Planning to rent a car for the first time and wondering what requirements you need to meet? Or do you want to make sure you are well prepared to pick up your vehicle? Familiarising yourself with the rental conditions before booking will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and get you through the process smoothly. In this article, you will find all the key information about the documentary, age, financial and technical requirements that apply when renting a cars.

Basic document requirements

To rent a car in Poland, you have to meet a few basic formal requirements. These are standard across the industry and are designed to ensure Security and the legality of the rental.

Driving licence - an absolute requirement

Important driving licence of the relevant category is the first and most important document. You must meet the following conditions:

Validity of the document - your driving licence must be up to date, unexpired and undamaged. Check the expiry date in advance! An expired driving licence is tantamount to not having one.

Relevant category - for passenger cars you need category B. For buses 9-seaters also B (but additional experience is often required). For larger vans, a C or C1 category may be required.

Minimum length of service - w Slawa Rent as a standard, we require a driving licence minimum 1 year. For some premium vehicles or buses, this may be 2-3 years. This is a safety requirement - fresh drivers often do not have enough experience.

Polish or international - We accept driving licences issued in EU/EEA countries. Documents from outside the EU require an international driving licence (IDP) or a sworn translation.

Identity card or passport

Need a valid identity document to verify your person. It must contain a photograph for identification and the details (name, surname) must match your driving licence. The proof must not be damaged or illegible.

Payment card

Debit or credit card in your name is necessary to block the security deposit. Key requirements:

In the name of the tenant - we do not accept cards belonging to third parties, even family members.

Sufficient resources - you must have the rental amount plus a security deposit (from a few hundred to several thousand zloty, depending on the vehicle).

Active and important - check the expiry date of the card, make sure it is not blocked.

Transaction limits - Some banks set daily limits. Make sure your card allows you to block the required amount (you can increase the limits via the bank app).

W Slawa Rent We accept both debit and credit cards, giving you greater flexibility.

Age requirements

The age of the driver is an important factor influencing the possibility of hiring and the terms of the contract.

Minimum age

At Slawa Rent, the minimum age for renters is 21.. This is the industry standard, as a result of insurance and accident statistics. Drivers under the age of 21 cannot hire a vehicle, even if they have a driving licence.

For some vehicles (premium cars, vans, vans) the minimum age can be higher - usually 23-25 years. This is a requirement for additional insurance and greater liability.

Young drivers (21-24 years)

Drivers aged between 21 and 24 can hire most of the vehicles in our fleet, but special conditions sometimes apply:

• Higher security deposit (by 20-50%)
• Limited access to the most expensive models
• Minimum requirement of 2 years' driving licence
• Extra charge possible (at some rental companies, not with us!)

Senior drivers (60+)

At Slawa Rent we do not apply an upper age limit! We hire vehicles to seniors without restrictions, provided they have a valid driving licence and are in good health. Experience and seniority are an asset to us, not a hindrance.

Financial requirements

Car rental involves certain financial obligations that you must meet before you can take delivery of the vehicle.

Rental cost

You must pay the full cost of the rental - usually in advance or when you collect the car. At Slawa Rent, prices start from 100 zł/day (Skoda Fabia) and increase depending on the vehicle:

• Skoda Octavia - from £110/day
• Peugeot 3008 - from £180/day
• Mercedes C-Class - from £420/day
• Mercedes GLE Coupe - from £835/day
• 9-seater buses - from £200/day
• Vans - from £250/day

Refundable deposit

The security deposit is blocked on your card for the duration of the rental. It is not a payment - the funds are returned when the car is returned intact. The amount of the deposit depends on:

Vehicle type - From £500-1000 for small cars, through £1500-3000 for medium-sized cars and vans, to £5000-10000 for premium vehicles.

Rental lengths - The longer the rental, the higher the deposit sometimes is.

Driver profile - young drivers may have a higher deposit.

Franchises - if you choose the reduced deductible option, the deposit may be lower.

The deposit is released within 24-48 hours after return vehicle (depending on the bank), provided that there is no damage or other claims.

Additional charges (optional)

• Delivery/collection of the vehicle - PLN 0-200 depending on the distance
• Additional driver - usually 20-50 PLN/day
• Young driver - in some rental companies 50-100 PLN/day (not in Slawa Rent)
• Additional equipment - child seat, GPS (if required)

Technical requirements and vehicle condition

Condition of the car upon receipt

You receive a vehicle in excellent technical condition - clean, in working order, with full documentation. Together with a Slawa Rent employee, you carry out a thorough review:

External - checking the bodywork, windows, lamps, mirrors. All existing damage (even minor damage) is documented in the acceptance report.

Internal - cleanliness, completeness of equipment (fire extinguisher, triangle, first aid kit), operation of systems (air conditioning, radio, locks).

Fuel level - you usually receive the car with a full tank.

Documents - registration certificate, third-party liability policy, vehicle card.

Take pictures! For your own use, photograph the car from all sides - this is your extra security when returning it.

Requirements upon return

You must return the vehicle:

On the agreed date - late arrival incurs additional charges

With the same level of fuel - usually a full tank (keep the receipt!)

