Across 36 destinations, Localrent car cards differ most on deposit, mileage, insurance and cancellation. Read every card fully before paying the advance. This checklist follows the order of a typical card, then covers pick-up and return.
Localrent is an intermediary that lists cars of local, independent rental companies. It does not own the cars. The contract is signed with the local company, and your conditions are fixed in your voucher. For the full booking flow, see how Localrent works.
Start with the company, model and year
The car card names a specific local rental company. Note that name, because the company is your contract partner. It hands over the keys and handles the car during your trip.
Next, check the model and year. The median car year across the snapshot is 2022. Years range from 2015 to 2024, so the year line deserves attention.
- Compare the photos with the model named on the card.
- Check the transmission. The median automatic share is 98.5%, but the lowest destination sits at 43%.
- Look at seats and boot space if you travel with luggage.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that suits motorways and city streets. A small SUV suits the mountain roads beyond Tbilisi (TBS) in Georgia. It also suits the Troodos roads in Cyprus.
Check the deposit and how it is paid
If a car needs a deposit, the card shows its amount and how it can be paid. Some cars need no deposit at all. Across the snapshot, the median no-deposit share is 56%. It ranges from 0% to 100% by destination.
Use the no-deposit filter in search to see only those cars. The no-deposit guide shows where they are common. If a deposit applies, check whether cash is accepted for it.
The median cash-deposit share is 38.5%, and Bangkok leads that list. See cash deposit car rental for more. Search also has a no credit card filter, with a median share of 100%. The deposit explainer covers the topic in more detail.
Understand payment: advance online, rest at pick-up
To confirm a car, you pay an advance online by bank card. Cash is not accepted for the advance. The rest is paid to the rental company at pick-up.
The card lists the payment methods for that balance. Some companies take cash, others take cards. Check this line before travel, so you arrive with the right method.
- Advance: online, by bank card only.
- Balance: at pick-up, to the local company.
- Methods: exactly as shown on that car card.
Read mileage, insurance and extras
Mileage terms sit on the card. Unlimited mileage is the norm in many places, with a median share of 98%. Yet the lowest destination shows 0%, so limits do exist. If a cap applies, estimate your route distance first.
A coastal road trip from Antalya (AYT) in Turkey covers long distances. A capped allowance can run out fast on such a route.
Insurance terms differ by company. The card states what cover is included and what extra cover is offered. Read the wording on your own liability carefully. Check whether tyres, glass or underbody are mentioned at all.
Extras such as child seats or a second driver may also appear. Confirm them on the card rather than assuming they are available.
Note cancellation, delivery and driver rules
Cancellation terms are on the card and in the voucher. The median free cancellation share is only 36%. It ranges from 16% to 95%, with Abu Dhabi at the top. Note the exact deadline and its time zone.
The free cancellation guide lists destinations where flexible terms are common. Use it if your plans may change.
Delivery is the next line. Free delivery appears on a median 17% of cars, with a high of 64% in Mahe. Check whether airport or hotel delivery is free or paid on your card.
Minimum driver age and licence rules are set by each company. They appear on the car card. Young drivers and new licence holders should read this line first.
Prepare your documents
Bring the documents the car card and voucher ask for. Read the licence rules, as some companies may ask for an international permit. If the card mentions one, carry it.
- Voucher, printed or saved offline.
- Driving licence that meets the company rules.
- Passport or national ID.
- Payment method for the balance and any deposit.
Do pick-up and return checks
At pick-up, walk around the car with the company representative. Photograph every panel, every wheel and the windscreen. Take a short video of the interior and dashboard.
- Record the fuel level and mileage on the dashboard.
- Mark existing scratches and dents on the handover sheet.
- Test lights, air conditioning and wipers.
- Confirm the return place, time and a contact number.
At return, repeat the photos in similar light if possible. Match the fuel level with the agreed policy. Ask the company to confirm the car is accepted without new damage. Keep all photos until the rental is fully closed.
Quick checklist before you pay
- Company name and contact.
- Model, year and transmission.
- Deposit amount and how it is paid.
- Balance payment methods at pick-up.
- Mileage limit.
- Insurance included and extras.
- Cancellation deadline.
- Delivery terms.
- Age and licence rules.
The figures above come from a snapshot of public Localrent search results. See the methodology for how they were collected. Browse all destinations to compare markets.