Important car rental information in Poland
Before leaving the rental location, please inspect the vehicle carefully to make sure everything is in order. If you notice any damage or issues, please report them to a member of staff before driving away.
Before you go
On the road in Poland
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Here you’ll find essential information to help you drive safely and comply with Polish road regulations.
Entering personal details and using diacritical marks
When entering your personal details (first name, surname and address) in the booking form, we recommend avoiding Polish diacritical characters (such as ą, ć, ę, ł, ń, ó, ś, ź, ż).
Please replace them with their standard Latin alphabet equivalents (e.g. a, c, e, l, n, o, s, z, z).
Why is this important? Global booking systems and fleet supplier verification systems may incorrectly encode special characters. Using standard Latin characters ensures that your details match your international identity documents, speeds up the verification process at the rental location and helps avoid complications when collecting your vehicle.
Booking
Booking in advance guarantees the availability of a vehicle from your selected category. If you choose a vehicle from the Mini, Economy, Compact or Intermediate groups, availability is confirmed immediately at the time of booking. For vehicles in other categories (Premium, Full Size, Intermediate Elite and Luxe), we will check and confirm availability within 48 hours.
Find out more about the vehicle categories available to you (Europcar fleet).
- Reservations Department
Tel: 22 255 56 00 / 0 801 002 444
Cancellation and modification policy for prepaid bookings
Find out about the rules for modifying and cancelling bookings paid for in advance.
Cancelling a booking
- Free cancellation (up to 48 hours before pick-up): You can cancel your booking free of charge up to 48 hours before the scheduled vehicle pick-up time. You will receive a full refund.
- Cancellation less than 48 hours before pick-up: If you cancel your booking less than 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up time, an administration fee of EUR 50 gross will apply. If the total rental cost is less than EUR 50 gross, the full booking amount will be charged.
Failure to collect the vehicle (No-show)
- If you fail to collect the vehicle at the scheduled time and have not cancelled your booking in advance, a fee of EUR 95 gross will apply (or the equivalent amount, in accordance with the specific rental terms and conditions applicable in the country).
- If the total rental cost is less than EUR 95 gross, the full rental amount will be charged.
Booking changes and early returns
- Modifying a booking: You can modify your booking at any time. However, we recommend making any changes no later than 2 hours before the scheduled rental start time.
- Early vehicle return: If you return the vehicle before the end of the rental period agreed in the contract, you will not be entitled to a refund for the unused rental days.
Returning the vehicle to a different location
You do not have to return your rental vehicle to the same location where you collected it, provided you inform us of this when making your booking.
Returning the vehicle to any Europcar location in Poland is free of charge. However, if you decide to return the vehicle to a different location from the one specified in your booking, additional charges may apply for transferring the vehicle within the same network (domestic one-way fee).
This fee does not apply to all products, so we recommend contacting our Customer Service team for further details:
- Reservations Department
Tel: 22 255 56 00 / 0 801 002 444
Driving licence
Our services are available to drivers aged at least 21 who have held a valid driving licence for at least one year. For vans, a driving licence held for at least 3 years is required.
You must present your original driving licence and another valid identity document when collecting the vehicle. Copies and photographs of documents are not accepted.
If you are from outside the European Union, you must present a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). This document is required to drive vehicles outside the European Union (EU) in countries that are parties to the Vienna or Geneva Convention.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that allows you to legally drive in other countries, particularly outside your country of residence. It is a translation of your national driving licence into several languages, making it easier to communicate with local law enforcement and road traffic authorities in different countries.
Why should you have an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is required in some countries to rent a car, particularly if your national driving licence is written in a language that is not recognised in the country concerned. It is also useful during roadside checks abroad, as it helps authorities verify your entitlement to drive.
How can you obtain an International Driving Permit?
You can obtain an International Driving Permit in your country of residence, usually from your local municipal office or transport department. The process is quick and relatively straightforward. You will generally need to present a valid national driving licence and pay the relevant fee.
Requirements for renting a car
When renting a car in many countries, an International Driving Permit may be required, particularly if your national driving licence is not in English. We recommend checking the requirements of the destination country or rental company before making your booking.
Benefits of an International Driving Permit:
- Makes renting a car abroad easier.
- Helps avoid problems during roadside checks.
- Is recognised in more than 150 countries worldwide.
- Provides greater convenience and peace of mind when travelling internationally.
