FAQ, frequently asked questions

Rentlo is a marketplace for rental vehicles of every kind in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. You rent directly from verified local rental companies, from small cars, vans and EVs to sports or wedding cars. Search, request, chat, payment and contract all happen in one place.

1. Find the right car: search by place, date and vehicle type and compare real listings. 2. Request or book your dates: the rental company confirms, and only then do you pay. 3. Pick it up (or have it delivered) and drive off.

No. Rentlo is the platform through which you rent from independent rental companies. Your rental contract is with the respective rental company; Rentlo takes care of search, payment, communication and support.

On Rentlo you rent exactly the car in the listing, no "or similar". You talk directly to the local rental company, see real photos and videos, delivery is often available, deposits are flexible and prices are fair with a best price guarantee.

Rentlo operates in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More European countries will follow step by step.

Almost anything with wheels: small cars, estates, saloons, SUVs, vans and commercial vehicles, EVs, convertibles, sports and luxury cars, classic and wedding cars, quads and bikes, depending on what is offered in your region.

Searching, comparing and sending requests is free. You only pay for your booking at the total price shown, no hidden platform fees at the end.

Rentlo has been around since 2023. The platform is developed and operated in Germany.

Local rental companies are often cheaper, more flexible and more personal. They frequently deliver the car to you, know their vehicles inside out and don't ask for "four credit cards" as a deposit.

No. On Rentlo you book directly, no redirecting to other sites. The vehicles are listed on Rentlo by the rental companies themselves.

Enter your location on the home page or in the app, or use your current position. Use the radius (e.g. 25 km) and the filters to narrow down the results; the distance is shown on every card.

You can filter by price, brand, year, power, fuel, range (EVs), minimum age, years of driving licence, delivery, trips abroad, deposit amount and deposit type, plus category such as sports car, SUV or van.

Yes. Just type e.g. "Golf GTI", "Mustang" or "Passat for the weekend" into the What? field. The search tolerates typos and recognises brands and models.

The rental company offers a delivery and collection service: they bring the car to your address and pick it up again. You see the price as soon as you enter your address.

Set the deposit filter to "none" or search for "no deposit". Some rental companies offer vehicles without a deposit for a small surcharge per day.

There may be no available vehicles there for your dates right now. Increase the radius, change the dates or remove filters. With a search alert you will be notified as soon as something suitable becomes available.

By default by relevance: distance, availability, reviews and listing quality all matter. You can also sort by price, power or distance. Details are on the "How ranking works" page.

Yes. Tap the heart on a vehicle to add it to your favourites. That way you can find it again quickly, in the app and on the website.

Photos and videos come from the rental companies themselves and show the actual vehicle. With Rentlo Shorts you can even see and hear many cars in real videos.

Yes. Save your search and we will notify you when new matching vehicles become available or prices drop.

Every vehicle page has a rental company box with name, reviews and a "Profile" button. The profile shows all other vehicles, videos, address and legal notice of the company.

The rental company has provided its company details, documents and insurance to Rentlo and has been approved by our team.

You choose the vehicle and dates, see the total price and send your request or booking. The rental company confirms and then the payment is taken. Pick-up, handover report and rental contract are handled directly with the rental company.

The rental company decides whether a car can be booked instantly or must be requested first. They have up to 24 hours to confirm; nothing is charged during that time. If they don't reply, the request expires automatically.

Many rental companies reply within minutes, at the latest within 24 hours. You can see the typical response time in the rental company box.

No. You only provide your payment method. You are charged only once the rental company accepts your request.

Up to three months in advance. Available dates and prices are shown in the vehicle's calendar.

Yes, if the rental company has enough lead time. The minimum lead time is set by the rental company; the calendar shows when the vehicle is available.

For many vehicles, yes. Rental companies can offer hourly, daily, weekend, weekly and monthly prices. The listing's price tiles show which options are available.

Yes. Many rental companies offer weekly and monthly prices and long-term discounts. Ask in the chat if you are planning an especially long period.

Yes. You can reach the rental company directly in the chat and clarify everything, from handover to accessories.

Yes. Once the rental company confirms, you receive an email and an in-app message with all details, booking number and pick-up information.

You can request different vehicles. Once one request is confirmed, please withdraw the others so rental companies can plan.

The person driving must meet the rental company's requirements and show their licence and ID at handover. It's easiest if the driver books themselves; agree additional drivers with the rental company.

Many rental companies allow additional drivers, sometimes for a fee. Mention it in the chat; the additional driver must also meet the age and licence requirements.

Yes. Every booking comes with an invoice. For company, photo or video use, agree the purpose with the rental company in advance so invoice and contract fit.

Yes. The rental contract is prepared with your details and concluded with the rental company at handover. A copy is available in your booking.

Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna (later or in instalments), Revolut Pay and iDEAL. Where the rental company offers it, you can also pay partly in cash.

Yes, if the rental company has enabled cash payment for the vehicle. You pay 10% online as a down payment and the rest in cash at pick-up. Online payment remains the recommended option.

Yes, with Klarna you can pay later or in instalments. Klarna decides at checkout whether this is possible for your amount.

Yes. You can also pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, Revolut Pay or iDEAL. If a rental company explicitly requires a credit card for the deposit, the listing says so.

Only when the rental company confirms your booking. With instant bookings you are charged right after booking.

Yes. Payments run encrypted through our certified payment provider Stripe, including buyer protection. Neither the rental company nor Rentlo sees your card details.

Check your details or choose another payment method. If it still doesn't work, our support helps you around the clock.

All prices on Rentlo are in euros. If you pay with a card in another currency (e.g. Swiss francs), your bank converts automatically.

Usually not, the rental price is paid online. On site there is only the deposit (if not provided online), the remaining amount if you chose cash, or extras you agree with the rental company.

If a booking is cancelled or the rental company cancels, we refund the amount due to your original payment method. If there are problems, buyer protection applies, contact support.

Not yet, PayPal is coming soon. Until then you pay securely by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, Revolut Pay or iDEAL.

Yes, on supported devices you pay with a single tap.

For most vehicles, yes. The rental company sets the amount and type; you see both in the listing before booking.

Yes, for many vehicles. The amount is only blocked on your payment method, not charged, and released after a proper return.

Depending on the rental company: cash, debit card, credit card or your own vehicle including its registration document as security. The listing shows what is accepted.

For some vehicles, yes, sometimes for a small surcharge per rental day. Use the "no deposit" filter.

After the return and inspection of the vehicle, the rental company releases the deposit. Amounts blocked online usually disappear within a few days, depending on your bank.

For damage up to the excess, missing fuel, extra kilometres, late return or fine handling, as agreed in the rental contract. Everything must be documented transparently.

High-end vehicles have higher repair costs and excesses, and the deposit covers that. Tip: look for listings where the deposit can be provided online, it's more convenient.

Online this is possible with many payment methods. On site many rental companies accept debit cards; the listing shows what works.

No, it is only blocked (reserved). Once the rental company releases it, the reservation is cancelled.

From the price for your period (hour, day, weekend, week or month), the included kilometres and optional extras such as mileage packages or delivery. The total price is shown before booking.

If you find the same car from the same rental company for the same period and conditions cheaper elsewhere, we credit the difference as Rentlo credit. Report it at least 24 hours before the rental starts via "Found it cheaper elsewhere?".

On the vehicle page, tap "Report" in the "Found it cheaper elsewhere?" box and enter the link and price. We check and reply in the chat.

No. The total price including kilometres is fixed before booking. Additional costs only arise from extras you choose or from things like extra kilometres, fuel or damage.

No, prices on Rentlo are fixed. Arrangements outside Rentlo breach the terms of use and cost you buyer protection.

You rent directly from local rental companies without expensive branch networks. And the best price guarantee ensures the car isn't more expensive on Rentlo than with the rental company directly.

Rental companies can run promotions with a percentage discount. On top, Club partners give club discounts of up to 10 % and vouchers. The discounted price is shown directly.

Many rental companies offer a dedicated weekend price (usually Friday to Monday). It's shown in the listing's price tiles and is often cheaper than three single days.

Yes, all prices for renters are final prices including statutory VAT.

Sign up with email and password or with Google or Apple. Then complete your profile and upload your driving licence and ID.

To verify your identity. This protects renters and rental companies and speeds up the handover because the contract can be prepared in advance.

Usually just a few minutes. Meanwhile you can already search and send requests.

Tap "Forgot password" on the login screen. You'll receive a link by email to set a new password.

Yes, in your profile under account settings. You confirm a new email address via link.

In the app under Profile → Delete account, or via the "Delete account" page. Open bookings must be completed first; statutory retention obligations remain.

Yes. An account is needed so rental companies know who is driving and so chat, payment, contract and buyer protection work.

Yes. "Sign in with Google" or "Sign in with Apple" makes it especially quick.

In the app and on the website under "Requests" or "My bookings". There you'll find status, chat, contract and invoice for every booking.

Yes, if you have a registered rental business. Sign up as a rental company, all details are on the "Rent out on Rentlo" page.

The rental company sets the minimum age per vehicle, often 18, 21, 23 or 25, for powerful sports cars also 25 or 27. It's shown in the listing and you can filter by it.

With some rental companies, yes, usually models with moderate power. Set the minimum age filter to 18 and choose the sports car category.

