Car Rental Pick-Up: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Your car rental booking is confirmed, your travel plans are in place, and all that’s left is to pick up your vehicle. At Last Minute rent a car, the pick-up process usually takes just 5 to 10 minutes.

Still, knowing a few things in advance can make your experience even easier, especially if you're planning to share the driving, need to arrange a car rental deposit, or are arriving at the airport outside opening hours.

Here's everything you need to know before collecting your rental car and hitting the road.

Rental Car Pick-Up Takes Just a Few Minutes

Picking up your rental car usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

If more than one person will be driving during your rental, make sure all additional drivers are registered at pick-up. Each driver must be listed on the rental agreement and present a valid driving licence and an ID card or passport. All drivers must also meet the rental requirements.

Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are allowed to drive the vehicle. If someone who isn't registered drives the car, the agreed rental terms and insurance coverage will not apply, and any additional costs will be the responsibility of the rental agreement holder or main driver.

How Do Payment and Car Rental Deposits Work?

The agreed car rental price and any additional services are paid for when you collect your vehicle. Payment can be made in cash or by debit or credit card.

A car rental deposit is also required at pick-up. This is arranged through a credit card pre-authorisation, with the amount depending on the vehicle category and the coverage package you've selected.

The credit card doesn't necessarily have to be in the driver's name. However, the cardholder must be present at pick-up to sign the pre-authorisation consent form. They don't need to be listed as a driver on the rental agreement.

Take a Moment to Inspect Your Rental Car

Before hitting the road, take a moment to inspect your rental car and compare any existing damage with the vehicle condition report provided with your rental agreement.

By signing the report, you confirm that the vehicle's condition matches the information recorded in the document. If you notice any damage that hasn't been listed, contact the rental location where you picked up the vehicle so it can be checked.

It's a simple step, but an important part of the car rental pick-up process.

Don't Forget to Check the Fuel Level

Your rental car doesn't necessarily come with a full tank of fuel. The rule is simple: return the vehicle with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up.

If you return the car with more fuel than it had at pick-up, the difference cannot be refunded.

So, before setting off, take a quick look at the fuel gauge. That way, you'll know how much fuel should be in the tank when it's time to return the vehicle.

Arriving at the Airport Outside Opening Hours?

If your flight arrives late in the evening or outside regular opening hours, rental car pick-up can still be arranged with a confirmed reservation.

A staff member will be available to hand over your vehicle, and an additional out-of-hours pick-up fee applies according to the current rates.

When making your car rental booking, always provide the correct flight number. Without a valid flight number, Last Minute rent a car is not obliged to confirm an out-of-hours pick-up.

Ready to Hit the Road?

A little preparation goes a long way when picking up a rental car. Make sure all drivers are registered, have everything ready for payment and the deposit, and take a moment to check the vehicle's condition and fuel level.

Once those details are taken care of, you're ready to enjoy your journey.

Have more questions about your car rental in Croatia? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about deposits, coverage packages, cross-border travel, ferry trips and returning your rental car.