Ten questions to ask when renting a car abroad

Renting a car while abroad can be a stressful experience. You might be fresh off a flight, with tired kids in tow, facing a long queue. In May 2026, CCPC research revealed that four in ten Irish holidaymakers experienced issues when renting a car abroad in the summer of 2026. Before you book, consider the potential risks and costs if something goes wrong. Is renting a car essential, or could you manage without one?

If you decide to rent a car on your trip, do your research. Read the reviews of the company on Reddit and Trustpilot. If you’re booking through a third party, check their terms and conditions carefully, as well as those of the actual car hire provider.

Consider the pick-up location – airport pick-ups tend to be busier and may be incur a surcharge. Looking further afield could save you money.

Check if a credit card is required. Even if you book with a debit card, you may still require a credit card for the security deposit.

Make sure you know the final cost including any additional fees that you might have to pay at the desk or if something goes wrong.

Think about what you need for your trip. The cheapest option might not be the best price for you. Additional drivers, children’s car seats and drivers under 25 are often additional fees that might drive up the costs. Consider your route – will you incur any toll charges or cross-border surcharges?

Do your research on insurance. The excess on car hire can be costly so excess insurance can be worthwhile. You don’t have to purchase additional insurance through the car hire company directly. Shop around to find the best value.

Before you go, make sure you know exactly who your contract is with. You may have booked through an intermediary, travel agent, or directly with the rental company. It is important to know who the contract is with, in case you need to contact them for help or if something goes wrong. Make a note of the contact information that you might need if an issue arises.

A list of required documents should be included in your booking confirmation. This will usually include the booking confirmation (sometimes a printed version is required), a form of photo ID and the card that you made the booking with. The required documentation can vary by provider and by branch so it’s important to check that you have everything you need before you set off.

Most car hire companies require a credit card to pay the security deposit. This will need to be in the name of the person who made the booking.

Some companies may accept a debit card but you should check this before you book. Make sure you have sufficient funds to pay for the deposit alongside any other travel expenses for the trip. Make sure you know the PIN of your card as contactless or mobile payments are usually not accepted.

If you arrive at the car hire desk and you don’t have the credit or debit card that you made your booking with then the company may refuse to give you the car. If this was a condition of your booking then you may find that you lose your booking but are charged the full price of the car hire, regardless.

When you’re booking your car, you normally chose a car category. Car hire companies usually group cars into categories based on their specifications.

You may be provided with a specific car model as an illustration of the type of car in that category. This doesn’t mean that you will necessarily get that car when you arrive. You should however get a car with the specifications that you booked. If not, flag it immediately.

Don’t feel under pressure at the desk. Take your time to read the rental agreement and make sure you’re happy with the terms and conditions. The car hire company may offer optional extras and additional insurance cover when you collect the car which you may not need.

Check the fuel policy; you may be charged if you don’t return the car with a full tank. Ask about toll charges – will they be added off your bill?

Confirm the returns procedure including the drop-off location and time.

You should inspect the exterior and the interior of the car before you drive off. Your rental agreement should include a diagram of the car that illustrates any existing damage to the car. Before you go, check that all damage is noted. If not, ask the car hire company to make a note of it before you leave.

Take your own photos and videos for your records. Make sure they are clear – use the torch on your phone to get a better look.

Plan in advance for returning the car. It’s important to drop your car back on time as you could incur a late or early fee. If you need to return the car with a full tank, find a petrol station near the pick-up location and factor it into your journey.

Give yourself enough time to get the car inspected by the rental company. Make sure you both agree and sign for any damage on all copies of the damage report.

The company should close off your bill in your presence. If not, they must send you a detailed report on the amount charged, along with information on how you can query the charges.