Make sure you travel well prepared and that you have all the essential documents and information with you when you pick up your rental car. Here are some important steps and considerations to keep in mind.

Required documents

  • The rental car voucher.
  • The passport of the main driver.
  • The main driver's license, and if applicable, the license of any co-drivers as well.
  • A physical credit card in the name of the main driver. Some countries, such as Spain, Hungary, Portugal and Turkey, may require you to carry two credit cards for certain car categories. Please consult our customer service team for more information.

Pick up location and opening hours

The location and opening hours of the car rental location are listed on the car rental voucher. In most cases, rental locations are located at the airport. Often in the arrival hall, but sometimes just outside the airport. In that case, there is often a shuttle service available. It is also possible to pick up your rental car at a city location.

While in the United States and Canada rental locations are usually open 24/7, in Europe the opening hours for most locations are from early morning to midnight. City locations often have different opening hours.

Rental Agreement

After registering your details, a staff member at the pickup location will prepare a rental agreement. This contains details of the car and any options you have chosen. Read this agreement carefully before signing. Please note that signing it also authorizes the aforementioned total amount to be charged to your credit card.

Deposit

When picking up the rental car, a deposit will be reserved on the credit card of the main driver. The deposit is intended to cover the excess, possible damage or theft of the rental car. Due to security reasons, it is not possible to pay the security deposit in cash. It is also not possible to pay the deposit by debit card. It is therefore necessary that the main driver is in possession of a valid physical credit card, and can present it when picking up the rental car.

More information about the excess, deposit and local insurance can be found here.

Fuel arrangement

The standard arrangement is that you return the car with the same amount of gasoline as you used when you picked it up. If you pick up the car full and return it half-full, a higher after-tax rate applies for the gasoline used. When the Gold / Gold Underage package is selected, you can pick up the car with a full tank and return it empty at no extra charge. When collecting the car, take note which fuel regulation applies to your car. You choose the tank scheme that appeals to you the most.

Tank regulation Europe

You pick up the car with a full tank and return the car with a full tank. It is best to refuel within 10 km of the location when you return the car. Make sure you have the receipt as proof that you filled up the car just before returning.

Refueling in America & Canada

When picking up the car, you will be asked which option to choose:

  • Full-full. You get the car with a full tank of petrol and must return the car with a full tank. In that case, no costs will be charged when picking up the car. This is the usual option. Have you chosen this option and are you returning the car with an empty or half empty tank? Then the used petrol will be charged at a subsequent calculation rate. This rate is always higher than the rate you paid in advance.
  • Full payment in advance. You get the car with a full tank of petrol. You pay the costs for this when you pick up the solution. This is stated on the rental agreement as 'Fuel Service Option'. The rate charged is stated on a sign at the counter and is often slightly more expensive than refueling at a petrol station. Any unused gasoline is not earned.
  • Gold package / Gold minor. Did you opt for a Gold package when booking the car? Then the Fuel Service Option is included. You receive the car with a full tank and can return it empty at no extra cost.

Check the car at pick up

It is important to thoroughly inspect the rental car for damage before you leave. In Europe, an employee will often walk with you to check for any scratches or dents. You then sign a check-out form that lists any damage so that you are not held responsible for this when you return. It can be useful to take some photos of the car before you drive. That way you avoid discussions afterwards.