General Questions
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
If you need additional information or assistance, please feel free to contact us.
1. Reservations and Requirements
How can I rent a car?
- Choose the vehicle you prefer.
- Select the rental period.
- Provide the pick-up and drop-off location.
After that, our team will contact you to confirm your reservation. The process is fast and convenient.
What documents are required to rent a car?
For clients from the European Union:
- A valid national ID card and a driving licence held for at least 1 year.
For clients from outside the EU:
- A valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP), also with a minimum of 1 year of driving experience.
Minimum driver age:
- For standard vehicles – 21 years.
- For higher-class vehicles – 23 or 25 years, depending on the category.
- All documents must be presented in original at the time of vehicle pick-up.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years, and the driver must hold a valid driving licence for at least 2 years.
Clients who do not meet these requirements may rent a vehicle only with prior approval from our representative. In such cases, the following conditions apply:
- A Young Driver Fee of €6 per day
- A double security deposit
Additional restrictions may apply to certain vehicle categories.
Can I change the vehicle after making a reservation?
Yes. If you wish to change or cancel your reservation, please contact us at +359 89 9799766 or use the contact form available on our Contact page.
2. Deposit and Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
You can pay for our services using one of the following methods:
- By credit or debit card at the time of vehicle pick-up
- In cash upon vehicle pick-up
- In advance via bank transfer
How is the security deposit paid?
The deposit is pre-authorised on a credit or debit card at the time of vehicle pick-up. In certain cases, it may also be provided in cash. The amount is released upon returning the vehicle, provided there are no damages or violations of the rental agreement.
What is the amount of the deposit and when is it released?
When renting a vehicle, a security deposit is pre-authorised on your payment card. The deposit amount depends on the selected vehicle and ranges between €250 and €600.
The deposit is blocked at the time of signing the rental agreement and remains on hold until the vehicle is returned. After the vehicle is inspected by a Travel Cars representative and no damages, missing items, or violations of the rental terms are found, the deposit is released immediately by Travel Cars.
Please note:
- The actual time for the release to appear on your account depends on your card-issuing bank and is typically between 3 and 14 business days.
- If damages or missing items are identified, an additional inspection protocol will be completed, and the deposit may be temporarily held until the matter is resolved.
3. Insurance, Damages and Incidents
What insurance is included in the rental price?
All Travel Cars vehicles include Third-Party Liability insurance and Fully Comprehensive Insurance (CASCO). These policies cover damages resulting from traffic accidents, theft, fire, and natural disasters. The customer has no financial responsibility if the damage was caused by a third party.
What does the Full Comprehensive Insurance (Full AC / CDW) cover? Are there any exclusions?
All rental vehicles are provided with Third-Party Liability insurance and Full Comprehensive Insurance (Full AC / CDW), which covers:
- Damages resulting from a traffic accident
- Fire, theft, vandalism
- Natural disasters
The insurance does not cover damages caused by:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving by an unlicensed or unauthorised driver
- Damages to tyres, rims, the interior, or the underside of the vehicle, unless they result from a traffic accident
In the event of an insurance incident, you must notify the competent authorities and contact us immediately.
What should I do if the car breaks down?
If the vehicle breaks down, please contact Travel Cars immediately. We provide 24/7 roadside assistance and will guide you through the next steps. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself. Our team will arrange support or a replacement vehicle whenever possible.
What should I do in case of a technical issue or a flat tire during the rental?
- Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
- Notify our team immediately at +359 89 9799766.
- Follow the instructions provided by our representative.
If necessary, we will arrange assistance for repair or vehicle replacement.
Costs related to tire replacement or repairs resulting from improper use or gross negligence are the responsibility of the client.
What happens if I lose or break the car keys?
If the car keys are lost or damaged, the client is responsible for all costs related to their replacement or duplication, including any transportation expenses for delivering a new key.
In such cases, please contact our team immediately at +359 89 9799766 so we can assist you as quickly as possible.
What happens if the vehicle is stolen or there is an attempted theft?
In the event of theft or attempted theft, the customer must immediately notify:
- The police and obtain an official report of the incident.
- Our team at +359 89 9799766.
All vehicles come with full Comprehensive Insurance (CASCO), which covers theft. However, the customer may still be held financially responsible if:
- the vehicle’s keys or registration documents are not returned;
- the theft occurs as a result of gross negligence (for example, leaving the vehicle unlocked or leaving the keys inside).