Before setting off, make sure you have an International Driving Permit to avoid unnecessary complications when renting a vehicle abroad.
Please note: An International Driving Permit is only valid when presented together with your original driving licence. Your driving licence must also be valid in the country where you are renting the vehicle.
For more detailed information about International Driving Permits, please visit the official website: https://www.gov.pl/web/gov/uzyskaj-miedzynarodowe-prawo-jazdy
Driver age
Our services are available to drivers aged at least 21 who have held a valid driving licence for at least one year. The minimum driver age is displayed when selecting a vehicle during the booking process, under the vehicle image in the “More details” section, then “Full vehicle details”.
The minimum and maximum age requirements depend on the vehicle group being rented (see details).
Drivers under the age of 25 are subject to a Young Driver fee of EUR 9.84 gross per day, up to a maximum of EUR 147.60 gross per rental.
Additional driver
If more than one person will be driving the vehicle, Europcar charges an additional fee of EUR 7.38 gross per day for each additional driver.
Additional drivers must meet the same age and driving licence validity requirements as the main driver.
Senior driver
The Senior Driver fee is an additional charge that may apply to drivers within a specified age group, most commonly those over the age of 70.
The fee is EUR 9.84 gross per day.
Rental duration and agreement
The rental period begins when the vehicle is made available to the renter. Rental duration is calculated in full 24-hour periods. Extending the rental by more than 30 minutes will result in an additional full day being charged.
A rental agreement can be issued for a maximum period of 30 days. For rentals lasting longer than 30 days, an interim invoice will be issued after the initial 30-day period. The final invoice will be issued once the renter has returned the vehicle.
Electric vehicle rental
At Europcar, we offer modern electric vehicles that provide an environmentally friendly and quiet driving experience. To make your rental as comfortable and convenient as possible, we have clear vehicle return requirements.
Electric vehicle return requirements:
When returning an electric vehicle, the battery must be charged to at least 80%. If the charge level is lower, a fee of EUR 1.23 gross will be charged for every missing 1 kWh.
You can return your vehicle free of charge, provided the battery charge level is at least 80%. This gives you greater flexibility when planning your journey. We are committed to providing a high standard of rental service, and our electric vehicles are always prepared for the road.
Payment methods
We prefer payment by credit card (a raised-embossed card is required, as Europcar does not accept Electron or debit cards).
The card is used to pre-authorise the estimated rental amount and any additional charges that may arise during the rental, such as excess payments, fuel costs or rental extensions.
Credit card deposit
When paying by credit card (whether it is the main payment method or used as security alongside another payment method), a pre-authorisation will be made at the time of rental. This means that funds will be temporarily blocked on your account.
The pre-authorised amount will consist of:
The rental cost + EUR 300
This additional amount covers potential costs such as:
- Vehicle damage.
- Returning the vehicle with insufficient fuel.
- Extending the rental period.
The rental deposit is released once the rental agreement has ended and the vehicle has been returned. We then notify the bank that the funds can be unblocked on the customer's payment card.
The time it takes for the bank to release the funds depends on the individual bank's policy and may vary between financial institutions. In most cases, the funds will be released within a few working days.
If a booking is cancelled, the deposit release may take up to 30 days (depending on the bank).
Payment by bank transfer
If you wish to pay by bank transfer, the rental must be arranged in advance by submitting an order specifying:
- The vehicle group and number of vehicles required.
- The date, time and location for vehicle collection.
- The date, time and location for vehicle return.
- The first and last names of the individuals authorised by the company to drive the rental vehicles.
- Confirmation that the rental costs will be paid by bank transfer within 7 days of receiving the VAT invoice.
The order must be signed by a person authorised to enter into financial commitments on behalf of the company. A current extract from the National Court Register (KRS), the company's Tax Identification Number (NIP) and its REGON statistical identification number must also be attached.
Car rental by bank transfer is possible subject to prior approval by Europcar Polska's Legal Department.
To check and arrange the possibility of paying by bank transfer, please contact our Sales and Marketing Department.
- Sales Department
Tel: +22 255 56 03, +22 255 56 06
Protection packages
Every vehicle rented from Europcar comes with a mandatory protection package.
Find out more about the different protection packages offered by Europcar.
Travelling outside Poland
The renter is required to notify Europcar every time they intend to take the rental vehicle outside Poland.
Travel to the following countries is not permitted: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Greece, Albania, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, Montenegro and Ukraine.
