When planning your trip to Dubrovnik, one of the most efficient ways to explore is by renting a car. But navigating through car rental options can sometimes be tricky with hidden costs or unclear details. Let’s make sure you have a smooth experience when you #rentacar in #Dubrovnik.
The Importance of Checking Rental Details
Whether you’re visiting Croatia for the first time or returning, renting a car is a great way to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. However, when booking, be sure to pay attention to key details like pick-up and drop-off locations, rental duration, border crossing fees, and additional charges. These can affect the final cost and experience of your trip.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
The rental price often depends on where you pick up and return the car. Many agencies offer pick-up at Dubrovnik Airport or in the city center. If you choose to pick up from a location farther from your destination, be sure to check if any additional transport fees apply.
Age and Insurance Fees
Renting a car in Dubrovnik generally requires drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, be aware that you may incur extra charges for being a young driver. Additionally, the basic coverage (CDW) is often included, but it’s important to verify if additional coverage like WUG (wheels, underside, and glass) or SCDW (super collision damage waiver) is needed.
Fuel and Maintenance
It’s crucial to consider the car’s fuel consumption before choosing a vehicle. Larger vehicles might have better fuel efficiency. Also, remember that if any damage occurs to the car, a police report is essential to ensure insurance coverage.
Hidden Fees: What to Look Out For
When renting a car, many people overlook certain charges, leading to unpleasant surprises at the counter.
Border Crossing Fees
If you plan to travel across borders, such as to Montenegro or Bosnia, check with your rental provider if additional border-crossing fees apply. This could save you from unexpected charges when picking up your car.
Ferry Costs
Renting a car for a trip to the Croatian islands? Keep in mind that rental companies often charge extra for ferry crossings. If you need to take your rental on a ferry to an island, check with the agency beforehand about additional costs.
Categories and which car to choose
Rental agencies use two different symbols:
| CODE | GROUP | DESCRIPTION | CAR TYPE |
| A | MDMR | Mini/4porte/ Manual/AC | Fiat 500, VW Up |
| B | EMDR | Economy/4porte/Manual/AC | Ford Fiesta, VW Polo |
| C | EDAR | Economy/4porte/Autom/AC | Ford Fiesta aut, VW Polo aut |
| D | CDMR | Compact/4porte/Manual/AC | Skoda rapid ou similaire |
| E | IDMR | Intermediate/4porte/Manual/AC | VW Golf, Ford Focus |
| F | IWAR | Intermediate/Wagon/Manual/AC | Ford Focus SW, Peugeot 308 SW |
| G | IFAR | Intermediate/SUV/Aut/AC | Nissan Qashqai aut |
| H | IDAR | Intermediate/4door/Aut/AC | VW Golf aut, Audi A3 aut |
| I | SDMR | Standard/4-door/Manual/AC | Skoda Octavia |
| J | IWAR | Intermediate/Wagon/Aut/AC | Skoda Octavia SW aut |
| K | SDAR | Standard/4porte/Aut/AC | VW Passat aut, Ford Mondeo aut |
| M | MVAR | Minivan/aut/AC/5+2 | Citroën Grand Picasso 5+2 aut |
| N | FVMR | Fullsize/Van/Manual/AC | Opel Vivaro 8 + 1 |
| Z | FVAR | Premium/Van/Aut/AC | Ford Transit Tourneo 8 + 1 aut |
| O | FFAR | Fullsize/4WD/Aut/AC | Mitsubishi Outlander 4×4 aut |
| R | LDAR aut | Luxury/4porte/Aut/AC | Mercedes Benz E aut, Audi A6 |
| S | PFAR | Premium/4WD/Aut/AC | Subaru Outback 4×4 aut |
| T | PTAR | Premium/Cabriolet/Aut/AC | Audi A3 Sedan Cabrio aut |
| W | LFAR | Luxury/4WD/Aut/AC | Mercedes GLE 350 4×4 |
As well as the rental price often determining the category to choose, my advice is to check the fuel consumption as it is sometimes better to choose a larger category due to lower fuel consumption.
The security deposit
The local car rental agency requires a deposit for the vehicle. This amount is blocked on the main driver’s credit card when the vehicle is picked up. The deposit is required by the rental company as security for the vehicle in the event of damage or theft during the rental period.
Basic coverage (CDW)
When you reserve a vehicle, the basic rate includes :
– third-party liability
– vehicle damage
– theft protection
In the event of damage to the vehicle, whatever your fault, you are required to contact the police to file a police report. With a police report, the insurance company will cover the damage. If no police report is made, the insurance will not cover the damage incurred and the customer is obliged to pay the full amount. If the car breaks down, the customer is obliged to contact the service provider using the contact details he received when picking up the vehicle, which will direct him to further steps. Even with the slightest malfunction or cracked tire, the customer must not voluntarily take the vehicle in for repair, but must follow the service provider’s instructions.
Additional coverage
WUG – (wheels, underside and glass insurance) – By paying this fee, the contract covers destruction/damage to tires, rims or rim covers, destruction/damage to the vehicle’s underbody and windshield. WUG does not cover the risk of damage to the interior of the vehicle (unless caused by an accident).
SCDW – super collision damage waiver If the customer has CDW + insurance, his liability for vehicle damage is reduced to zero, i.e. in the event of vehicle damage, the customer does not pay the deductible.
CDW + does not cover the following risks: destruction/damage to tires, rims or rim covers, destruction/damage to the lower structure of the vehicle, the interior of the vehicle (unless the interior is damaged in an accident) and windows.
Payment method
Do you need a credit card to rent a car? Yes, even if you pay for your reservation through your bank account. The main driver, i.e. the person whose name you specify when booking, must present a valid credit card registered in his/her name, with a sufficiently high limit to cover the security deposit (or guarantee) at the time of pick-up. Prepaid credit cards and debit cards are not accepted. Cash deposits are also not accepted.
Support :
When you pick up your rental car, you’ll need to show the rental agency your booking voucher, driving license, passport or identity card and valid credit card. Debit cards or prepaid credit cards are not accepted. When you pick up your vehicle, you and the employee will check it over. The rental company is obliged to inform you of any damage to the car (if any). Don’t be in a hurry, because if you haven’t noticed any damage, it can be charged to you at the drop-off. Take photos of the vehicle, ask for explanations – it’s imperative!
Maybe you’re late for the ferry or something, but don’t hurry with the pick-up! At the pick-up they give you all the essential information about the car: the carbonate, the contact person you have to contact in case of problems with the car, the police number… After checking, the rental company gives you the documents and you’re ready for your stay!
Return of the car:
When you pick up your vehicle, the rental company will explain the handover procedure. On each reservation form, you’ll find the addresses of the offices and their opening hours. In the event of a drop-off outside opening hours, the rental company will explain exactly where to park the vehicle and where to leave the documents and keys. If anything is missing, contact the number indicated on the booking form.