What MTL Rent a Car is and how to use it

MTL Rent a Car is a car rental company operating in Montreal that handles short-term vehicle rentals for residents and visitors. You reserve a car through their website or by phone, pick it up at their location, drive it for the period you've booked, and return it when your rental ends. The company handles the paperwork, insurance options, and vehicle condition checks at pickup and return.

The process itself is straightforward: you provide a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or purchase their coverage, and a credit card for the rental cost and a security deposit. MTL Rent a Car then gives you the keys, shows you the vehicle's condition, and you're responsible for the car until you bring it back on the agreed date and time.

Unlike ride-sharing services where a driver operates the vehicle, you are the driver when you rent from MTL. This means you control the schedule, route, and how long you keep the car—within the rental period you've booked. It also means you're responsible for traffic violations, fuel, and any damage that occurs while the vehicle is in your possession.

Key Takeaways

  • MTL Rent a Car requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or their own coverage purchase, and a credit card to find the rental.
  • You pick up the vehicle at their Montreal location, inspect it for existing damage, and return it by your booked end time to avoid late fees.
  • The rental cost covers the vehicle itself, but fuel, tolls, parking, and traffic violations are your responsibility unless you purchase additional coverage.
  • Damage to the vehicle during your rental may be charged to you, so understanding what the security deposit covers is important before you drive away.
  • Late returns incur extra charges, often calculated as a full day's rental rate or a per-hour fee depending on how late you are.

What documents and information you need before you arrive

Bring your valid driver's license—this is non-negotiable. MTL Rent a Car will not rent to you without it, and it must not be expired. If you hold a license from outside Canada, an International Driving Permit is often accepted alongside your home country license, though you should confirm this with MTL before your pickup date.

You also need proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy is active. If you don't have personal insurance or your policy doesn't cover rentals, MTL offers their own coverage at the time of rental—you'll pay extra for this, and the cost varies depending on the coverage level you choose.

Bring a credit card in your name for the rental charge and a security deposit. This deposit is held but not charged unless the vehicle is damaged or you incur other costs (fuel, tolls, late fees). The deposit amount depends on the vehicle class and MTL's current policy. Debit cards are sometimes accepted for the rental itself, but most companies require a credit card for the security deposit.

How rental costs are calculated and what's included

The base rental rate depends on the vehicle type, the rental period (daily, weekly, or longer), and the season. MTL publishes rates on their website, and you'll see the total cost before you confirm your reservation. This base rate covers the vehicle and standard insurance if you don't decline it.

What the base rate does not include: fuel, parking fees, tolls, traffic violations, or damage. You are responsible for returning the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. If you return it empty or partially empty, MTL will charge you for fuel at a per-litre rate, which is typically higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. Parking tickets, highway tolls, and speeding fines are your responsibility—MTL may charge you an administrative fee on top of the actual fine if they have to process it on your behalf.

Additional coverage options—such as collision damage waiver, theft protection, or roadside information—are offered at checkout and add to your total cost. These reduce or eliminate your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or breaks down, but they cost extra. Read what each covers before you decide, because some policies have limits or exclusions.

Pickup and vehicle inspection: what happens and what to check

When you arrive for pickup, MTL staff will walk you through the vehicle's condition. They'll point out any existing dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. This is your chance to document the car's actual state before you drive it. Take photos or video of the exterior and interior if MTL allows it—this protects you if a pre-existing issue is later claimed as damage you caused.

Check that all lights work (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lights), the windshield wipers function, the mirrors adjust, and the doors and trunk open and close properly. Test the air conditioning and heating. Look under the car for leaks. If anything is broken or unsafe, tell the staff when ready and ask them to note it on the rental agreement before you sign.

The staff will also show you how to operate features specific to that vehicle—where the fuel door release is, how to adjust the seat and mirrors, where the spare tire and jack are located. Ask questions if anything is unclear. You're about to be responsible for this vehicle, so understanding its controls matters for safety and to avoid accidental damage.

What happens if you return the car late or damage it

Late returns incur additional charges. MTL's policy typically allows a grace period (often 30 minutes to an hour), but after that you'll be charged. The fee is usually calculated as a full day's rental rate if you're more than a few hours late, or an hourly rate if you're just slightly over. Check your rental agreement for the exact policy, because it varies.