A cross-border fee applies and depends on the destination.
The following cross-border fee options apply to these countries:
- CBF 1: CZ, DE, LT, SK – EUR 36.90 gross
- CBF 2: AT, BE, DK, HU, LV, LU, NL, SI – EUR 61.50 gross
- CBF 3: CH, EE, FI, FR, HR, IT, NO, SE, RO – EUR 123 gross
- CBF 4: ES, GB, IE, PT, BG – EUR 307.50 gross
Administration fee
Car rental companies charge an administration fee for providing driver details to the relevant law enforcement authorities when a driver commits a traffic offence during the rental period (for example, speeding or failing to pay a parking fee) and the authorities, such as the police, request information about the person driving the vehicle at the time of the offence.
In such cases, the rental company is required to provide this information to identify the person responsible for the offence.
This usually involves additional administration costs, which are charged to the person who rented the vehicle. The fee covers the costs of processing the request, administration and the time spent by the company cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
The fee is EUR 49.20 gross.
Fuel
Please note that rental vehicles are provided with a full tank of fuel and must also be returned with a full tank.
If the vehicle is returned with less than a full tank, the renter will be charged EUR 3.69 gross per litre of fuel. Fuel costs are not included in the rental rates.
Additional charges
- Airport surcharge – 12% of the base rental price.
- Out-of-hours vehicle collection at a Europcar location – EUR 43.05 gross per rental.
- Within cities where Europcar has rental locations – from EUR 18.45 gross per service.
- Outside city limits – from EUR 18.45 gross per service plus EUR 0.98 gross per kilometre.
One-way rental
One-way rental allows you to return your vehicle to a different Europcar location from the one where you collected it.
This service is free of charge within Poland. You can also return your vehicle to a Europcar location abroad, subject to an additional fee.
Vehicle returns are permitted in the following countries: DE, CZ, LT, SK, HU, AT, LV, NL, BE, LU, EE, SI, DK, FI, FR, HR, IT, SE, CH.
The fee depends on the return location and rental duration.
For detailed information, please contact our Reservations Department.
- Reservations Department
Tel: 22 255 56 00 / 0 801 002 444
Complaints and billing
If you experience any issues during your car rental, whether in Poland or abroad, please contact our Customer Service Department. Our team is available to help resolve any rental-related issues, wherever you are.
In Poland – if you experience any difficulties, for example with vehicle quality, returning the car or any other aspect of the service, please submit a complaint to our Customer Service Department as soon as possible.
Abroad – if you rent a vehicle from one of our international locations, please also direct any complaints to our Customer Service Department. If you experience any problems with the vehicle or service, contact us as soon as possible so that we can help resolve the issue, wherever you are.
Rental charges are settled in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the rental agreement. The total rental price depends on several factors, including the rental period, vehicle type, additional services (such as insurance, GPS or a child car seat) and the vehicle collection and return locations.
At the time of booking, the rental price will be calculated and may include:
- Rental duration (daily rates).
- Basic and optional protection costs.
- Additional services and accessories.
- Any applicable one-way rental fees.
If you have any questions about your rental charges, our Customer Service Department is always ready to clarify any doubts and help resolve payment-related issues.
Email address for submitting complaints: cs@europcar.pl
Make the most of your journey
Get in touch!
Need information about car rental, business partnerships or Europcar services? Find the department best suited to your enquiry below. Each of our teams specialises in a specific area and will be happy to assist you.
- Reservations Department
| Bookings • Vehicle availability • Rental terms and conditions |
Tel.: +22 255 56 00, +22 255 56 01 / 0 801 002 444
- Customer Service Department
| Complaints • Invoices • Issues during your rental |
- Sales Department
| Corporate offers • Corporate agreements • Mid-term car rental • B2B partnerships • Tailored offers |
- Marketing Department
| Marketing partnerships • Partnerships • Advertising campaigns • Media relations • Influencer marketing • Sponsorships • Promotional activities |
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ACRISS codes – vehicle category codes
ACRISS codes – vehicle category codes
ACRISS codes
ACRISS codes are vehicle category codes established to provide common standards for use in automated car rental reservation systems. These codes are also known as SIPP codes.
Europcar vehicles can only be booked by category. Unless the availability of a specific model has been formally confirmed, Europcar guarantees only the reserved vehicle category. Some vehicle groups and models may not be available at all Europcar locations.