Conditions and FAQ
Documents required to rent a vehicle
Private individual:
- valid ID card or passport,
- driving licence held for at least 2 years,
- debit or credit card,
- minimum driver age is 21 years.
Company:
- We do not require a company register extract; we verify the company using the documents provided and the Slovak Commercial Register (ORSR).
- valid ID card or passport and driving licence of the person who will use the vehicle,
- the rental agreement must be signed by the company’s managing director or an authorised representative.
Payment terms
You can pay for the rental by debit or credit card. Cash payment is possible by prior arrangement. A refundable deposit is also required when collecting the vehicle, and its amount depends on the specific vehicle. When paying by card, the deposit amount is temporarily blocked and released after the vehicle is returned without damage. Visa Electron and Maestro cards cannot be used for blocking the refundable deposit.
The AUTO-RENTAL office is open from 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekends. Vehicle collection or delivery outside these hours is possible by prior arrangement. A fee of €25 including VAT is charged for vehicle collection outside standard opening hours.
The rental price includes compulsory third-party liability and comprehensive insurance valid in European Union countries, seasonal tyres and a Slovak motorway vignette. We do not charge any additional hidden fees on top of the prices shown in our price list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does airport car collection work?
You can collect the car directly at Bratislava Airport, Vienna – Schwechat Airport or, by prior arrangement, at another airport. For direct airport handover, you send us the details required to prepare the rental agreement and your flight information in advance. Our representative will wait for you at the agreed location even if your flight is delayed.
The second option is airport pick-up and transfer to our Bratislava office, where we will complete the rental agreement with you and hand over the vehicle.
Can I collect the car outside opening hours?
Yes. By prior arrangement, the vehicle can be collected or returned outside regular opening hours. Standard collection times are from 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekends. A fee of €25 including VAT is charged for vehicle collection outside standard opening hours.
How much does car rental cost and what is the mileage limit?
The rental price depends on the vehicle and rental duration. One rental day is 24 hours. Economy and Mid-size vehicles include 300 km per day, capped at 5,000 km per month. Business, SUV and VAN vehicles include 200 km per day, capped at 3,000 km per month. For rentals shorter than 30 days, the daily allowance is multiplied by the number of days, up to the monthly cap. For rentals of 30 days or more, the monthly allowance applies. Higher or unlimited mileage is available by individual agreement.
How can I book a vehicle?
The easiest way is to submit a booking request using the reservation form for your selected vehicle. You can also book by phone or email. Submitting the form does not yet constitute a confirmed reservation. We will send you confirmation by email within 24 hours.
When booking a Business, SUV or VAN class vehicle more than three months in advance, a non-refundable booking deposit of €500 including VAT is required. If the rental takes place, the full amount of the deposit will be deducted from the rental price.
Is a refundable deposit required?
The refundable deposit secures the applicable excess for damage caused by the renter. Once the vehicle is returned without damage, the deposit is refunded or the blocked amount on the card is released.
| Vehicle class | Refundable deposit |
|---|
| Economy / Mid-size | 500 € |
| Business / SUV | 800 € |
| VAN / Luxury | 1 000 € |
A higher deposit may be required for travel abroad.
Are the rental cars insured?
All vehicles have third-party liability and comprehensive insurance valid within the European Union. The standard excess is 10% of the damage amount, with a minimum of €500 for Economy and Mid-size, €800 for Business and SUV, and €1,000 for VAN and Luxury vehicles.
When additional insurance is purchased through AUTO-RENTAL, the excess can be reduced to as low as €0 / 0%, depending on the selected package. Additional insurance may also cover most common vehicle damage charges.
In the event of a traffic accident, you must call the police and contact AUTO-RENTAL immediately. If the driver is under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, the insurance company will not cover the damage and the renter is responsible for the full amount of the damage.
What should I do in the event of a traffic accident or traffic offence?
First, secure the accident scene, call the police and contact our 24/7 assistance service as soon as possible. A police report is required for the insurance claim process.
In the event of a non-fault accident or technical breakdown, we will arrange towing and a replacement vehicle in accordance with the rental conditions.
Traffic fines are the responsibility of the renter. We charge an administration fee of €30 including VAT for processing a traffic offence.
What should I do if the car breaks down?
Contact our assistance service and follow their instructions. In the event of a technical breakdown in Slovakia, we provide mobility within 24 hours if the manufacturer’s roadside assistance service is unable to repair the vehicle on site.
If the vehicle breaks down outside Slovakia, the manufacturer’s warranty service and international mobility guarantee apply within 48 hours. The next steps are handled in cooperation with the roadside assistance service of the relevant vehicle brand, and AUTO-RENTAL provides the necessary support to the customer.
The mobility guarantee does not apply to damage caused by negligence or improper use of the vehicle.
Can I travel abroad with the rental car?
Yes, but you must notify AUTO-RENTAL in advance and obtain written permission. With written permission, you may travel within the European Union except to the following countries: Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania.
What do the dashboard warning lights mean?
Green / blue: informationAmber: checkRed: take action

