What you need to rent a car in Croatia
To rent a car in Croatia, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license from your home country. Most rental companies also require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national license — this is a translation document, not a separate license, and you get it from your local automobile association before you travel. You will also need a credit card in your own name to hold as a security deposit, and a valid passport.
The rental company will place a hold on your credit card for the deposit amount, which typically ranges from 500 to 2,000 Croatian kuna (roughly €65 to €270) depending on the car category. This hold is released after you return the vehicle undamaged. Some companies accept debit cards, but this is less common and often comes with higher deposit requirements.
If you are under 25, expect to pay a young driver surcharge — usually 15 to 25 kuna per day — and some companies may refuse to rent to drivers under 21. Check the rental company's age policy when you book, as it varies widely between agencies.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid national driver's license, an International Driving Permit, a credit card for the deposit, and your passport to rent a car in Croatia.
- Drivers under 25 typically pay a daily surcharge, and some companies will not rent to anyone under 21.
- Rental companies in Croatia require third-party liability insurance as a legal minimum, and you can buy collision and theft coverage through the rental company or your own car insurance policy.
- Toll roads are common on Croatian highways; most operate on a ticket system, but some use electronic tolling that the rental company may charge to your card after you return the vehicle.
- Book directly with the rental company or through a comparison site, and always read the damage policy and insurance terms before you confirm your reservation.
Insurance requirements and what they cover
Croatian law requires all rental cars to carry third-party liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. This is included in your rental price. However, it does not cover damage to the rental car itself.
You have three options for protecting the rental vehicle. First, you can buy a collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection through the rental company — this typically costs 10 to 20 kuna per day and reduces your personal liability if the car is damaged or stolen. Second, you can check whether your own car insurance or credit card covers rental cars abroad; many policies do, but you need to verify this before you travel. Third, you can decline all coverage and accept full financial responsibility for any damage.
Read the rental agreement carefully, because some companies charge a deductible (usually 1,000 to 3,000 kuna) even if you buy their damage waiver. Others exclude certain types of damage — windshield cracks, undercarriage damage, and tire punctures are common exclusions. If you already have coverage through your home insurance or credit card, bring proof of that coverage to the rental counter; some companies will waive their deductible if you show valid third-party protection.
Toll roads and fuel charges in Croatia
Most Croatian highways are toll roads. The A1 motorway (Zagreb to Split), the A6 (Zagreb to Rijeka), and routes through Dalmatia all charge tolls. You will receive a ticket when you enter the highway and pay when you exit, based on the distance traveled. Tolls typically range from 30 to 150 kuna per journey depending on the route.
Some newer sections use electronic tolling systems (e-toll) that photograph your license plate. The rental company will charge the toll to your credit card after you return the vehicle, usually within two to four weeks. Ask the rental company which roads use e-toll so you understand how charges will appear on your bill.
Fuel is your responsibility. Most rental cars come with a full tank, and you are expected to return it full. If you return it empty or partially empty, the rental company will refill it and charge you at a premium rate — often 50 to 100% higher than the pump price. Fill up at a regular petrol station before you return the car. Fuel costs in Croatia are comparable to Western Europe, roughly 1.30 to 1.50 kuna per liter.
Booking a rental car and what to check before you confirm
You can book through major international rental chains (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar) or local Croatian companies (Oryx, Thrifty, Kompas). Comparison sites like Rentalcars.com and Kayak let you see prices across multiple companies at once. Book at least one week in advance during peak season (June through September) to find better rates and vehicle availability.
Before you confirm your booking, verify these details: the pickup and return locations (airport rentals often cost more than city center offices), the exact car model or category you are getting, whether the price includes insurance and tolls, the fuel policy, the cancellation terms, and any surcharges for drivers under 25. Screenshot or print your confirmation email with the reservation number, rental company phone number, and pickup address.
When you arrive at the rental counter, inspect the car with the agent present. Take photos or video of any existing damage — dents, scratches, interior stains — and make sure the damage report form lists everything you both see. Do not sign the form until you are satisfied that all damage is documented. This protects you from being charged for damage that existed before you rented the car.
Driving rules and what to carry in the car
Croatia drives on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Police conduct frequent speed checks, and fines for speeding start at 500 kuna and increase steeply. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 or shorter than 150 cm must use a child seat.
You are required to carry a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, and a headlight bulb kit in the car at all times. Most rental companies include these, but confirm when you pick up the vehicle. Headlights must be on during the day on motorways. Drink-driving limits are strict — 0.05% blood alcohol for experienced drivers and 0% for drivers under 25 or with less than two years' experience.
Parking in coastal towns and Split can be difficult and expensive during summer. Use paid parking lots rather than street parking, as fines for illegal parking are high and your rental company may charge you for any parking tickets issued to the vehicle.
Returning the car and handling damage claims
Return the car on time and with a full fuel tank. Most rental companies charge a late fee of 50 to 100 kuna per hour if you miss your return time. The agent will inspect the car, take photos, and compare the condition to the damage report you signed at pickup. If new damage is found, the company will photograph it and explain the charges.
If you disagree with a damage charge, ask for a written explanation and photos before you leave the counter. Request the rental company's dispute process and timeline — most companies take 10 to 30 days to finalize damage claims. Keep your rental agreement, damage report, and any photos you took as evidence. If the charge seems unreasonable, contact your credit card company or travel insurance provider; some policies cover rental car disputes.
The rental company will release your security deposit hold within 5 to 10 business days if no damage is claimed. If damage charges are applied, they will deduct the amount from the hold and return the remainder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I have a valid license from my home country?
Most rental companies in Croatia require both your national license and an IDP. The IDP is a translation of your license and is not a separate license itself. You obtain it from your automobile association before you travel. Some companies may rent to you with only a national license, but this is rare and may result in higher deposits or refusal of coverage in an accident.
Can I rent a car if I am 20 years old?
This depends on the rental company. Some will not rent to anyone under 21, while others allow drivers 18 and up but charge a young driver surcharge of 15 to 25 kuna per day. Check the company's age policy when you search for prices, as it is displayed during booking.
What happens if I get a parking ticket or traffic fine while renting?
You are responsible for all fines issued to the rental car while it is in your possession. The rental company will forward the fine to you, usually several weeks after you return the vehicle. Pay it promptly to avoid additional penalties. Some travel insurance policies cover traffic fines, so check your policy before you travel.
Can I drive the rental car to other countries from Croatia?
Yes, but you must inform the rental company in advance. Most companies allow travel to neighboring countries (Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia) for an additional fee of 10 to 50 kuna per day. You will need a green card (international insurance certificate) and may need to pay a border crossing fee. Some companies restrict travel to certain countries or require you to buy additional coverage, so confirm the policy when you book.
What should I do if the car breaks down or I have an accident?
Call the rental company's emergency number when ready — this number is on your rental agreement and key card. Do not attempt repairs yourself. For accidents, call the police (192) and request a police report, then contact the rental company. Take photos of the damage and get contact details from any other drivers involved. Report the incident to the rental company within 24 hours in writing, and keep all documentation for your insurance claim.