The rental company decides this too, often 1, 2, 3 or 5 years. The "licence held for" filter shows suitable vehicles.

EU and EEA licences are valid in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Other licences may require an international driving permit or translation, ask the rental company in advance.

The rental company decides via the minimum licence period. Many small and compact cars are available for new drivers too.

For vans up to 3.5 t gross weight, a category B licence is usually enough. Heavier vehicles need C1 or C, the listing tells you.

Your valid original driving licence, ID card or passport and, if agreed, the deposit. If paying in cash, the remaining amount.

Please bring your original licence. Digital copies usually don't replace it at handover.

Rentlo has no general maximum age. Individual rental companies may have their own rules, the listing will say so.

Yes, digitally when you upload it and again in the original at handover.

Before booking you see an approximate location on the map. You get the exact address after confirmation; pick-up and return are usually at the same place.

Yes, if the rental company offers delivery. Enter your address when booking, you'll see straight away whether delivery is possible and what it costs.

The rental company brings the car to you at the start and picks it up at the end, to your home, hotel or venue.

Together you check licence and ID, record the condition, mileage and fuel or charge level with photos, sign the handover report and rental contract, and off you go.

Let the rental company know in the chat as early as possible. A new time can usually be found; if you don't show up at all, the cancellation terms apply.

Late returns may incur extra charges, which can be offset against the deposit. Get in touch in good time, often the rental can simply be extended.

Yes, if the vehicle is available. Ask the rental company in the chat; the extension is paid via Rentlo so you stay protected.

Agree this with the rental company. A refund for unused time isn't guaranteed and depends on their terms.

One-way rentals are only possible by arrangement. Ask in the chat whether the rental company offers a return elsewhere or collection.

The rental company sets the fuel policy, usually full to full. For EVs this applies to the charge level. It's all in the listing.

The rental company sets delivery costs, usually as a flat fee or per kilometre. You see the exact price as soon as you enter your address.

In your booking overview under "Cancel". Unconfirmed requests can be withdrawn for free; confirmed bookings follow the cancellation terms in the listing.

That depends on how early you cancel. You see the cancellation terms before booking; refunds go back to your original payment method.

You get the full amount back. Our support also helps you quickly find a comparable vehicle.

Yes, if the rental company agrees and the car is available. Message them in the chat; price differences are settled via Rentlo.

Then the rental company's cancellation terms apply as for a short-notice cancellation. Get in touch anyway, there is often a solution.

Yes, free of charge at any time as long as the rental company hasn't confirmed it yet.

For car rentals for a specific period there is usually no statutory right of withdrawal. The cancellation terms apply. Details are in the withdrawal notice.

In the listing under "Cancellation terms" and again before you complete the booking.

Yes. Every rental company on Rentlo must insure its vehicles for commercial rental. Damage is usually covered except for the agreed excess.

That depends on the vehicle and is stated in the listing. Some rental companies offer protection packages to lower the excess.

Minor damage is usually borne by the renter up to the excess and can be offset against the deposit. Report any damage immediately and document it with photos.

You are liable up to the agreed excess; the rental company's insurance covers the rest unless there was gross negligence. The rental contract sets out the details.

Photograph the car all round at pick-up and return, including rims, interior, fuel gauge and odometer. Record everything in the handover report, then there's nothing to argue about.

Many rental companies offer protection packages that reduce the excess. You choose them directly when booking.

Only if you are listed as a driver in the rental contract. So never drive the car without having agreed it with the rental company first.

Fines during the rental period are paid by the renter. The rental company passes your details on to the authority and may charge a handling fee.

Whether glass and tyres are covered depends on the rental company's insurance. Ask if it isn't stated in the listing.

Every listing shows the included kilometres for your period. If you need more, add a mileage package, it's cheaper than paying for extra kilometres afterwards.

Extra kilometres at a fixed price, e.g. 100, 200, 300, 500 or 1,000 km. You choose them with + and − when booking.

The rental company sets the price per extra kilometre; you'll find it in the listing. It's charged after the return.

Only if the rental company allows trips abroad, see the "abroad allowed" filter and the listing. Clarify destination countries in the chat beforehand.

A vignette is mandatory for motorways in Austria and Switzerland. Ask the rental company whether the car already has one; otherwise buy it before driving.

Secure the scene, give first aid, call the police. Document everything with photos and inform the rental company immediately via the Rentlo chat or their emergency number. If you can't reach them, we are there for you 24/7.

Get to safety, secure the vehicle and contact the rental company. Many vehicles have breakdown cover; you'll find the number in the documents or in the chat.

Stop safely, hazard lights and warning triangle, then inform the rental company. They will tell you whether to change it yourself or wait for help.

