Help centre · Romania

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Rental

Helpful answers about renting a car in Romania, from booking to return.

Rental conditions may vary by vehicle and supplier. Check your offer and rental agreement, and contact us if you have any special requirements.

Booking and choosing your car

What to check before choosing an offer.

What do I need to rent a car in Romania?

You will usually need a valid driving licence, an identity card or passport, and a bank card accepted for the security deposit, generally in the main driver’s name. Bring the original documents and your booking confirmation when you collect the car. Check the requirements of your offer in advance, especially if your driving licence was issued abroad.

  • A driving licence valid for the vehicle category throughout the rental period.
  • A valid original identity card or passport.
  • A card accepted for the deposit, with sufficient available funds.
  • Your booking confirmation and, where required, an International Driving Permit.

What is the minimum age to rent a car?

As a general guide, many offers are available to drivers aged 21 and over, but the minimum age varies by supplier and vehicle category. Additional conditions may apply to young drivers or certain car classes. Tell us the driver’s age before booking so we can check that an offer is suitable, rather than simply finding an available rate.

  • The minimum age is a condition of the specific offer, not a rule that applies to every car.
  • Also check whether the offer has a maximum age limit or a surcharge for certain age groups.

How do I make a booking, and when is it confirmed?

Choose your location, rental dates and car, review the offer, then submit the details requested in the form. Submitting a request does not automatically confirm the car. Check the team’s messages and make sure your booking has been accepted, the conditions are clear and any outstanding steps are completed before travelling to the pick-up point or considering your arrangements final.

  • Check the dates, times, locations and main driver’s details.
  • Keep your confirmation and the contact details for collection.
  • If you have a booking reference, include it in any follow-up messages.

What should I do if I don’t receive my confirmation email?

Check the email address you entered and look in your Spam, Junk or Promotions folders. If the message is still missing, or you are unsure whether your booking has been accepted, contact us with your name and request details. Please do not submit the same booking again before we check, to avoid duplicate requests or payments.

Can I book a car for the same day?

You can request a car for the same day, but availability and the time needed to prepare it must be confirmed. Contact us with your location, preferred collection time and rental period. For urgent requests, wait for confirmation of the car and collection arrangements before heading to the meeting point; a displayed rate does not guarantee immediate delivery.

Can I book a car for someone else?

Yes, you can request a booking for someone else using the details of the person who will drive and collect the car. The main driver must meet all the rental requirements and present the necessary documents. If someone else is paying, check separately which card will be accepted for the deposit at collection.

How can I find a good-value car rental deal?

Compare the total cost for the same dates, location and vehicle category. Consider the deposit, mileage, fuel policy, protection and optional extras, not just the daily rate. Searching in advance gives you more options to compare; the cheapest advertised offer is not always the best fit for your trip.

  • Enter the exact pick-up and return dates and times.
  • Compare offers with the same options included.
  • Check cancellation conditions and the deposit separately.

Find a car for your dates

How is the price calculated, and what counts as a rental day?

The price depends on your dates, location, vehicle category and selected options. A rental day usually means a 24-hour period starting at collection. Enter the exact times and check the total quoted price: late returns, minimum rental periods and any additional hours are handled according to the supplier’s conditions.

What should I consider when choosing a rental car?

Choose a car based on the number of passengers, your luggage, your route and the type of transmission you feel comfortable driving. Check the actual luggage capacity, vehicle category, fuel type and equipment you need. If you are travelling with children, taking a long trip or have special requirements, mention these before confirmation so the offer suits your journey.

Are all taxes and fees included in the rental price?

Check the total quoted price and the list of included services before confirming. Some options or arrangements may involve separate charges, such as an additional driver, a child seat, a different return location or out-of-hours service. The deposit is separate from the rental rate. If any charge is unclear, ask for an explanation before paying.

  • Request a total price for your itinerary and selected options.
  • Check the amounts payable at booking and collection.
  • Distinguish the refundable deposit from the cost of the service.
  • Check the total including applicable taxes, such as VAT where relevant, and what the offer says about maintenance and seasonal equipment.

Documents and drivers from abroad

Prepare the right documents before you travel.

How long must I have held my driving licence?

