Whether you’re in Croatia for business, pleasure, or any other reason, the best way to get around is by car. Luckily, there are plenty of car rental options available with a wide range of vehicles that will make your stay in this beautiful country enjoyable and stress-free.
Renting a car can be very quick and easy process, especially when you do it online and, of course, when you know what to expect.
So, to help you stay prepared and get through this process painlessly and without a hitch, here are some essential car rental tips and tricks.
Read on!
Online vs. In-Person Car Rental & Booking?
In this day and age, people need simplicity and promptness. We live such busy and hectic lives that when it comes to any type of service, we want it done yesterday. Luckily for us, nowadays we can find and use nearly any type of service online, including renting a car.
As opposed to renting a car in person, where you must physically come to the car rental office, online bookings make this process much easier and faster. You don’t have to waste precious time going to and from the office – you can do everything in just a few clicks, even on the go, wherever you are.
All you need to do is look for the car rental company's website online and fill in the most important information that they require.
From the date and time of the pick-up and the return of your vehicle, all the way to choosing your vehicle and insurance packages, everything can be done online. And after you have booked your car, all you have to do is pick it up at the designated branch office.
Which Documents Should I Prepare?
To rent a car in Croatia, all you need are basic documents that you would otherwise have with you while driving.
This includes a valid driver's license and an ID card or a passport. When it comes to the international driver’s license, you will only need it if your license is not printed in Latin script.
As far as the online booking process is concerned, these are all the documents you will need.
The only additional thing you will need is a credit card in your name, i.e. the driver’s name. The credit card is used to reserve the funds for the deposit when you come to pick up your vehicle, as deposits in cash are usually not possible.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Renting a Car in Croatia?
The minimum legal age for driving, as well as renting a car in Croatia, is 18. Therefore, to rent a vehicle, you must be at least 18 years old. Another common requirement with nearly all car rental companies is that you need to have at least one year of driving experience.
In addition to that, you should be prepared to pay an additional fee for young drivers if you are under 21 years of age. This fee is common to nearly all car rental services because young drives are less experienced in driving and statistically pose higher risks.
Should I Plan Ahead and Book My Car Earlier?
Planning ahead is always a smart idea. It will help you organise your trip smoothly without any hitches along the way, such as the potential unavailability of vehicles.
Therefore, booking a car a few days in advance or even a few weeks in advance will undoubtedly make it easier for you to plan both your everyday life and travel, as well as prevent those plans from falling apart.
You’ll be able to plan your budget efficiently and on time, determine the exact date and time of your departure, as well as the exact time for the pick-up and the return of the vehicle.
In addition to that, you will avoid the rush during the summer tourist season, for example. This is when a lot of tourists come to Croatia and when many vehicles are already booked or rented out.
During the tourist season, car rental prices can go up, and with an online reservation at least 24 hours in advance, you can get a vehicle at a better price and maybe even get a discount.
And finally, by planning in advance, you have enough time to resolve any questions related to the trip, get more information about your car rental process, and choose the vehicle model or category that suits your needs and wishes best.
Everything You Need for an Online Car Booking – Step by Step Guide
Now that you know how to prepare and what you need before the booking, here is everything you need to know about the actual online booking process.
It is very quick and straightforward, and by following these few basic steps, your car reservation will be done in no time!
1. Look up the Car Rental Company's Website
Since vehicle bookings nowadays mostly take place online, the first step is to go to the car rental company’s website and click on the booking page or button.
Here you will fill in some of the basic information that is required, such as the place and dates of the pick-up and the return of your vehicle.
You can usually choose among several locations, and even choose different locations for the pick-up and the return, whatever is best for you.
2. Choose a Vehicle
After entering the basic information, the next and probably the most interesting step is choosing a car.
When choosing the type and size of your ideal vehicle, don’t forget to consider the type of trip you are going to take. For example, are you going to drive to and around one city or travel long distances? How many passengers will be in the car? Do you need a lot of space for luggage?
These are all important aspects to consider. And once you’ve considered those, don’t forget to factor in your own personal taste and style, because, after all, you’ll also want a car that you will feel great in and love to drive.
3. Select Insurance / Protection Package
Insurance and the protection of drivers and vehicles are very important, so don’t forget to check the insurance conditions that come with your car rental agreement.
Along with the compulsory insurance, you can also choose an additional insurance and protection package that best suits your needs given the type and length of your trip. This way, you’ll get better coverage for different types of damage to the vehicle or for personal injuries,as well a shaving greater peace of mind.
4. Choose Additional Equipment
All major and reputable car rental companies in Croatia will have a range of additional equipment at their disposal. This equipment serves to help you drive more safely, more comfortably and easily.
So, while booking your car, think about the things you will need. Do you need a GPS navigation system, a children’s car seat, or something else?
Explore all the equipment options that you can rent along with the vehicle and make your ride as enjoyable and carefree as possible.
5. Pick Up Your Vehicle on the Agreed Date
The last step of your booking and rental process is to pick up your vehicle at the agreed branch office, on the date you selected.
Don’t forget to bring your credit card with you at this point so that the rent-a-car company can reserve the funds for the deposit.
The car is now all yours to drive and enjoy!
Can I Make Changes to My Reservation?
If for any reason you need to change certain aspects and information within your reservation, you can usually do so with no additional fees.
For example, you can change the pick-up time and date, add additional equipment, choose another location for the pick-up or the return, or even add another driver.
If there’s going to be another driver with you, you should keep in mind that all the rules and regulations related to the first driver will also apply to them. The second driver will, therefore, also need to provide the car rental company with their ID and a driver’s license.
Which Vehicles Are Available to Me Online?
A range of options is available to you when it comes to makes, models, and categories of car so that you can choose the perfect vehicle according to your needs and wishes.
Bigger or smaller, diesel or petrol, manual transmission or automatic, the choice is yours! When it comes to the type of vehicle, you can choose a limousine such as a VW Passat, an economy car such as a Renault Clio, a minivan, SUV, and many others.
It all depends on your preferences, as well as on the type of your trip. For example, if you are only going to drive around one city, it may be best to opt for a smaller car for easier parking and better manoeuvrability through the crowds and traffic jams.
Enjoy the Ride!
Now that you know everything there is to know about car rental in Croatia, your booking and rental process will undoubtedly go without a hitch.
Choose the car you need and want, hop in, and start your adventure.
Have a great and safe trip, and have fun!
