Rent Auto Faro is a car rental company based in Faro, Portugal

Rent Auto Faro operates from Faro Airport and the city centre, offering short-term vehicle rentals to tourists and business travellers. The company rents standard economy cars, SUVs, and vans, with pickup and return at their Faro locations or through partner desks at the airport terminal.

Like any rental company, Rent Auto Faro requires a valid driver's licence, passport or ID, and a credit card for the rental agreement and damage deposit. The rental period, vehicle type, and insurance choices you make will determine your final cost. Understanding what is included in a base rental and what costs extra helps you avoid surprises at pickup.

Key Takeaways

  • Rent Auto Faro requires a valid driver's licence, passport, and credit card at pickup, and you must be at least 21 years old (some vehicle types have higher age requirements).
  • A base rental includes the vehicle and third-party liability insurance required by Portuguese law, but does not cover damage to the rental car itself unless you purchase collision or comprehensive coverage.
  • The company holds a damage deposit on your credit card at pickup, which is released after the vehicle is returned and inspected for damage.
  • Fuel is typically charged on a full-to-full basis: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full, or you pay for the fuel the company adds.
  • Booking direct through Rent Auto Faro's website or by phone usually shows the same rates as third-party booking sites, but direct booking lets you confirm vehicle availability and insurance details before payment.

What documents and information you need at pickup

Bring your original driving licence, not a photocopy or digital version. Rent Auto Faro will not accept a licence that is expired or suspended. If your licence is not in Latin characters (for example, if it is in Cyrillic or Arabic script), bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country's motoring authority alongside your national licence. The IDP is not a separate licence but a translation that Portuguese police and rental staff can read.

You will also need a valid passport or national ID card. A driver's licence alone is not sufficient proof of identity in Portugal. Bring a credit card in your own name for the damage deposit and payment; Rent Auto Faro will not accept debit cards or cash for the deposit, because the company needs to hold funds temporarily while the vehicle is in your care.

If you are under 25, some vehicle types may carry a young driver surcharge or require a higher damage deposit. Ask about age restrictions when you book, because they vary by car category. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are usually permitted to rent economy cars but may face restrictions on larger vehicles or premium models.

How insurance works and what you are actually covered for

Portuguese law requires all rental cars to carry third-party liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to other people's property or injuries to other people. This is included in every Rent Auto Faro rental at no extra cost. However, third-party liability does not cover damage to the rental car itself.

To cover damage to the vehicle you are renting, you must purchase either collision damage waiver (CDW) or comprehensive coverage. CDW covers accidental damage from collisions, theft, and vandalism, but usually has a deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket if damage occurs). Comprehensive coverage typically includes a lower deductible and may cover additional risks such as broken windows or damage from weather. The daily cost of these add-ons varies; ask for the exact price and deductible amount before you confirm your booking.

Check whether your personal car insurance or credit card issuer covers rental vehicles abroad. Some credit cards include rental car coverage if you charge the full rental to that card, and some travel insurance policies cover rental damage. If you have existing coverage, you may not need to purchase Rent Auto Faro's add-on insurance, which can save money on a longer rental. However, verify the coverage limits and deductible with your insurer before you decline the rental company's offer.

The damage deposit and what happens after you return the car

Rent Auto Faro will place a hold on your credit card for a damage deposit at the time of pickup. This is not a charge; it is a temporary hold that freezes that amount of credit while the vehicle is rented. The hold is typically released within 5 to 10 business days after you return the car, depending on your credit card company and bank.

Before you drive away, walk around the vehicle with the staff member and point out any existing damage—dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. Ask the staff to note these on the rental agreement or take photos yourself. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there. Do the same inspection when you return the car, and ask for written confirmation that no new damage was found.

If damage is discovered after you leave, Rent Auto Faro will contact you and may charge your credit card for repairs. If you dispute the charge, contact your credit card company to request a chargeback, but this process takes time and requires documentation. Preventing disputes is easier than resolving them, so photograph the car's condition at pickup and return.

Fuel charges and how the tank system works

Rent Auto Faro operates on a full-to-full fuel policy. You receive the car with a full petrol tank and are expected to return it full. If you return the car with less than a full tank, the company will refuel it and charge you for the fuel at a per-litre rate, which is usually higher than the price at a public petrol station. To avoid this surcharge, fill the tank at a petrol station near the rental office before you return the car.

Some rental companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option, where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set rate and return the car empty. Ask whether Rent Auto Faro offers this at booking; if you plan to use most of the tank, prepaying can be cheaper than paying per litre for a partial refill. However, if you return the car with fuel remaining, you do not get a refund, so this option works best if you know you will use nearly all the fuel.

Booking direct versus third-party booking sites

You can book a Rent Auto Faro vehicle through the company's own website, by phone, or through third-party sites such as Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or Booking.com. Rates are usually the same across all channels, but booking direct gives you the chance to confirm vehicle availability, ask about insurance options, and clarify any special requests (such as a child seat or GPS unit) before you pay.

Third-party sites can be useful for comparing Rent Auto Faro's prices against other companies in Faro, but they do not always show the full details of what is included or excluded. If you book through a third party and have questions about your reservation, you may need to contact Rent Auto Faro directly using the confirmation number from the booking site.

Check the cancellation policy before you book. Rent Auto Faro's own website and third-party sites may have different cancellation terms. Some bookings are non-refundable; others allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before pickup. Read the terms carefully, because changing or cancelling a non-refundable booking usually means losing your money.

What to do if the car breaks down or you have an accident

Rent Auto Faro provides a 24-hour emergency contact number in the rental agreement. If the car breaks down, call this number when ready and describe the problem. The company will arrange roadside information or a replacement vehicle depending on the fault and your location.

If you are involved in an accident, do not leave the scene. Call the police (dial 112 in Portugal) and ask for a police report, then contact Rent Auto Faro's emergency line. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the other vehicle (if involved), and the scene. Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of any other drivers or witnesses. Provide all this information to Rent Auto Faro as soon as possible.

If you caused the accident and have not purchased collision coverage, you may be liable for the full repair cost. This is why understanding your insurance options before you pick up the car matters. If you have purchased coverage, the deductible applies, and the rental company handles the claim with their insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I do not have an International Driving Permit?

If your driving licence is in Latin characters and is valid in your home country, you do not need an IDP. However, if your licence uses non-Latin script, an IDP is required. Check with Rent Auto Faro when you book to confirm whether your licence will be accepted without an IDP.

What is the minimum age to rent from Rent Auto Faro?

The minimum age is 21 years old. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may face a young driver surcharge or restrictions on certain vehicle types. Drivers aged 25 and over usually have no age-related restrictions or surcharges.

Can I pick up the car at the airport and return it in the city centre?

Yes, Rent Auto Faro offers one-way rentals between the airport and city centre locations. One-way rentals may carry an additional fee. Confirm the drop-off location and any extra charges when you book.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged at a daily rate, usually higher than the standard daily rental rate. If you know you will be late, call Rent Auto Faro as soon as possible to inform them and ask about the charge. Returning the car significantly late may also trigger additional fees or affect your damage deposit.

Do I need to purchase a motorway vignette or toll pass?

Portugal uses electronic tolling on some motorways. Rental cars are usually equipped with a toll device, and charges are either deducted from your damage deposit or billed to your credit card after return. Ask Rent Auto Faro whether tolls are included in your rental or charged separately, and confirm which motorways require payment.