One year of driving experience is a common requirement in car rental offers, but the minimum period you must have held your licence depends on the supplier and vehicle category. Some offers may require a longer period. Tell us when you first obtained your licence before booking, especially if it has since been renewed or exchanged.

Can I rent a car if I’m a tourist or live abroad?

Yes, you can request a car rental in Romania if you live abroad. You must meet the conditions of the offer and have valid documents for collection and driving. Tell us which country issued your licence and which card you will use for the deposit, so any additional requirements can be clarified before you travel.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Whether you need an International Driving Permit depends on the country that issued your national driving licence and the recognition rules applicable in Romania. The supplier may also have its own document requirements. Do not assume that every foreign licence requires this permit. Check before travelling; where required, an International Driving Permit must be presented together with your national licence.

  • Tell us the issuing country and whether your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet.
  • Check the requirements of the relevant authorities and the supplier before booking.

Are photos or copies of my documents enough?

Bring your original documents when collecting the car. Copies or photos sent in advance may help verify the booking, but do not assume they replace the documents required at the rental desk. If you have a temporary document, have lost your licence or have an unusual situation, contact us before confirming or making a payment.

Do I need a credit card, or can I use a debit card?

The supplier determines which types of card are accepted for the deposit. A card that works for online payment is not automatically accepted for the security deposit. Check whether a credit card is required, whether it must be a physical card and whether it must be in the main driver’s name. For debit, virtual or prepaid cards, request confirmation before booking.

  • Check the card type, cardholder’s name, expiry date and available limit.
  • Do not assume that accepting a card brand means accepting every card product from that brand.
  • If you do not have the required card, clarify this before confirmation; do not assume another payment method can replace it.
  • Do not send your PIN, CVV or photos of your card by email or message.

Deposit, payment and protection

Understand what you pay and what amount may be held on your card.

What is the security deposit, and why is it required?

The security deposit is an amount held or collected at pick-up to cover potential obligations under the rental agreement, such as missing fuel, damage or other justified charges. It is not automatically a final expense. Check the amount, how the deposit is taken and the conditions for its release in your chosen offer, separately from the rental price.

  • Ask for an explanation of any deduction. The conditions may allow charges for missing fuel, damage, special cleaning, or keys, documents and accessories that are not returned.
  • Check the excess and applicable protection; damage alone does not explain the amount of any deduction.

What is the difference between the deposit and the excess?

The deposit is the amount held or collected to cover contractual obligations, while the excess is the portion of a loss you may remain responsible for under the applicable protection. These amounts are not necessarily the same. A reduced excess does not automatically mean there is no deposit or that every type of damage is covered in every situation.

Can I rent a car with a reduced deposit or no deposit?

Offers or protection options that reduce the deposit may be available, depending on the vehicle and supplier. Check the deposit, excess, exclusions and cost of the option separately. A no-deposit offer does not remove all contractual obligations, including those relating to fuel, fines or unauthorised use.

What insurance or protection should I check?

Check the protection included for your rental car, your liability in the event of damage or theft, and any exclusions. RCA, Romania’s compulsory third-party motor insurance, covers damage caused to third parties; it should not be confused with protection for damage to the rental car itself. Ask about the excess, the reporting procedure and what changes if you choose an additional option.

  • Check glass, tyres, keys and any other components listed in the exclusions separately.
  • Clarify whether the product reduces your liability to the supplier or requires you to claim reimbursement afterwards.
  • Request the conditions of any CASCO comprehensive insurance or additional protection mentioned in the offer; check the excess and exclusions.
  • Check the obligations and documents required in the event of theft or damage, and the circumstances in which protection may be limited.

When do I pay for the rental, and which payment methods can I use?

Payment timing and accepted methods depend on the offer you book. An advance payment or payment before collection may be required; do not assume that cash or every type of card will be accepted. Check the amount, payment deadline, currency and any exchange rate used. Paying for the rental and providing the deposit are separate transactions, and their requirements may differ.

How do I request an invoice for my rental?

Provide the correct billing details in advance and state whether the booking is for an individual or a company. Check your confirmation to see who issues the invoice for the service you have paid for and where to send your request. Keep your booking reference and proof of payment; if corrections are needed, contact the invoice issuer with the relevant information.

