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Yes, at most rental companies. The desk places the security deposit on a physical credit card in the main driver's name, and debit or prepaid cards are usually turned down at pickup. Some providers allow pickup without a credit card under specific conditions.

Yes. You can rent from 18, though some countries set a higher minimum, and most rental companies accept drivers up to 99. Drivers under 25, and from 65 with some providers, may pay an extra fee or see fewer cars; your search results show what applies to your age.

Start with how many people and large suitcases you're bringing. Two people with regular luggage are usually fine in a compact, a family of four with suitcases fits better in a full-size car or station wagon, and groups of six or more need a minivan.

You can often cancel for free up to 48 hours before pickup; the exact conditions are shown when you book. Closer to pickup a cancellation fee may apply, and a booking you don't collect is not refunded.

In most cases, the rental company releases the deposit hold on your credit card within a few business days after you return the car. Depending on the provider and your bank, it can take up to several weeks before the full amount is available again.

Bring your driver's license, a passport or accepted ID card, a credit card in the main driver's name and your printed booking voucher. Every driver shows their own license, and some destinations or providers also ask for an International Driving Permit.

Check your booking voucher for the rental office's instructions on how to find them. At airports, the desk is in the terminal, in a rental car center reached by shuttle or train, or off-site, where the provider's shuttle or a staff member picks you up.

Walk around the car with the rental agent, photograph any existing damage and have anything not yet listed added to the rental agreement. Check the windshield, tires, fuel level and mileage too, and save the agency's emergency number before you leave.

Compare the amount with your booking. The rental price is already paid online, so the desk usually asks for the deposit hold, any costs your offer listed as payable at pickup, and optional extras you can decline.

Point to the vehicle category on your booking voucher and ask for a car in that category or higher at no extra cost. A different model in the same category is normal; a smaller category isn't, and desks typically solve it with another car or a free upgrade.

Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed, then call the police and the rental agency's emergency number. Photograph the scene, fill in an accident report form with the other driver, and don't admit fault or arrange repairs yourself.

Turn on your hazard lights, move somewhere safe and place the warning triangle, then call the rental agency's emergency number on your rental agreement or key tag. Let the agency arrange towing and repairs; repairs it hasn't approved may not be reimbursed.

Only if the rental company allows it. Many don't, and those that do often require written permission, may charge a ferry fee and may not insure the car during the crossing. Leaving the car at the port and renting another at your destination is often simpler.

As much as your fuel policy requires. With full-to-full you return a full tank, with same-to-same the level you picked the car up with, and with full-to-empty any level, because you prepaid a full tank. Your policy is shown in the offer details and in your rental agreement.

Before you hand over the keys, clear out your belongings, unpair your phone, refuel to the level your fuel policy requires and photograph the car and the fuel gauge. Then go through the inspection with the rental agent and ask for a written confirmation of the car's condition.