What happens if parts or equipment are stolen from the vehicle?
In the event of theft of parts or equipment from the vehicle (e.g., tires, wheels, mirrors, catalytic converter, navigation system, etc.), the customer must immediately notify:
- The police and obtain an official report.
- Our team at +359 89 9799766.
Such damages are covered by the Comprehensive Insurance (CASCO), unless they occurred due to gross negligence by the renter (for example, leaving the doors or the trunk unlocked).
Personal belongings left inside the vehicle are not covered by the insurance and remain the customer’s responsibility.
4. Vehicle Pick-Up and Return
Can I rent your car from Sofia Airport?
Yes, of course. When you make a reservation and select Sofia Airport as the pick-up location, our representative will meet you at the terminal and guide you to the vehicle you have booked.
You will sign the rental agreement on the spot, and our staff member will show you the car’s features and equipment.
Please feel free to ask any questions — we are here to make your rental experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.
What documents are required to rent a car?
If you are permanently registered in the European Union, you must provide a valid ID card and driver’s license. Customers from other countries must provide us with a passport and international driver’s license.
Do you deliver cars outside Sofia?
Yes. We provide delivery to any location in Bulgaria, as well as to neighboring EU member countries.
- A delivery fee applies, depending on the distance and destination.
- Delivery is usually completed within one business day.
Is there a fee for pick-up or drop-off outside business hours?
Yes, Travel Cars applies an Out-of-Hours Service Fee for vehicle pick-up or drop-off outside our standard working hours. The fee covers the additional staffing and logistical arrangements required to provide service during late evening or early morning hours.
The applicable fees are as follows:
- €10 for services provided between 18:00–22:00 and 07:00–09:00.
- €20 for services provided between 22:00–07:00.
If you expect to arrive late or early, please let us know in advance so we can ensure that a representative is available to assist you on time.
5. Terms of Use
Is the road vignette included in the rental price?
Yes. All our vehicles come with a valid electronic vignette for the territory of Bulgaria, which is fully included in the rental price. There is no need to purchase an additional vignette.
Is fuel included in the rental price?
Is fuel included in the rental price?
Fuel is not included in the rental price. Travel Cars operates under a “full to full” fuel policy:
- You receive the vehicle with a full tank.
- You must return it with a full tank as well.
If the vehicle is returned with missing fuel, the cost of the missing amount will be charged plus a one-time refueling fee of €10.
Can I travel abroad with your rental car?
Yes, you can use our vehicles for international travel. Please note:
- A one-time additional fee applies, depending on the country you plan to visit.
- For certain non-EU countries, a notarized authorization letter may be required, which we will prepare for you.
If you have any additional questions or need assistance, feel free to contact our team.
What happens if I return the vehicle earlier than agreed?
You may return the vehicle before the end of the rental period. In this case, no additional fees apply, but the rental amount already paid is non-refundable.
If you wish to change the duration of your rental, please contact us in advance so we can offer you the best possible option.
Is there a mileage limit?
All rental vehicles come with unlimited mileage within the territory of Bulgaria.
For international travel, certain mileage restrictions or additional conditions may apply. These are clarified in advance during the contract process.
6. Additional Services and Assistance
Is navigation available in the rental cars?
Our vehicles are equipped with modern multimedia systems that support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing you to use navigation apps directly from your smartphone.
If needed, we can also provide a separate GPS device upon request.
Do you offer child seats and boosters?
Yes. When renting a car, you can request a child seat or booster, appropriate for your child’s age and weight. We offer several models that meet European safety standards.
The rental fee for a child seat or booster is €5 per day, and a discount may be offered for longer rental periods.
How and when can I contact you?
For inquiries and reservations, please contact us during our business hours at +359 89 9799766.
In case of a technical issue, accident, or any emergency involving the rental vehicle, our team is available 24/7 at the same phone number.
Is there a cleaning fee when returning the vehicle?
Travel Cars vehicles are delivered clean and must be returned in a reasonable condition of cleanliness. No cleaning fee is charged for normal use.
A cleaning fee applies only in cases of excessive dirt, including but not limited to:
- heavily soiled interior or trunk;
- mud, sand, or other heavy contamination;
- spilled food or drinks;
- sticky surfaces or unpleasant odors;
- smoking inside the vehicle.
Cleaning fees:
- €35 – deep cleaning;
- €75 – interior upholstery cleaning.
The need for cleaning and the applicable fee are determined after vehicle inspection upon return.