Collecting your car

From arriving at the airport to checking your vehicle.

Can I collect the car at the airport?

Airport pick-up may be available depending on the location and your chosen offer. Collection may involve meeting a representative, visiting a rental desk or taking a transfer to the pick-up location. Check the instructions in your confirmation, the meeting point and any charges, especially for late arrivals.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or I arrive later than agreed?

Notify the contact listed in your booking confirmation as soon as possible and provide your updated estimated arrival time. If you have your flight number, send it in advance, but do not assume your booking will be adjusted automatically. Vehicle availability, handover arrangements and any charges must be reconfirmed if your arrival time changes.

  • If you do not yet know your flight number, send it once available and reconfirm your collection details.

What should I check when collecting the car?

Check the car’s condition, fuel level, odometer reading and accessories together with the representative. Ask for any existing damage to be recorded before signing the handover form, and keep clear photos. Confirm the return location and time, the assistance number and how to use any unfamiliar controls, especially in a hybrid or electric model.

  • Bodywork, windows, tyres and interior.
  • Fuel or battery charge level, odometer reading and accessories.
  • The documents provided and any damage recorded on the handover form.

Will I receive the exact model shown in the photo?

An offer marked “or similar” refers to a vehicle category, not necessarily the model, make or colour shown in the photo. Check the features that matter to you, such as transmission, seating and luggage space. If you need a specific model or feature, request explicit confirmation before booking.

Can the car be delivered to my hotel or another address?

You can request delivery to a hotel, home or another address, depending on the supplier and availability. Provide the full address, preferred time and a phone number. Ask for confirmation of the meeting point and any charge; do not assume that delivery to any address is included in the advertised rate.

Can I collect or return the car outside opening hours?

Out-of-hours collection or return must be arranged in advance and may be subject to additional conditions or charges. Confirm whether you will meet a representative or use an unattended return procedure. Request written instructions for parking, keys and vehicle inspection, including when your contractual responsibility ends.

During your rental

Drivers, routes, mileage and unexpected situations.

Can someone else drive the rental car?

The car must only be driven by drivers authorised by the supplier and listed in the rental agreement. Any additional driver must meet the requirements and present the requested documents. Let us know in advance if you plan to share the driving; the number of permitted drivers and any charge must be checked for your chosen offer before the car is used.

Can I take the rental car outside Romania?

Cross-border travel requires the supplier’s prior approval and the documents needed for your route. Tell us every country you intend to visit or travel through. Check the permitted territory, protection, assistance and any charges; crossing a border without checks does not replace the rental company’s permission.

Is there a mileage limit?

The included mileage varies by offer: it may be unlimited, or there may be a daily limit or a limit for the entire rental period. Check the allowance, how it is calculated and the excess mileage charge before confirming. For long journeys or trips abroad, provide your planned route so the offer matches your intended use.

What should I do if the car breaks down?

Stop somewhere safe if the situation requires it, and contact the supplier using the number in your rental agreement or confirmation. Describe the problem and follow the instructions you receive. Do not arrange repairs or towing yourself without approval, except for urgent measures required for safety. Assistance and any replacement vehicle will be arranged according to the agreement and the specific circumstances.

  • For incidents outside booking office hours, use the assistance contact listed in your agreement. Check the service hours and coverage area when collecting the car.

What should I do in the event of an accident?

Everyone’s safety comes first. If anyone is injured or there is an emergency, call 112 and follow the authorities’ instructions. Then notify the supplier as soon as possible using the contact details in your agreement. Keep the documents and information relating to the incident; the required formalities depend on the circumstances. Do not assume that an informal conversation replaces the necessary documents.

  • Notify the supplier if you notice a scratch or other damage, even if you are not aware of an accident. Ask how to document the situation.
  • Do not repair any damage before receiving approval, and keep any available evidence.

Who pays for the Romanian road vignette, tolls and parking?

Check which road charges are included and confirm with the supplier that the Romanian road vignette (rovinieta) is valid for the car and your rental period. It should not be confused with parking fees, bridge tolls or charges in other countries. Clarify who pays these along your route, and keep proof of payment in case it is needed later.

Changes and extensions

What to do when your travel plans change.

Can I extend my rental period?

