Renting a car in Montenegro is straightforward – but like any car hire, it comes with fine print, potential extra charges, and common traps that catch first-time visitors every season. This guide is written to help you avoid the most expensive mistakes and get the best value from your rental.
1. Always inspect the car before you drive away
This is the single most important step. Before accepting the car, walk around it with the agent and check every panel, bumper, roof, wheel, and windscreen for pre-existing damage. Make sure every mark is recorded on the condition report and that you receive a signed copy. If an agent is not available, photograph everything and email the images to the company before leaving the depot.
Pro tip: Film a short video of the entire car (all four sides, roof, interior, boot, wheels) before driving away – with your phone's time stamp visible. Do the same on return, in the presence of the agent. This footage is your protection against any disputed damage charge.
Pay special attention to: alloy wheel rims (very commonly scratched on Montenegrin roads), door edges, front bumper, windscreen chips, and the underbody. Ask the agent to check the spare tyre and tools are present – you are responsible for them throughout the rental.
2. Understand your insurance options
Insurance types explained
- TPL – Third Party Liability. Mandatory, always included. Covers damage you cause to other vehicles and people. Does not cover your rental car itself.
- CDW – Collision Damage Waiver. Reduces your liability for damage to the rental car down to the excess (deductible) amount.
- SCDW / Super CDW – Reduces the excess to zero. Full protection for car damage.
- TP – Theft Protection. Covers theft of the vehicle. Often sold separately from CDW.
- PAI – Personal Accident Insurance. May duplicate your travel insurance – check before purchasing.
What standard insurance does NOT cover
- Tyre, wheel, and rim damage (unless explicitly included in SCDW)
- Underbody damage from rough roads or grounding
- Interior damage – burns, stains, tears
- Roof damage (impact with a low barrier or tree branch)
- Damage on unauthorised roads or in countries not covered
- Lost or broken keys
- Windscreen chips and cracks (sometimes excluded)
The most common trap: Basic CDW with a high excess (€500–€1,500) leaves you exposed to major costs for minor damage. Either upgrade to SCDW (zero excess) or check whether your credit card includes CDW automatically – some premium Visa and Mastercard products do. Read the exact card terms carefully before relying on this.
3. The fuel policy – choose wisely
Always check the fuel policy before accepting the car. There are three common models:
- Full-to-full (recommended): You receive the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return with less, you pay for the missing fuel at a slightly above-market rate. Fair and transparent.
- Full-to-empty (avoid): You pre-pay for a full tank and can return the car on empty. Sounds convenient but you almost always pay for fuel you do not use.
- Specific level: Car is provided at a specific fuel level and you return it at the same level. Can lead to disputes if the gauge is difficult to read precisely.
Tip: Always choose full-to-full if offered the choice. Fill up at a petrol station near the drop-off location on your last day – do not let the rental company top up at their rate.
4. The deposit – how it works in practice
At vehicle pick-up, the rental company places a pre-authorisation hold on your credit card. This is not a charge – it is a temporary block on funds that cannot be spent while the hold is active. Typical amounts: €200–€1,500 depending on the car category and insurance level. The hold is released 2–14 business days after return without issues, depending on your bank.
Credit card required: The deposit must be paid on a credit card – debit cards are not accepted by most rental companies in Montenegro. If you do not have a credit card, check the rental company's policy before booking. Some accept debit cards with a significantly higher cash deposit.
5. Additional fees that surprise visitors
| Fee | Typical cost | How to avoid |
|---|
| Young driver (age 21–24) | €5–€15/day | Not avoidable – declare at booking |
| One-way rental (different return location) | €30–€150 | Return to the same location |
| Additional driver | €3–€10/day | Only add if the second person will actually drive |
| Cross-border fee (per country) | €10–€20/day | Not avoidable for cross-border trips |
| Late return | €30 or extra day charge | Return on time or call ahead to extend |
| Child seat | €3–€8/day | Bring your own if travelling with children |
| GPS device | €3–€8/day | Use your smartphone instead |
| Airport surcharge | €5–€20 per rental | Sometimes avoidable with off-airport pick-up |
6. Choosing the right car for Montenegro's roads
Picking the wrong car category is a common and frustrating mistake:
- Coastal towns only (Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Bar): Any economy or compact car. Smaller is better – parking in old town areas is easier.
- Durmitor, Prokletije, northern Montenegro: An SUV or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. Standard compacts can handle the paved mountain roads, but an SUV gives you more options and more confidence on narrow, steep sections.
- Groups and families: A van or 7-seat MPV. Book in advance – these are in high demand in summer.
- Off-road tracks and forest roads: Check with your rental company before attempting – underbody damage from rough roads is specifically excluded by most standard insurance policies.
7. What to do on return
- Return during daylight – damage is much harder to see and disputes are more likely at night
- Remove all personal items including items in the boot and glove compartment
- Confirm the fuel level matches the required return level with the agent
- Request a written return receipt confirming the car has been accepted without issues – do not leave without it
- If there is any dispute about damage, do not sign any liability document until you have reviewed your pick-up photos and video
8. What to do in case of accident
If you are involved in any accident in Montenegro, even a minor one:
- Call the police – a police report is required for all insurance claims in Montenegro, regardless of fault or severity
- Do not move the vehicles until police arrive and the scene is documented
- Fill in the European Accident Statement form (provided in the car) with the other driver
- Photograph all damage, both vehicles, and the surrounding road scene
- Call your rental company and report the incident immediately – even if you plan to deal with it on return
- Failure to report an accident can void your insurance coverage entirely