10 Things You Must Know Before Renting a Car

1. Check Your Driving Licence Is Valid

In Turkey you need at least 1 year of driving experience to rent a car. EU and US licences are accepted directly. For other countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence is required. Check well before your trip — IDP applications take time.

2. Set the Rental Period Clearly

Daily rental is calculated on a 24-hour basis. Returning even one hour late can trigger a full extra day's charge. Set realistic pick-up and return times when booking, and build in a buffer if your schedule is unpredictable.

3. Understand Your Insurance Options

Beyond mandatory third-party liability, we recommend taking at least basic collision coverage. Adding Super Cover (full comprehensive protection with zero excess) is worth considering — it also covers tyres, glass and mirrors, saving you from unexpected costs at return.

4. Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly at Pick-up

Every scratch and dent must be recorded on the inspection form before you drive away. Take photos from all angles — front, rear, both sides and the roof. This is your single best protection against disputed damage charges at return.

5. Know the Fuel Policy Before You Drive Off

The most common policy is Full-to-Full: you collect with a full tank and return it full. Avoid Full-to-Empty arrangements — having the supplier refuel at their own rates is always significantly more expensive than doing it yourself at a nearby petrol station.

6. Check the Mileage Limit

Most rentals include a daily limit of 300–400 km. Excess kilometres are charged at around 3–5 TL each. If you're planning long drives between cities, ask for an unlimited mileage package upfront — it's usually available at a small extra cost.

7. Consider Adding an Extra Driver

If two people will share the driving, add the second driver to the contract at pick-up. Allowing an unregistered person to drive invalidates your insurance — no exceptions, regardless of the circumstances.

8. Ask About One-Way Drop-off Fees

Returning the car to a different city or airport from where you picked it up usually carries a one-way fee. Check this amount before booking — it can vary considerably between suppliers and routes, and is sometimes worth factoring into your overall travel plan.

9. The Deposit Is Significant

Expect a pre-authorisation of 3,000–10,000 TL on your credit card at pick-up. This is not a charge — it is a temporary hold that is released after a damage-free return, typically within 3–10 bank working days. Make sure your card has sufficient available credit before you travel.

10. Always Read the Cancellation Policy

The free cancellation window is usually 24–48 hours before pick-up. If your travel plans might change, book a "Flexible" rate — these allow free cancellation right up to one hour before pick-up. A no-show without cancelling generally results in a 100% charge.