Notify the police immediately and file a report, then inform the rental company. Keep the report number for the insurance.

At public charging points with a charging card or app, at a wallbox or with a fast charger. Many rental companies provide a charging card, ask at handover.

Smoking is prohibited in almost all rental cars. Pets only by arrangement with the rental company; extra cleaning may incur a fee.

No, race track and track day driving isn't allowed or insured in normal rentals, unless the rental company explicitly offers it.

Yes. In the wedding & classic category you'll find classic cars, convertibles, saloons and sports cars. Many rental companies offer decoration, delivery or even a chauffeur, ask in the chat.

For a single room a small van is often enough, for a 2-3 room flat a Sprinter-size van with long wheelbase. Check load volume, load length and licence category.

Yes, many rental companies offer special weekend prices for sports and luxury cars. Plan for the minimum age, licence period and deposit.

Yes. State the purpose in your request. Shoots often have special conditions, e.g. for standing time or additional people.

Yes, most easily with a Rentlo gift voucher. The credit works for every car on Rentlo, from convertibles to wedding cars.

Yes. In the EV category you can filter by minimum range to find the right model for your route.

Yes. In the van category you'll find vehicles with seven to nine seats, ideal for groups, clubs or family holidays.

If rental companies in your region offer campers, you'll find them in the camper category. The selection is growing all the time.

Yes, in the bikes & quads category, depending on what's available near you. Check the required licence category.

Some rental companies offer a chauffeur service, e.g. for weddings or events. Ask directly in the chat.

Yes. Search for "tow bar" or use the equipment filters. The towing capacity is in the listing.

Yes. For longer trips, weekly prices, mileage packages and the "abroad allowed" option are worthwhile.

Yes, the Rentlo app is free for iPhone and Android. With push notifications you won't miss a reply or a deal.

Short videos from rental companies with real sound, so you can experience the car before you drive it. Just swipe through and tap "View" or "Request".

You describe what you need in full sentences, e.g. "van on Saturday in Cologne without deposit". The AI sets the matching filters. Free text is only sent to our AI provider with your consent.

A short questionnaire that suggests suitable vehicles based on occasion, passengers, budget and wishes.

Yes, by push and email, e.g. when the rental company replies, your booking is confirmed or a search alert fires. You can adjust them in settings.

Yes. Chat with the rental company and with Rentlo support is built into the app and website, including photos.

During your rental you'll find the vehicle documents in the app, handy for a traffic check, even offline.

Rentlo is available in German and English; more languages will follow. Listings are translated automatically.

No. You can also book on the website. The app is handy for chat, push notifications and documents on the go.

Our loyalty programme: every trip earns points, every rank more benefits, with Club partners up to 10 % discount, vouchers, car washes and double points in your birthday week. The ranks are Starter, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Black.

With every completed booking, with reviews and by inviting friends with your invite code.

No, membership is free. You are automatically a member as soon as you have an account.

No. Club points are status points for your rank. You get the benefits of your rank (discount, vouchers, car washes) with Club partners.

A voucher with credit for any car on Rentlo. You send it instantly by email, ideal for birthdays, weddings or Christmas.

Enter the code in the "Voucher" field when booking, or add it to your account beforehand under "Redeem code".

Yes, with Club partners. Club discount and Club vouchers only apply with Club partners. You'll see which benefits apply together in the price summary before paying.

After 12 months without a rental, 500 points expire for each further month. Every rental restarts the period. Details are in the club area.

Yes. Rentlo is a German company, developed and operated in Germany. All rental companies are verified, payments run through Stripe with buyer protection, and our support is available around the clock.

Yes. Every rental company must prove a registered business, the necessary insurance and documents before renting out on Rentlo.

If you pay via Rentlo you are protected: if the rental doesn't happen as booked, you get your money back. That's why you should never pay outside Rentlo.

Your data is transmitted encrypted, processed in the EU in compliance with GDPR and only shared with rental companies as far as needed for your booking. Details are in the privacy policy.

Around the clock via chat in the app and website, by email at support@rentlo.de or via WhatsApp at +49 178 4240455.

Via "Report content" in the footer, the report button on the listing or directly to support. We check every report.

There's no place for it on Rentlo. Report the incident to support immediately, we act quickly and block accounts if necessary.

After every completed rental, renters and rental companies can review each other. Only real bookings can leave reviews, so the stars stay honest.

Please don't. Payments outside Rentlo aren't allowed and aren't covered by buyer protection. Report such requests to support.

The quickest way to reach us is via chat or WhatsApp (+49 178 4240455). In emergencies during a rental, the rental company's emergency number helps too.

No. Only commercial providers with insurance for self-drive rental rent out on Rentlo. That protects you as a renter.