another country

If you plan to cross an international border, obtain permission from the rental company before travelling. Some suppliers allow cross-border travel within specified regions, while others prohibit particular countries, islands, ferries or routes. You may need additional documentation, roadside assistance or insurance.

Cross-border travel often carries an additional fee, but the amount varies widely by supplier, route and vehicle. Never assume permission is automatic. Driving into an unauthorised country can invalidate parts of your protection and leave you responsible for the full cost of damage, recovery or repatriation of the vehicle.

The safest approach is to select the planned countries during the search when possible, read the cross-border section in the rental conditions and obtain written confirmation from the supplier before collection.

10. Ways to save money without taking unnecessary risks

• Book early and compare the total price, not only the headline daily rate.
• Check the deposit, excess, fuel policy, mileage, taxes, location fees and optional extras.
• Avoid buying duplicate protection if you already have suitable coverage, but verify the exclusions and claim process first.
• Choose Full-to-Full fuel whenever practical.
• Use your phone for navigation instead of paying for GPS, but download offline maps.
• Return the car on time and refuel before reaching the airport or rental area.
• Photograph the car at both collection and return.
• During peak season, reserve early to avoid limited availability and expensive last-minute upgrades.

11. Conclusion: confidence comes from a few simple precautions

Renting a car does not have to be stressful. The key is preparation: read the conditions, understand the deposit and excess, check what your protection covers, inspect the vehicle carefully and keep clear evidence. Choose the right fuel and mileage policy, confirm cross-border plans and ask questions before signing. These simple steps greatly reduce the chance of problems and allow you to enjoy the freedom of your trip.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I rent a car if I have held my licence for less than one year?

It depends on the supplier. Many require the driver to have held a full licence for at least 12 months, while others accept newer drivers with restrictions or an extra fee. Check the offer conditions before booking.

What should I do if I have an accident?

Put safety first. Check for injuries and contact emergency services when necessary. Notify the rental company as soon as possible and follow its instructions. Take photographs, obtain the other driver’s and vehicle’s details, and complete any police or accident report required locally.

Can the rental company charge me after I return the car?

Yes. It may charge for damage, missing fuel, tolls, fines, late return, cleaning or other costs allowed by the agreement. This is why photographs, receipts and return documentation are so important.

Should I buy the rental company’s protection at the desk?

It can provide convenience and reduce the deposit or excess, but it is often expensive. Compare it with suitable third-party coverage, travel insurance or eligible card benefits, and read the exclusions before deciding.

Can I pay for a rental car in cash?

Most major suppliers require an accepted card in the main driver’s name and do not accept cash for the security deposit. Some local companies may accept cash payment under special conditions, but you should obtain written confirmation before booking.

Can I rent a car without a credit card?

Some companies accept debit cards, but conditions are usually stricter. You may face a higher deposit, limited vehicle categories, additional checks or compulsory protection. Filter for debit-card offers and read the payment rules carefully.

What happens if I return the car late?

Policies vary. Some companies allow a short grace period, while others charge an additional day or late fee. Contact the supplier as soon as you know you may be delayed.

Can I return the car in another city or country?

Often yes, but it is treated as a one-way rental and usually carries an additional fee. International one-way rentals are less widely available and may be expensive.

What happens if I receive a traffic or parking fine?

The driver is responsible for the fine. The rental company may provide your details to the authority or charge the amount, and it may also add an administrative processing fee.

Can I choose the exact car model?

Usually you book a vehicle category, not a guaranteed model. The phrase “or similar” allows the supplier to provide another car with comparable features. Some premium services may guarantee a specific model.

Is smoking allowed in a rental car?

Most rental companies prohibit smoking and vaping. Returning a vehicle with smoke odour, ash or burns can result in a substantial cleaning or damage charge.

Can I cross borders with a rental car?

It depends on the contract, vehicle and countries involved. Prior authorisation is often required, and an extra fee or additional protection may apply. Some borders or destinations may be completely prohibited.

What should I do if the car breaks down?

Call the rental company’s roadside assistance number immediately. It is normally shown on the agreement, vehicle documents, key tag or company app. Move to a safe place when possible and use hazard lights and any legally required warning equipment.

Do not arrange your own repair or take the car to a garage without authorisation, as this may affect your protection and reimbursement. Follow the supplier’s instructions and keep records of every call, message, invoice and report.