You can request an extension before your agreement expires, but it only becomes valid once the supplier approves it. Vehicle availability and the rate for the additional period must be reconfirmed. Ask for confirmation of the new return date and payment conditions. Keeping the car beyond the agreed time without permission does not automatically extend the rental.

How do I change a booking?

Contact us with your booking reference and the change you would like to make: dates, location, vehicle category or options. Changes are subject to availability and the booking conditions, and the price may be recalculated. Treat the change as confirmed once you receive the updated details. If you have already collected the car, send your request directly to the supplier.

Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?

You can request a cancellation, but whether you receive a refund and how much you receive depend on the booking conditions and when you make the request. Check the rules before paying and keep your cancellation confirmation. Do not assume that every offer includes free cancellation or that failing to collect the car is treated in the same way as cancelling in advance.

Read the booking terms

Can I return the car in another city or at a different location?

Returning the car to a different location may be possible if the supplier accepts and confirms it. Specify your pick-up and return locations from the start so you receive an accurate quote. If your plans change after collection, ask for approval before leaving the car elsewhere; additional charges may apply.

Returning the car and ending your rental

Final checks and questions after return.

How much fuel should be in the car when I return it?

Follow the fuel policy stated in your offer and rental agreement. A common arrangement is to return the car with the same fuel level as at collection, but check the policy for your booking. Keep your fuel receipt and take a photo of the gauge at return. For electric vehicles, clarify the required battery charge level and any applicable charges.

What happens if I return the car late or early?

Notify the supplier as soon as you know your return time will change. A late return may incur charges and requires approval; do not assume there is a grace period. Returning early does not guarantee a refund for unused days. Ask for confirmation of the conditions and return location before changing your plans.

When is the deposit released?

The deposit is released or refunded after the checks specified in the agreement, provided there are no justified deductions. Your bank may also affect how long it takes for the funds to become available again. Ask for proof that the rental has been closed and, if the funds are delayed, first check with the supplier whether the release has been initiated.

What should I do if I receive a fine or a payment request after returning the car?

Request supporting documents and check the dates, vehicle and explanation of the amount requested. Fines, parking fees, tolls or certain contractual charges may be notified later. If you disagree, submit a written complaint to the issuer or supplier, as appropriate, and keep your agreement, photos and proof of payment.

What should I check when returning the car?

Return the car at the agreed place and time, check the fuel or battery charge level, and hand back the keys, documents and accessories provided. Take photos of the car’s condition and ask for the return inspection to be recorded. If no representative is present, follow the procedure confirmed in writing, keep proof of return and then check that the rental has been closed.

  • Check the interior and boot for personal belongings.
  • Compare the return inspection findings with the collection handover form.
  • Request explanations and supporting documents for any additional charges.

Other requirements and services

Options for needs beyond a standard car rental.

Can I request a child seat or other accessories?

Yes, you can request additional equipment when booking, subject to availability. For a child seat, provide your child’s age, height and weight so a suitable option can be checked. Confirm the cost and availability before collection, and check the equipment’s condition and installation before setting off.

Can I rent a car long-term or for a company?

You can request a quote for a longer rental period or for a company. Provide the expected duration, mileage, intended use and billing details. The conditions may differ from a short-term rental, including the deposit, maintenance and termination of the agreement. Request a proposal tailored to your needs before comparing costs.

Explore long-term car rental

Can I request a replacement car after an accident?

You can ask us to check a mobility solution while your own car cannot be used. Whether the cost can be covered through RCA third-party motor insurance or an optional insurance policy depends on the circumstances, documents and applicable conditions. Contact us before arranging the service to clarify the procedure, duration and who pays, rather than assuming approval is automatic.

Learn about replacement cars

When should I contact Promotor, and when should I contact the supplier?

Promotor helps you choose and arrange your booking through partner suppliers. After collection, contact the supplier listed in your rental agreement directly for vehicle issues, assistance or extensions. You can also message us for help with communication. For deliveries, paid transport or any other special use, request approval before booking.

Haven’t found your answer?

Tell us your rental dates, location and question. If you already have a booking, include your booking reference so we can find the details more easily.

If you have a problem with a car you have already collected, first use the supplier’s number in your rental agreement.

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