There’s something genuinely liberating about picking up the keys to your own rental car at a new destination. No timetables, no waiting for buses, no negotiating with taxi drivers. Just the open road and wherever you decide to point the wheel. But between that romantic vision and the reality of standing at a rental counter, there’s a bit of homework worth doing first.

Renting a car for the first time comes with more moving parts than most people expect, from license requirements and insurance options to add-ons and booking strategy. The good news is that none of it is complicated once you know what to look for. And with rental companies like Abby Car making the booking process clear and straightforward, getting it right has never been easier. Here’s everything worth knowing before you book.

1. Age Requirements and Young Driver Fees

Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and many destinations around the world set the minimum at 23. Drivers under 25 often fall into a “young driver” category, which can come with an additional daily surcharge on top of the base rental rate.

These requirements vary by company, country, and sometimes even by vehicle class, so it’s worth checking the specifics for your destination early in the planning process rather than discovering a surcharge at the counter.

It’s also worth knowing that most car hire companies will only rent to drivers who have held a full driving license for at least three years. If you passed your test recently, check the terms carefully before booking.

Extra charges may apply outside these age limits.

2. What Your License Actually Covers

Your driving license doesn’t automatically give you the right to rent and drive everywhere in the world. The rules vary significantly depending on where you’re travelling, and it’s one of the most commonly overlooked parts of trip planning.

Within the E.U.

A National Driving License from any E.U. member state is generally accepted across the bloc without any additional documentation. If you hold an E.U. license, you’re in straightforward territory for most European rentals.

Outside the E.U. / Non-E.U. License Holders

If you’re travelling outside your home region, or if you hold a non-E.U. license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) accompanied by your valid National Driving License is typically required. The IDP essentially acts as an official translation of your license and is recognised in over 150 countries.

Popular destinations at a glance:

• USA: An IDP is not legally required but is strongly recommended, particularly if your home license is not in English or Roman script.
• Japan: An IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is required. Japanese authorities are strict on this. A 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is not accepted.
• Australia: If your license is in English, it is generally accepted. If not, an IDP or official translation is required.
• UAE: An IDP is required for most non-Arab and non-GCC license holders when renting a car.
• Thailand: An IDP is legally required to rent and drive in Thailand, regardless of your home country.

IDP requirements may vary depending on the renting country and the specific rental company. Always verify directly with your rental provider and local authorities before your trip.

3. Understanding the Insurance Options

Car rental insurance tends to look like a wall of acronyms at first (CDW, LDW, SLI, PAI), but it’s worth understanding what each one covers before you arrive at the counter. The main options typically include a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which limits your liability if the vehicle is damaged, and a Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), which covers third-party claims.

Before your trip, check whether your existing personal car insurance policy extends to rental vehicles, and review the benefits of any credit or travel cards you plan to use for the booking. Many cards include some level of rental coverage as a built-in perk. Knowing what you already have means you can make an informed decision about what additional cover makes sense for your trip.

4. Credit Card vs. Debit Card

Most rental companies strongly prefer, and some require, a credit card at the time of pickup. This is primarily because a credit card allows the company to place a pre-authorisation hold for the security deposit without actually charging the funds. Debit cards are accepted by some providers, but the deposit hold can tie up a significant amount of cash in your account for the duration of the rental.

It’s worth checking in advance which cards your rental provider accepts and what the deposit terms are, so there are no surprises at the pickup desk.

5. Reading the Rental Agreement Before You Sign

The rental agreement contains the detail that matters most: mileage limits, fuel policy, permitted driving zones, cross-border travel restrictions, and what happens if you return the car late. These vary widely between providers and destinations, and are easy to overlook when you’re keen to get on the road.

Reviewing the key terms before you arrive, ideally at the point of booking, means you can ask questions in advance and plan your trip without running into avoidable complications.

6. Additional Drivers

If you’re planning to share driving with a travel companion, they will need to be listed as an additional driver on the rental agreement before they get behind the wheel. Additional drivers are typically required to meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter, and there may be an associated daily fee.

It’s worth sorting this at the time of booking rather than at the counter. Some providers allow you to add drivers in advance, which makes pickup faster and ensures everything is in order from day one.

7. GPS, Car Seats, and Add-Ons

From navigation systems and child seats to roof racks and ski carriers, rental add-ons can make a real practical difference to a trip. The key is thinking about what you’ll need before you arrive, rather than making last-minute decisions at the counter under time pressure.

Checking what extras are available when you book and reserving them in advance ensures availability and means your vehicle is ready to go the moment you pick it up.

8. Picking Up and Returning the Car

Airport pickup locations are convenient but sometimes priced differently from off-airport depots, worth comparing at the booking stage if flexibility on pickup point is an option. For return, most providers work to the minute on the agreed time, so it’s worth factoring in any potential delays, particularly when catching onward transport.

If you’re planning an after-hours drop-off, confirm the procedure in advance. Most providers have a key drop facility, but the process varies and it’s useful to know what documentation you’ll need to leave with the vehicle.

9. Driving Rules at Your Destination

Local road rules vary more than most travellers expect. Speed limits, right-of-way conventions, toll systems, low-emission zones in city centres, and which side of the road you’ll be driving on are all worth checking before you set off, particularly if you’re driving in an unfamiliar country for the first time.

A short bit of research into the specific rules of your destination can make the driving experience far more relaxed and keeps you on the right side of local traffic laws.

10. Booking Strategy: When and Where to Book

Booking your rental car early generally gives you the best combination of vehicle choice, availability, and rate. It’s also worth revisiting your booking closer to the trip date, as pricing can shift and better options sometimes open up.

When you’re ready to book, Abby Car offers a straightforward booking experience with a clear overview of available vehicles and what’s included. The more you sort before you travel, the smoother the experience when you get there.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Renting a car for the first time doesn’t need to be complicated. The paperwork, the insurance options, the add-ons: it all becomes straightforward once you know what to expect. Sort the details in advance, ask the right questions at booking, and you’ll spend far less time at the rental counter and far more time actually enjoying the journey.The open road is waiting. Go find it.