Damage charges depend on what happened and what coverage you purchased. If you bought collision damage waiver, you may pay nothing or a small deductible. If you declined coverage, you'll be charged for repairs—and the cost can be substantial. A small dent might cost $300 to $800 to repair; a cracked windshield or major collision damage costs much more. MTL will assess the damage, get a repair estimate, and charge your credit card.

If the damage is severe enough that the vehicle can't be rented out while it's being repaired, you may also be charged for lost rental revenue—the number of days the car was out of service multiplied by the daily rental rate. This is why understanding your coverage options before you drive away matters. A $15 daily damage waiver can save you thousands if something goes wrong.

Fuel, tolls, and other costs you're responsible for

You must return the vehicle with a full tank. Before you leave the pickup location, note the fuel gauge reading. Fill up before you return the car—use any gas station in Montreal. If you return the vehicle with less than a full tank, MTL will charge you for the missing fuel at their per-litre rate, which is typically 20 to 40 percent higher than pump prices. It's cheaper to fill it yourself.

Highway tolls on routes like the Autoroute 20 or Autoroute 40 are your responsibility. If you use a toll road, you'll either pay at a booth or the toll will be charged to a transponder in the vehicle. MTL will pass the charge to you, often with an administrative fee added. Check your rental agreement to see if MTL charges a processing fee for tolls.

Parking fees, traffic violations, and any other fines incurred during your rental are your responsibility. If MTL receives a ticket or toll notice in their name, they'll forward it to you and may charge an administrative fee for processing it. This is why it's important to obey traffic laws and park legally—the cost of a ticket plus MTL's fee can exceed $200.

Insurance and coverage options explained

MTL offers several coverage options at the time of rental. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental vehicle from collisions, reducing or eliminating your out-of-pocket cost. Theft protection covers the vehicle if it's stolen. Third-party liability covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Roadside information covers towing and emergency repairs if the vehicle breaks down.

Before you purchase MTL's coverage, check your personal auto insurance policy. Many policies cover rental vehicles, which means you may already have collision and liability coverage. If your policy covers rentals, buying duplicate coverage from MTL is unnecessary. Call your insurance company before your rental date to confirm what's covered and what isn't.

If you don't have personal insurance or your policy excludes rentals, MTL's coverage is worth purchasing. The daily cost is modest compared to the potential repair bill if you cause damage. Read the fine print: some policies have deductibles, mileage limits, or exclusions (for example, damage from off-road driving or racing). Understand what you're paying for before you agree to it.

Returning the vehicle and what to expect at checkout

Return the car on the date and time specified in your reservation. Arrive early if possible—if you're running late, call MTL when ready to let them know. Bring the keys, the rental agreement, and any documentation you received at pickup.

At return, MTL staff will inspect the vehicle for damage, check the fuel level, and verify the mileage. They'll compare the vehicle's condition to the notes from pickup. If there's new damage, they'll document it and explain what you'll be charged. If the fuel tank isn't full, they'll calculate the fuel charge. This process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

You'll receive a final receipt showing the base rental cost, any additional charges (fuel, damage, late fees, tolls), and the amount charged to your credit card. Keep this receipt. If you dispute any charges later, you'll need it as proof of what was agreed to at pickup and what was charged at return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certain age to rent from MTL Rent a Car?

Most car rental companies in Montreal require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some allow drivers as young as 18 with an additional young driver fee. MTL's specific age policy should be listed on their website or you can call them directly. Drivers under 25 often pay a higher daily rate.

What if the rental car breaks down while I'm driving?

Call MTL when ready and explain the problem. If you purchased roadside information, they'll arrange a tow truck and repairs at no cost to you (or a small deductible). If you didn't purchase information, you may have to pay for the tow yourself, though MTL may reimburse you if the breakdown was due to a mechanical defect they should have caught at pickup. Don't attempt major repairs yourself.

Can I rent a car if I have a suspended or expired license?

No. Your license must be valid and not suspended. MTL will not rent to you without a current, valid driver's license. If your license is expired, renew it before your rental date.

What happens if I'm in an accident?

Stop safely, turn on hazard lights, and call the police for a report if there's injury or significant damage. Exchange information with the other driver. Call MTL when ready and report the accident. If you have collision coverage, your deductible (if any) applies. If you don't have coverage, you'll be charged for repairs. Always get a police report number—MTL will need it for their insurance claim.

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?

Call MTL as soon as you realize you need more time. If the vehicle is available and you haven't already booked another rental, they can usually extend your rental for an additional daily or hourly rate. Extensions are not may provide, so don't assume you can keep the car longer without confirming first.