A detailed car rental guide should explain much more than how to select a vehicle. Before collection, travellers should understand the required documents, security deposit, authorized drivers, vehicle inspection, return procedure and the rules that apply throughout the rental period.
Renting a car involves a contractual agreement, and some conditions can vary according to the rental period, driver’s experience, route, vehicle category and selected protection.
This car rental guide covers the main stages of an ExpediCAR rental, from preparing your documents to returning the vehicle at the end of the journey.
What to check before renting a car
Start by confirming the collection and return locations, dates and times.
A rental day is defined contractually as a 24-hour period, while the actual rental period begins when the vehicle is handed over and ends when it is returned according to the agreement.
If you intend to return the vehicle somewhere other than the original collection point, this needs to be selected or confirmed in advance.
The vehicle category should also match the journey. Passenger numbers, luggage, urban or intercity driving and the amount of time you expect to spend behind the wheel can all influence the most suitable choice.
Documents needed to rent a car
The main driver must present the required original documents when the rental agreement is signed.
ExpediCAR requires a valid original driving licence, an identity document and an eligible credit card for the security deposit. The credit card must remain valid for at least three months after the rental agreement ends.
Virtual and prepaid cards and some other card types do not meet the requirements for the security deposit. Fintech cards such as Revolut, Monese and N26 may be used to pay for rental services but are not accepted for the deposit.
An International Driving Permit may also be required for certain licences issued outside Romania.
Any additional driver must be declared and included in the rental agreement before driving the vehicle.
Driver experience and eligibility
Rental conditions can also depend on the driver’s age and driving experience.
ExpediCAR applies additional contractual conditions to drivers who have held their licence for less than three years. Specific provisions also apply to some age groups.
The age and driving experience entered during booking process should therefore be accurate.
Additional drivers must meet the same eligibility requirements and must be authorized in the rental agreement.
Security deposit and deductible
The security deposit and deductible are not the same thing.
The security deposit is the amount held to cover potential contractual liabilities resulting from damage, theft or other breaches of the rental agreement.
The deductible is the financial liability that can remain with the customer in certain damage or theft situations, depending on the protection and vehicle category specified in the booking.
The exact conditions should always be checked for the selected vehicle and rental agreement.
Understanding CDW, TP, SCDW and SCDW+
ExpediCAR uses several protection levels to determine the customer’s financial responsibility.
CDW – Collision Damage Waiver limits financial responsibility for vehicle damage under the terms of the agreement while retaining an applicable deductible.
TP – Theft Protection limits financial responsibility for theft or attempted theft in accordance with the rental conditions. It does not cover personal belongings left in the vehicle.
SCDW – Super Collision Damage Waiver can reduce the applicable security deposit and deductible.
SCDW+ – Super Cover Plus provides a higher level of protection in the event of an accident or theft, while contractual exclusions and customer obligations continue to apply.
No protection should be understood as a permission to ignore the rules of the rental agreement.
What to inspect before you drive away
Vehicle handover is recorded in the collection report.
Before leaving, check the bodywork, interior, wheels, tyres, glass, fuel level and any accessories listed in the document.
Existing damage should already be recorded accurately.
By signing the collection report, the customer confirms the condition in which the vehicle and its accessories were received.
Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the vehicle controls before driving away, particularly if the transmission or driver-assistance systems are unfamiliar.
Important rules during the rental
Only authorized drivers listed in the agreement may drive the vehicle.
The car must remain on roads intended for normal public traffic and must not be used on unpaved roads, closed roads, flooded areas or other surfaces with an increased risk of damage.
The vehicle must not be used for ridesharing, taxi services, driving instruction, racing, towing or illegal activities.
Smoking is prohibited.
Pets may be carried only under the conditions set out in the agreement, using appropriate closed carriers, bags or protective covers.
Technical problems should be reported immediately. Repairs or other interventions must not be arranged without approval.
Mileage and rental duration
Mileage conditions should be checked for the specific booking rather than assumed.
Current ExpediCAR terms include particular mileage conditions for some short rentals, long-term rentals and journeys outside Romania.
For that reason, travellers planning a long route or several intercity journeys should confirm the mileage allowance shown in their booking and rental agreement.
Can you take a rental car outside Romania?
Yes, but only with prior written approval.
International travel is subject to special conditions and is limited to countries accepted under the agreement and the approval provided by ExpediCAR.
Different mileage, deposit and liability conditions may apply.
Do not cross the Romanian border in the rental vehicle without explicit confirmation, even when travelling to another EU country.
What to do if the vehicle breaks down
ExpediCAR provides roadside assistance in Romania for covered technical breakdowns during the rental period.
If a problem occurs, stop safely and contact support.
Do not continue driving if doing so could worsen the problem and do not arrange repairs without approval.
Depending on the situation and availability, a replacement vehicle may be provided under the applicable rental conditions.
What to do after an accident or damage
If the vehicle is involved in an accident, damaged or stolen, contact ExpediCAR immediately and follow the instructions provided.
Depending on the circumstances, an accident statement or Police documentation may be required.
When more than two vehicles are involved, anyone is injured, or the vehicle hits an animal or another obstacle, the contractual procedure requires the competent authorities to be contacted (where applicable).
Keep all documents issued in connection with the incident.
Failure to follow the damage procedure can significantly affect the customer’s financial responsibility regardless of the protection selected.
Preparing the car for return
The vehicle should be returned with the fuel level recorded at collection.
Always check the correct fuel type before refuelling.
The car should also be returned in a condition that allows it to be properly inspected.
Any differences compared with the original condition are recorded during the return procedure.
Remove personal belongings and return all documents, keys and accessories supplied with the vehicle.
Can you return the vehicle to another location?
A different return point may be possible, but it requires approval.
If your plans change after collection, contact ExpediCAR before changing the agreed return location.
Do not leave the vehicle somewhere else without confirmation.
The rental is completed through the agreed handover and vehicle inspection procedure.
Extending the rental period
If you need the vehicle for longer than originally booked, request an extension before the current rental period expires.
Keeping the vehicle beyond the agreed return time does not automatically extend the agreement.
Any new rental period must be confirmed.
Car rental guide: final checks before driving away
Before starting your journey, make sure your documents are valid, every person who will drive is authorised, and you understand the deposit, deductible and protection conditions.
Check the vehicle condition and collection report before signing.
If you intend to cross the Romanian border, return the vehicle to another location or extend the booking, obtain confirmation before changing the original arrangements.
A good car rental guide helps you resolve these questions before the journey begins rather than after a problem occurs.