In clean condition - standard wear OK, but excessive dirt may incur a cleaning charge

No damage - new damage will be documented and valued

Complete with documents - keys, registration, all cards and remote controls

Fuel policy

At Slawa Rent we apply the principle of „pełny do pełnego”:

• You get a car with a full tank
• You return the car with a full tank
• Keep the receipt from the filling station (you may need it)

What happens if you don't refuel? You will be charged for the missing fuel plus a handling fee (usually higher than the market price). Therefore, it is worth refuelling before returning!

Important: Fill up with the right fuel! The type of fuel can be found on the filler cap and in the instructions. A mistake (petrol instead of diesel or vice versa) could cost you thousands in repairs!

Limitations of kilometres and geographical zones

Mileage limits

At Slawa Rent we usually offer unlimited mileage - You can drive as much as you like without paying extra. In some special offers or for long-term rentals, there may be a limit (e.g. 200 km/day) and each additional kilometre costs extra (usually 0.50-1 zloty/km).

Trips abroad

Going abroad requires prior notification and approval from the rental company. Principles:

Within the EU - most trips possible upon prior notification (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, etc.).

Outside the EU - requires special approval and additional insurance

Some countries were excluded - e.g. Ukraine, Belarus, Russia for security and insurance reasons

Additional charge - an international third-party liability (green card) fee may apply

Always inform in advance! Going abroad without consent breaches the contract and may result in the loss of insurance cover.

Insurance and deductible

Standard insurance

Every rental vehicle at Slawa Rent has:

third-party liability (civil liability) - mandatory, covers damage to third parties

AC (motor insurance) - covers damage to the rented vehicle

Assistance - 24/7 roadside assistance

Franchise

The deductible is your share of the damage - the amount you pay in the event of damage to the vehicle (the balance covered by the insurance). The standard excess is:

• Small cars - PLN 1000-1500
• Medium cars and vans - £2000-3000
• Premium cars - £5,000-10,000

Option to reduce the deductible - For an additional fee (e.g. £30-50/day), you can reduce or remove the deductible altogether. This is a good option if you are concerned about potential costs.

What is not covered?

Insurance does not cover:

• Damage to rims and tyres (unless due to a collision)
• Damage to the underside of the vehicle
• Losses as a result of your gross negligence
• Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Misuse of the vehicle

Vehicle use rules

What is allowed and what is not allowed?

FREE:

• Use the vehicle as intended (public roads, car parks)
• Travel in Poland and the EU (upon application)
• Add a second driver (upon request and for a fee)
• Transport animals (in a carrier, after notification)

DON'T:

• Smoke in the car (fine 500-1000 zloty!)
• Make the vehicle available to unauthorised persons
• Take part in races, rallies
• Tow other vehicles (without permission)
• Transport dangerous goods
• Drive through wilderness, inaccessible areas
• Using the car for criminal purposes

Additional driver

If you want someone else to drive the hire car too, you must report it and add it to the contract. This person must meet the same requirements (age, driving licence, documents) and be present when the car is collected. An additional driver usually costs £20-50/day.

Important: If a person not disclosed in the contract causes an accident, the insurance may refuse to pay out!

Procedure in case of problems

Technical failure

Contact Slawa Rent immediately - We offer 24/7 support. Don't try to repair your vehicle yourself. We provide roadside assistance and a replacement vehicle (if the breakdown is not your fault).

Accident or collision

Follow the procedure:

1. Secure the site - triangle, hazard warning lights
2. Call the services - police (if there are injuries or losses >£1000)
3. Make documentation - photographs, notes, witness data
4. Notify the rental company - as soon as possible
5. Fill in the statement - white and blue card (in the car documents)

Do not plead guilty - this will be determined by the relevant services and insurers.

Loss of keys

Inform the rental company immediately. The cost of making new keys (especially with remote control) is several hundred to over a thousand zloty and is charged to the tenant.

Mandate

Mandates are your responsibility. Pay them on time. If the fine comes by post to the rental company (e.g. from the speed camera), we will pass on your data to the authorities and may charge an administration fee (PLN 50-100).

How to prepare for rental?

Before booking

• Check the validity of your driving licence and identity card
• Make sure you have a payment card in your name
• Check your account balance (rent + deposit)
• Increase card transaction limits (if needed)

Before collecting the car

• Arrive on time (plan 15-30 minutes for formalities)
• Have all documents with you
• Prepare questions if you have doubts
• Plan your route - where you are going, how many kilometres

On receipt

• Carefully check the condition of the car with an employee
• Take your own pictures (security)
• Read the contract carefully before signing
• Ask anything that is unclear
• Save the 24/7 support number

Summary - checklist of rental conditions

Documents: ✓ Valid driving licence (minimum 1 year possession) ✓ Identity card or passport ✓ Payment card in your name

Requirements: ✓ Minimum age: 21 years ✓ Funds on account: cost of rent + deposit ✓ Consent to terms of contract

Preparation: ✓ Booking in advance ✓ Checking card limits ✓ Planning route and pick-up time

At Slawa Rent, the rental process is simple, transparent and customer-friendly. With 15 years' experience, we provide a professional service, a modern fleet and full support throughout the rental period.

Do you meet the conditions? Book your car today and get on the road!

Slawa Rent - Rent Simple and Secure!