Car Rental in Croatia - What You Should Know

Renting a Car in Croatia

If you want to rent a car in Croatia, there are some questions that we would like to answer for you. For example, you should always make sure that the right insurance has been taken out. But which is the right insurance and what other things should you pay attention to? We will also go into more detail on the question of how a holiday with the dog is arranged, whether they are allowed in rental cars, and similar topics. You will also find general tips on the topic of rental cars in Croatia so that you are prepared for everything and know exactly what to look out for.

Find Rental Cars in Croatia

Where can you find the best rental car, in the right region, for the cheapest price? We have compiled a selection of different rental companies and comparison portals for you, so that you can find the right one for you.

Which Car Do I Need?

Then, of course, the question arises as to which is the right car for your own vacation. You have to think about various factors, such as how many people you are traveling with, where you want to drive, and of course how expensive the car can be during the vacation. The selection varies from small cars, which can drive through narrow streets, to spacious limousines as travel cars, to SUVs for off-road, convertibles, or minibuses for several people and lots of space. Although the road network in Croatia is quite well developed nowadays, and there are many new highways, there are still country roads that are less well developed, or small streets that are quite narrow. To be able to reach all places without any problems, it is best to rent a small, maneuverable car. This will save you a lot of trouble. Also, you should pay attention in advance to how much luggage you will take with you, or then rent the right car with a lot of space on site, as small cars have an even smaller trunk. Also, in hot temperatures, you should make sure that the car has air conditioning. It is initially secondary what kind of car is ultimately rented.

These Documents You Need:

ID card / passport
Valid driver's license (if the driver's license is not in Latin script, then an international driver's license)
Valid payment method (credit card or Girocard) Note: When paying with Girocard, a registration certificate must be presented.

The Right Insurance for Your Rental Car

To avoid being stuck with the costs in the event of an accident or theft in Croatia, choosing the right insurance for the rental car is very important. We recommend booking a car with comprehensive insurance, without deductible, or with only a small deductible to be sufficiently protected. Usually, the offers without deductible are not much more expensive than those with, and you are much better protected in case of damage. Most rental cars in Croatia already include liability and comprehensive insurance in the price. You should inform yourself about this in advance, as different providers have different offers. If an accident happens, call the police directly at “92” and the rescue service at “94”.

Tips for Vehicle Handover

In Croatia, you often get rental cars very cheaply, which is of course very good, but on the other hand, you have to read the rental conditions carefully beforehand to avoid hidden costs. Also, you should inspect the car again carefully at the vehicle handover and have any damages, such as dents or scratches, confirmed in a damage report. This should be done so that you are not held liable for already existing damages when returning the rental car. Also, all important things, such as lights, indicators, brakes, etc., should be tested during the vehicle handover.

Deposit for Rental Cars in Croatia

A deposit serves as security for the rental car providers. With almost all providers, you have to pay with a credit card or Girocard. Most providers deduct the deposit directly from the credit card and refund it after the return. However, additional costs often arise from the credit card providers or banks, and there is often a delay in getting the money back. Therefore, it is better to book with a provider who only blocks the amount on the credit card and then releases it directly again. For example, with Sixt: https://www.sixt.de/mietwagen/kroatien

Fuel Policy for Rental Cars in Croatia

With most rental companies, the principle of “full-full” applies. This means that the car is rented out completely full but must also be returned full. This is the best and fairest solution, as it is easy to verify. Some rental companies rent the tank with a half-empty tank, and you have to return the car with the same fuel level. This is difficult to achieve exactly the same fuel level, so you usually fill up a little more. There is no penalty if you do not follow these fuel policies, as it can always happen that you do not manage to refuel in time. If this happens, the tank will be refueled by an employee, and you will have to pay a refueling fee. This fee varies from rental company to rental company and from fuel price to fuel price.

Rental Cars with Dogs in Croatia

In general, it is not a problem to transport dogs, cats, or other small animals in the rental car. Usually, no additional costs arise. However, you should inquire with the rental company beforehand, as this can vary from provider to provider. Of course, you should also pay attention to the cleanliness of the rental car and, if necessary, use a dog box.

Traffic Rules in Croatia

In general, similar traffic rules apply as in Germany. In Croatia, you must always carry your driver's license, as well as an ID card or passport, and the rental car's vehicle documents. There is an absolute alcohol ban at the wheel in Croatia, i.e., 0.00 per mille, and a violation can cost between 94 - 2,000€. If you phone without a hands-free device, it costs from 70€, speeding from 40€, running a red light from 140€, and ignoring a parking ban from 40€. In urban areas, you can drive 50 km/h, outside urban areas 90 km/h, and on highways, you can drive 130 km/h. Also, the low beam must be switched on during the day, and like in Germany, there is a mandatory warning vest requirement throughout Croatia.

German Rental Companies in Croatia

In general, it is easier to book with a rental company known in Germany, as many things are spared, and many things are safer. An advantage, for example, is that you can rent cars easily from home via the internet, and you have a wide selection of rental companies, such as Sixt, Europcar, etc. Also, there are nowadays many German rental companies with branches all over Croatia, which is also very practical due to the German language and no understanding problems. The price/performance ratio is usually the same as with local dealers on site.

https://www.sixt.de

https://www.europcar.de

https://www.avis.de

Our Conclusion - Is Renting a Car in Croatia a Good Idea?

In summary, renting a car is a good idea as it does not come with many disadvantages and you only need to pay attention to small things. As long as you adhere to these, nothing stands in the way of a vacation with a rental car in Croatia. We hope that we have been able to alleviate your doubts and answer all your questions.