Renting a car in Pakistan requires a valid driving license, passport, and often a credit card, but the process and what you get varies significantly by city and rental company
Car rental in Pakistan works differently than in Western countries. There is no single national system—each rental company sets its own terms, prices, and vehicle conditions. You will deal directly with local operators in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar rather than international chains, though a few international brands operate in major cities. The rental agreement you sign is a contract between you and that specific company, not a standardized document.
What matters most: bring your original driving license (not a photocopy), your passport, and be prepared to pay a cash deposit or hold a credit card. Some companies require both. The vehicle you receive may not match the photo on their website—inspect it thoroughly before you drive away, because damage that existed before you rented it becomes your problem if you do not document it in writing at pickup.
Key Takeaways
- You must carry your original driving license and passport at all times while driving a rental car in Pakistan; a photocopy is not sufficient.
- Most rental companies require a cash deposit or a credit card hold, and prices vary widely between operators in the same city.
- Inspect the vehicle in daylight before you leave the lot and photograph any existing damage, because you will be charged for damage the company claims you caused.
- Insurance coverage is often optional but strongly recommended; check what your personal auto insurance or credit card covers before you decline it.
- Fuel, tolls, and parking are your responsibility unless the rental agreement explicitly states otherwise.
What documents you need to bring
Your original driving license is non-negotiable. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. If your license is in Urdu only, some companies will ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP), though this is not legally required in Pakistan. An IDP is issued by the Pakistan Automobile Association in Islamabad and takes several days to obtain; if you are renting when ready, ask the company first whether they will accept your Pakistani license alone.
Your passport must be original and valid for the duration of your rental. Some companies photograph it as part of their record-keeping. Bring a photocopy as well—you may need it if you are stopped by police, because carrying your original passport while driving is not standard practice.
A credit card in your name is required by most major rental companies for the security deposit hold. If you do not have a credit card, ask whether the company accepts a cash deposit instead; many do, but the amount may be higher. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but not always—confirm before you arrive.
How rental prices work and what affects them
Rental rates in Pakistan are not standardized. A compact car might cost 3,000 to 5,000 Pakistani rupees per day in Islamabad but 4,000 to 6,000 in Karachi, depending on the company and season. Luxury vehicles and SUVs cost significantly more. These figures vary by company, by season (summer rates are often higher), and by how far in advance you book.
Most companies charge a daily rate, but some offer discounts for weekly or monthly rentals. A few charge by the kilometer as well as by the day, which can add up quickly if you are traveling between cities. Ask for the total cost in writing before you sign anything—do not rely on a verbal quote.
The security deposit is separate from the daily rate. It is typically held on your credit card and released after you return the vehicle in good condition. If you damage the car, the company deducts the repair cost from this deposit. If the deposit is insufficient, you will be billed for the remainder.
Insurance and what happens if you damage the car
Most rental companies offer collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance as an optional add-on, usually costing 500 to 1,500 rupees per day depending on the vehicle. This covers damage to the rental car from accidents, but it often comes with a deductible—you pay the first 10,000 to 25,000 rupees of any claim, and the company covers the rest. Read the policy carefully, because some exclude damage from off-road driving, flooding, or theft.
If you decline CDW, you are liable for the full cost of repairs. In Pakistan, repair costs for imported vehicles can be very high because parts are expensive and labor is time-consuming. A minor collision on a Toyota Corolla might cost 50,000 to 100,000 rupees to repair; on a luxury SUV, it could be several times that.
Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card offers rental car coverage. Some credit cards issued in Pakistan include rental car protection, which means your card company covers damage instead of you paying out of pocket. If you have this coverage, you may not need to buy CDW from the rental company—but confirm the coverage limits and deductible first.
What to check before you drive away
Inspect the vehicle in daylight, ideally with a company representative present. Check the exterior for dents, scratches, and broken lights. Look at the tires for wear and damage. Test the brakes, wipers, air conditioning, and headlights. Open the trunk and check the spare tire and jack. Take photographs or video of any damage you find, and make sure the rental agreement lists these issues—do not rely on a verbal note.
Check the fuel level. Most companies require you to return the car with a full tank; if you return it with less fuel, they charge a refueling fee that is usually higher than the cost of fuel at a pump. Some companies charge a flat fee (e.g., 2,000 rupees) regardless of how much fuel is missing; others charge per liter. Ask which system applies before you leave the lot.
Confirm what is included in the rental. Does it come with a spare tire, jack, and basic tools? A first-aid kit? Reflective triangles (required by law in Pakistan)? Some companies provide these; others do not. If the car lacks legally required safety equipment, ask the company to provide it before you drive away.
Rules of the road and what you are responsible for
You are responsible for all traffic violations, tolls, and parking fines incurred while you have the car. If you are caught speeding or running a red light, the fine goes to you, not the rental company. If you park illegally and receive a ticket, you pay it. Some companies will track down your contact information and bill you later if they receive a violation notice in their name.
Tolls on major highways (such as the Lahore-Islamabad motorway) are your responsibility. Keep your toll receipts in case there is a dispute. Parking in paid lots is your cost as well. If you park in a no-parking zone and the car is towed, you will pay the towing and impound fees on top of any rental charges.
You must carry the rental agreement, your driving license, and your passport at all times while driving. Police checkpoints are common on highways and in cities. If you are stopped and cannot produce these documents, you may be detained or fined. The rental company is not responsible for legal consequences of your driving.
Returning the car and getting your deposit back
Return the car on the date and time specified in your agreement. Late returns are usually charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate—confirm the late fee before you rent. Return the car with a full fuel tank, clean interior, and no new damage.
The company will inspect the vehicle and compare it to the condition documented at pickup. If there is new damage, they will estimate the repair cost and deduct it from your security deposit. This process can take several days. Ask the company how long it takes to release the deposit and whether they will email you a receipt confirming the final amount.
If you disagree with a damage claim, ask for a written estimate from an independent mechanic. Some companies will negotiate if you can show that the damage was pre-existing or that their repair estimate is inflated. Keep all documentation—your photos from pickup, the rental agreement, and any correspondence about damage—in case you need to dispute a charge later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Pakistan?
No, but some rental companies request one if your license is in Urdu only. A Pakistani driving license is legally sufficient. If you want an IDP, the Pakistan Automobile Association in Islamabad issues them, but it takes several days. Ask the rental company whether they require it before you book.
What happens if I get into an accident?
Contact the rental company when ready and do not admit fault to anyone. Take photographs of the damage, get the other driver's name and contact details, and file a police report if there are injuries or significant damage. The company will guide you through their claims process. If you have CDW insurance, the company handles the repair; if not, you pay for it.
Can I drive the rental car to another city or across the border?
You can drive to other cities within Pakistan, but confirm this with the rental company first—some restrict rentals to a specific region. Driving across the border into Afghanistan, Iran, or India is not permitted without explicit written consent from the company, and most will refuse. Check your agreement for geographic restrictions.
What if the car breaks down while I am driving?
Call the rental company when ready. They will either send a mechanic or arrange a replacement vehicle. Do not attempt major repairs yourself. If the breakdown is due to poor maintenance by the company (not your misuse), you should not be charged for the repair or for any inconvenience. Keep records of the breakdown and the company's response.
Is it cheaper to rent from a small local company or a larger operator?
Prices vary, but smaller companies are not always cheaper. Compare quotes from several operators in your city. Larger companies often have more vehicles and clearer policies, but smaller operators may negotiate on price for longer rentals. Read reviews and ask about their damage claim process before you decide—the cheapest rate is not worth it if the company is difficult to deal with when something goes wrong.