Question 1

What documents do I need to rent a car in France?

Accepted Answer

To rent a car with GoRentCar in France, you need to bring three essential documents: a valid driving licence, a valid proof of identity (national ID card or passport) and a bank card in your name for the security deposit. All documents must be in the name of the main driver and presented at the time of vehicle pick-up.

Question 2

Can I rent a car in France with a licence I have held for less than one year?

Accepted Answer

It is generally required to have held a valid driving licence for at least one year to rent a car in France. This condition applies to both the main driver and any additional drivers added to the contract. If you have held your licence for less than one year, get in touch with our team through our contact page.

Question 3

What is the minimum age to rent a car in France?

Accepted Answer

To rent a vehicle with GoRentCar, the main driver must be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge, the exact amount of which is clearly displayed during the booking process. Certain premium vehicle categories may also have additional age requirements.

Question 4

Can I rent a car in France with an international driving licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GoRentCar accepts international driving licences issued in accordance with the Vienna Convention. If you are travelling from a country outside the European Union, we recommend bringing both your national licence and your international licence. If you hold an EU driving licence, your national licence is sufficient.

Question 5

Can I rent a car in France with a passport instead of a national ID card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a valid passport is perfectly acceptable as proof of identity when renting a car in France. It is a recognised official document and is sufficient to verify your identity at the time of pick-up. Just make sure it has not expired.

Question 6

Is a category B driving licence enough to rent a car in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a standard category B driving licence is all you need to rent the vast majority of vehicles in our fleet. It covers all passenger vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, which includes our entire standard range. Specific conditions may apply for minibuses or large commercial vehicles.

Question 7

Is an international driving permit required to drive in France?

Accepted Answer

No, an international driving permit is not required if you hold a driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country. However, if your licence is written in a non-Latin alphabet, having an international permit is strongly recommended. Drivers from the US, Canada or Australia can generally drive with their national licence.

Question 8

How much does it cost to rent a car in France per day?

Accepted Answer

The daily rate depends on the vehicle category, rental period, location and any options selected. An economy city car is available from around €35–50 per day, while SUVs and premium vehicles are priced higher. Booking in advance on our website will almost always get you the best available rates.

Question 9

How much does a one-week car rental in France cost?

Accepted Answer

A weekly rental is often more cost-effective than multiplying the daily rate, as GoRentCar applies discounted rates for multi-day bookings. Depending on the vehicle category and location, a week-long rental can start from around €200 for a compact car.

Question 10

How much does a one-month car rental in France cost?

Accepted Answer

For rentals of one month or longer, GoRentCar offers monthly rates that are significantly more competitive than standard daily pricing. The final cost depends on the vehicle chosen, insurance options and the rental period. Contact us directly for a personalised quote.

Question 11

Can I pay for my car rental in France with cash?

Accepted Answer

No, cash payments are not accepted at GoRentCar. A valid bank card is required for both the payment of your rental and the security deposit collected at pick-up. We accept all major cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Question 12

Is a Visa card enough to rent a car in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a valid Visa card is accepted at GoRentCar for both the rental payment and the security deposit. Just make sure your card has a sufficient available limit to cover both the rental cost and the deposit amount that will be pre-authorised at pick-up.

Question 13

How much is the security deposit for a car rental in France?

Accepted Answer

The security deposit amount varies depending on the vehicle category and is clearly displayed during the online booking process. It works as a bank pre-authorisation — the amount is held on your account rather than actually charged. Provided there is no damage, the full amount is released within 8 working days after return.

Question 14

Are there extra charges for young drivers in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a young driver surcharge applies to drivers under the age of 25. This surcharge is calculated per rental day and the exact amount is shown transparently during the booking process. It also applies to any additional drivers under 25 added to the contract.

Question 15

Is it cheaper to book a car rental in France in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, booking in advance is almost always the most cost-effective approach. Prices tend to rise as the rental date approaches, particularly during peak periods such as summer and the holiday season. Booking several weeks ahead locks in the best available rates.

Question 16

What insurance should I choose for my car rental in France?

Accepted Answer

All GoRentCar vehicles are covered by mandatory third-party liability insurance. For complete peace of mind, we offer supplementary coverage options including excess waiver, theft protection and windscreen cover. Our team is happy to guide you towards the right option for your situation.

Question 17

Does my bank card cover rental car insurance in France?

Accepted Answer

Some premium bank cards such as Visa Gold or Mastercard Premier include partial coverage for rental vehicles. However, terms vary considerably between banks and may include significant exclusions. We strongly recommend contacting your bank before your rental to find out exactly what is covered.

Question 18

How can I avoid paying the excess if my rental car is damaged?

Accepted Answer

The simplest solution is to add our excess waiver option at the time of booking, which brings your financial liability down to zero in the event of damage. Without this option, you remain responsible for the excess amount applicable to your vehicle category.

Question 19

What does the basic insurance on a rental car in France cover?

Accepted Answer

The basic insurance covers third-party liability — damage caused to other vehicles or injury to other people. However, any damage to the rental vehicle itself remains your responsibility up to the excess amount, unless you have taken out supplementary cover.

Question 20

Am I covered if my rental car is stolen in France?

