1. Look at the total, not the daily rate
The daily rate almost always depends on season and rental length. The same car can cost €25 a day in March and €60 in August, and less per day for seven days than for three. The only fair comparison is the total for your exact dates — including delivery, extras and the insurance you actually want.
On localcars.me the price on each card is exactly that: the total for your selected period, calculated from the company's own price list. Change the dates and the price recalculates.
2. Deposit: how much, how, and when it comes back
The deposit is held by the company until you return the car. It ranges from zero to several hundred euros, depending on the car class and insurance. Some companies take cash, some block an amount on your card, and some offer no-deposit rentals with full insurance.
Ask in advance: the amount, whether a debit card is accepted, and how many days it takes for the block to be released. If you plan to pay in cash, bring the exact amount.
3. The excess matters more than the insurance price
Basic damage cover (CDW) almost always comes with an excess — the part of any damage you pay yourself. A €30-a-day car with an €800 excess can end up more expensive than a €38 car with zero excess if you scrape a bumper in a Kotor car park.
Read our guide to insurance and deposits for what each cover includes.
4. Mileage and fuel
Most local companies include unlimited mileage, but not all. If you plan Durmitor, Lake Skadar and a day trip to Dubrovnik, you can easily drive 1,000 km in a week.
The fairest fuel policy is full-to-full: you get a full tank and return it full. If the company refuels for you, the price per litre is usually well above the pump price.
5. Where you collect the car
Local agencies often deliver to Tivat or Podgorica airport, your hotel or apartment. Delivery may be free or charged per town — check before comparing prices.
If you land late at night, ask whether they wait for delayed flights and whether out-of-hours pick-up costs extra.
6. Terms worth reading
Before confirming a booking, check:
- minimum driver age and years of driving experience
- whether an additional driver is allowed and the cost
- whether you may cross borders, and into which countries
- cancellation and refund rules
- what happens if you return the car late
7. Inspect the car at pick-up
Walk around the car with the company representative and photograph every scratch — wheels, glass and interior too. Check that the first-aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest and a spare wheel or tyre repair kit are in the car.
Time-stamped photos are your best protection at drop-off.
8. Who is behind the offer
On localcars.me every company is checked before its cars go live, and for each car you see who rents it and from which town. Your booking goes straight to the company — no middleman taking commission and no prepayment through the site.
See real prices from local companies for your dates.
Compare offers for your dates