Renting a car while travelling: Essential steps

1. Plan your car rental early

Start your research as early as possible to have more options:

• Vehicle categories
• Available add-ons and options
• Transmission types: manual (standard in Europe) or automatic (more common in North America)

Choose your rental car based on your budget, the number of travellers, and most importantly, luggage space — which varies significantly from one vehicle category to another.

Your CAA-Quebec travel counsellor can help you find the right rental vehicle at the best price. When comparing rates, check whether the quoted price is for 5 days or 7 days.

2. Check whether you need an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your driver’s licence into approximately ten languages. Only CAA-Quebec can issue an IDP in Quebec, and it cannot be obtained once you’ve reached your destination. An IDP may be required by:

• The country you are visiting
• The local car rental agency

3. Confirm your insurance coverage before renting a vehicle

Before renting a vehicle in Quebec, Canada, or abroad, make sure you have adequate rental car coverage:

What you need to verify:

• Your personal auto insurance policy (e.g., do you have the Q.E.F. No. 27 endorsement, required for rentals in Canada and the United States?)
• The coverage provided by your credit card rental car insurance
• The options included in your travel insurance (physical damage to the rental vehicle)

What you must have covered:

• Third-party liability (minimum $2 million in the United States)
• Vehicle damage coverage

If your coverage is insufficient, purchase additional coverage through the rental company. Note that certain items may not be covered: tires, windows, mirrors, and the underside of the vehicle.

For more information, refer to:

• Car rental and insurance: Your best coverage options
• Travel with confidence anywhere in the world (in French only) from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)

4. Gather all the information you need for your reservation

Before booking, have the following ready:

• Exact pick-up and drop-off dates and times. Allow extra time if needed, as a late return could result in an additional charges.
• Pick-up and return location: Airport, downtown, etc.
• Number of passengers: Adults and children.
• Special equipment: Child car seats (book early, not available everywhere), GPS, bike rack, ski rack, etc. Payable on-site at vehicle pick-up.
• Luggage quantity and dimensions.
• Your flight number and airline name if picking up the vehicle at the airport. In case of a delay, reservations are typically held for up to 2 hours.

If you require vehicle insurance, this is also the time to indicate it.

Important rental conditions

• All drivers must meet the rental requirements: minimum age and a valid driver’s licence held for at least 1 year;
• Drivers under 25 are often subject to a young driver surcharge;
• Some countries restrict car rentals for drivers over 70 or 75 years of age.

Payment and security deposit

Pay for your car rental reservation using a credit card in your name (not prepaid), valid for the duration of your trip. Present it at vehicle pick-up and ensure that your available credit covers the full security deposit car rental amount.

5. Review your rental agreement

Before driving away with your vehicle:

• Read your car rental agreement carefully: You are responsible for everything you initial and sign;
• Provide a copy of your insurance documentation in both French and English if using your own insurance or your credit card’s coverage;
• Note any existing damage and the fuel level;
• Take photos of the vehicle.

Hidden or unexpected fees are relatively rare with car rentals, but errors do occur. Unfortunately, many customers sign without reviewing—take the time to read the fine prints. The contract must always reflect your reservation exactly. Ask questions if needed.

If you encounter any issues, contact your rental provider’s customer support line before leaving with the vehicle. The number is typically found on your rental voucher.

6. Drive safely during your trip

• Fill up with the correct fuel type (diesel or gasoline);
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations: Toll roads, speed limits, parking restrictions, and restricted zones in tourist areas;
• Purchase a toll sticker or transponder if required;
• In the event of an accident, contact the rental company. Follow the procedure to have the vehicle towed and to receive a replacement vehicle.

7. Prepare your vehicle for return

Before returning the car:

• Fill up the tank. Fuel purchased at the counter is well above the standard market price;
• Inspect the vehicle;
• Be on time! Late return fees can be quite high.

Once on-site, review your invoice and verify that the charges applied to your credit card are correct.

Good to know: Additional fees (approximately $50) may be added if you receive a traffic fine during your trip.

Car rental FAQ

1. Is a one-way car rental useful?
It can be very practical, as it saves you from retracing your route. Rental car drop-off fees may apply and vary depending on the rental company, vehicle category, travel dates, and destination.

2. Should I take out additional insurance when renting a car?
Check your auto insurance, travel insurance, and credit card coverage first. If third-party liability or vehicle damage is not fully covered, purchase insurance through the rental agency.

3. Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?
Yes, in many countries or depending on the rental agency’s requirements. CAA-Quebec is the only organization authorized to issue an IDP in Quebec.

4. How can I avoid extra charges when renting a car?
Return the vehicle with a full tank, arrive on time, and inspect the vehicle before drop-off. The most common charges relate to fuel, late returns, cleaning, and unreported damage.
Watch out for add-ons such as extra insurance coverage and vehicle upgrades. Some options may be added locally without your explicit agreement to the services being offered. Carefully review the rental agreement at the rental counter and stand firm if you choose to decline these options.