Accepted Answer

Theft cover is not included in the basic insurance and must be added as a separate option. If your vehicle is stolen, you must file a police report and notify GoRentCar within 24 hours. Without theft cover, you may be held financially responsible depending on the terms of your contract.

Question 21

Is windscreen damage covered by the standard insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, windscreen damage is not included in our standard contracts. On French motorways, stone chip damage is a common occurrence. We offer an affordable windscreen cover option that can be added during the online booking process or by contacting us before pick-up.

Question 22

Do rental cars need a Crit'Air sticker in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a Crit'Air pollution sticker is compulsory to drive in Low Emission Zones across France, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Grenoble and Strasbourg. All GoRentCar vehicles are fitted with the appropriate Crit'Air sticker. We recommend checking it at pick-up as restrictions vary by city.

Question 23

Can I drive a diesel rental car in French cities in 2025 and 2026?

Accepted Answer

Diesel restrictions continue to evolve as part of the Low Emission Zone programme. In 2025, diesel vehicles classified as Crit'Air 3 or above are subject to driving restrictions in several major city centres during certain hours. We recommend choosing one of our electric or hybrid vehicles to avoid restrictions altogether.

Question 24

What are the speed limits in France?

Accepted Answer

Speed limits vary by road type: 50 km/h in built-up areas (many city centres now have 30 km/h zones), 80 km/h on single-carriageway roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h on motorways in dry conditions (110 km/h in rain). Speed cameras are widely used throughout the country.

Question 25

Are automatic cars available to rent in France?

Accepted Answer

Automatic vehicles are available in our fleet but the majority of rental cars in France are manual transmission. Automatics tend to be slightly more expensive and availability can be limited during peak season. We strongly recommend specifying this when booking and reserving well in advance.

Question 26

Can I drive my rental car outside of France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to drive your GoRentCar vehicle to certain neighbouring European countries, provided you inform us at the time of booking. Specific conditions and additional fees may apply depending on your destination country. Please include your full itinerary when booking.

Question 27

Do I need snow chains when driving in France in winter?

Accepted Answer

In mountainous regions such as the Alps and Pyrenees, winter tyres or snow chains have been required between 1 November and 31 March in more than 34 departments since 2021. Please let us know when booking so we can offer you a suitably equipped vehicle.

Question 28

Where can I pick up my rental car in France?

Accepted Answer

GoRentCar has pick-up points at major airports, train stations and city centre locations across France. The exact address and instructions for your chosen pick-up location will be included in your booking confirmation. We recommend indicating your arrival details when booking.

Question 29

Can I return my rental car to a different location in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GoRentCar offers one-way rentals, allowing you to return your vehicle at a different location from where you picked it up. A one-way fee may apply depending on the locations involved, and this amount is always shown clearly during the booking process.

Question 30

What should I do if my flight is delayed and I have a rental car booked?

Accepted Answer

If your flight is delayed, please contact GoRentCar as soon as you are aware of the situation so we can adjust your pick-up time. If you provided your flight number when booking, our team will monitor your arrival and keep your vehicle available.

Question 31

Can I pick up my rental car outside of business hours?

Accepted Answer

Pick-up hours vary by location. Airport and major train station locations typically offer extended hours. Check the available hours during booking and contact us if you need a pick-up outside the listed time slots.

Question 32

Do I need to return the car with a full tank of fuel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the standard rule is to return the vehicle with the same fuel level as when it was collected, which is usually a full tank. If the car is returned with less fuel, the cost of refuelling will be deducted from your security deposit. We recommend filling up shortly before returning.

Question 33

What should I do if my rental car breaks down in France?

Accepted Answer

Pull over safely, switch on your hazard lights and immediately call the assistance number provided in your rental contract, available 24 hours a day. Our team will handle roadside assistance and arrange a replacement vehicle if necessary.

Question 34

Can I modify my reservation after it has been confirmed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can modify your GoRentCar reservation by emailing us at contact@gorentcar.fr or using our contact form. Modifications are subject to availability and may result in a price adjustment. We recommend making any changes as early as possible.

Question 35

What happens if I return my rental car late?

Accepted Answer

Any late return not reported in advance will be charged at the standard daily rate for each additional day started. If you think you will not be able to return on time, contact us as soon as possible so we can extend your contract and avoid unexpected charges.

Question 36

Can I add a baby seat to my car rental in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GoRentCar offers approved child seats as an optional extra, available for different age and weight ranges. Simply add this option during the online booking process to guarantee availability on the day of pick-up. We recommend booking in advance as availability can be limited during peak season.

Question 37

Is GPS included in my car rental in France?

Accepted Answer

GPS is not automatically included but can be added as an option at a competitive daily rate. Some vehicles come with a built-in navigation system, specified in the vehicle description on our website. You can also use your smartphone with free apps such as Google Maps or Waze.

Question 38

Can I add an additional driver to my rental contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one or more additional drivers can be added to your contract. Each additional driver must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid licence for at least one year and present a valid ID. All additional drivers must be present at pick-up to sign the contract, and a per-driver fee applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documents & Eligibility

Pricing & Payment

Insurance & Protection

Driving in France

Pick-up, Return & Logistics

Options & Extras