Engine oilRed: stop safely and switch off the engine. Amber: check the level as instructed in the handbook.

Engine temperatureIf overheating, stop and switch off the engine. Do not open the coolant reservoir while hot.

Brake systemIf it stays on after releasing the parking brake, stop and call assistance.

Check engineEngine or emissions fault. If flashing or power is lost, stop and call assistance.

Tyre pressureStop safely and check the tyres and pressures. Do not drive on a damaged tyre.

Battery chargingCharging fault while the engine is running. Stop safely and contact assistance.
Other common lights · 4

Low fuelRefuel with the correct fuel as soon as possible.

Washer fluidTop up with suitable windscreen washer fluid.

Main beamSwitched on. Dip your headlights for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.

Door openClose all doors and the boot securely before driving.
Lights and sensors · 5

Adaptive headlightsAutomatic headlight adjustment fault. Contact us.

Headlight rangeHeadlight levelling fault. Arrange a vehicle check.

Rain and light sensorAutomatic operation may fail. Operate lights and wipers manually.

Front fog lightsSwitched on. Turn them off when visibility is good.

Rear fog lightsSwitched on. Turn them off when visibility is good.
Steering and key · 6

Power steering – amberSteering may require more effort. Stop safely and contact us.

Power steering – redSerious steering fault. Stop safely and call assistance.

Steering lockLock fault. Do not continue driving if the warning is red.

IgnitionIgnition system fault. Contact assistance.

Key not in vehicleCheck that the key is inside. The engine may not restart.

Key batteryThe key battery is low. Contact us to arrange replacement.
Brakes, suspension and powertrain · 8

Parking brakeApplied. Release it before driving; contact us if the light stays on.

Brake padsWorn brake pads. Arrange a vehicle check.

Air suspensionA fault may affect stability and ride height. Contact assistance.

Automatic gearboxGearbox fault. Follow the dashboard message and call assistance.

Differential lockIndicates differential lock status. Use only as instructed in the handbook.

Glow plugs – dieselWait for it to go out before starting. Contact us if it stays on or flashes while driving.

EPC – engine controlElectronic engine control fault. Contact assistance.

Diesel particulate filterThe filter needs attention. The procedure depends on the model – contact us.
Safety and assistance · 6

ABSAnti-lock braking may be unavailable. Contact assistance; stop if the red brake warning is also on.

ESP – stability controlFlashing: the system is intervening. Steady: it may be switched off or faulty.

Lane assistanceGreen: active. Amber: limited operation or a fault; check the display.

AirbagsAirbag fault or deactivation. Check the message and contact us.

Start-stopThe system has temporarily stopped the engine. A crossed-out symbol means off or unavailable.

Seat beltsFasten your seat belt and ensure all passengers are buckled up.
Symbols and colours vary by model. Follow the dashboard message and the vehicle handbook. Some lights briefly illuminate during the start-up check.
Unsure what to do? Stop safely and call our assistance. For a red fault warning, do not continue until advised.