Saturday, 18 January 2020
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Cheap car rentals in Israel. Is there such a thing?

 car hire

All the major international car rental companies are represented in Israel and some small local ones to;

  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Eldan
  • Hertz
  • Shlomo Sixt
  • Thrifty

Smaller car rental companies include:

  • Suncar
  • Zvi Cars
  • Albar

Are any of them really cheap? Are there any great deals out there?  We researched 3 companies and didn't find any significant price differences on short term rentals.  One company may charge less for the actual car hire but then they may give you a lower free mileage limit or their insurance premium may be slightly more.  If you are renting for two weeks or more, you might have some leverage as far as price is concerned or if you are a regular renter they may give you a slightly better rate.

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Car rental policies and requirements

Car rental day

One car rental days is 24 hours (or part thereof) from the time of pickup. Some companies will give you one hour grace when returning the car, more than that you will be charged for an extra rental day.

If you are renting for 4 days you will be charged for 4 days - no waivers.  You will not be refunded if you return the car a day or two earlier than the contract period.  After a similar experience and an expensive mistake, our best tip, if you are not 100 percent sure that you need a rental car for an extra day or two, best to arrange a shorter rental and then request to extend the contract.

Except to/from the airport - there are no rentals on Saturdays - Sundays to Fridays only.  There is usually an additional surcharge for rentals to/from the airport.

Minimum rental driving age

This seems to vary from company to company.  Hertz offers rental cars from the age of 20 but there there is a surcharge for young drivers. Budget and ShlomoSixT have a minimum age of 21.  Most require you to be in possession of a driver's license for at least 2 years.

Rental driver's license requirements

Driving in Israel requires a valid driver's license and the license must be valid for the entire rental period.

Vehicle categories

From 2 door, manual box cars to luxury sedans or even commercial vehicles, all car rental companies reserve the right to give you any vehicle from the category you have ordered. 

Gasoline

The car will be handed over to you with a full tank of gasoline.  It must be returned with a full tank too.  Vehicles returned with missing fuel could be charged an additional service fee or a price per liter of fuel way above the current market price.

Remember to verify the correct gas type. Filling the tank with the wrong gasoline may mean you will be responsible for any repairs that might need to be incurred as a result of this mistake.

Insurance

Discuss details of the insurance policy with the agent.  There are many conditions and certain waivers too. Make sure you understand them all before you sign on the dotted line.

Which details need to be exchanged after an accident?

How do you say Comprehensive & Compulsory Insurance in Hebrew?

Extras

Baby car seats, booster seats, under rental age drivers, additional drivers, GPS navigation systems etc. are all charged separately.

Parking tickets, traffic violations and toll roads

The lessee is responsible for tickets, violations and toll road fees (Road No. 6 and Carmel Tunnels).  An additional service fee will be charged to your credit card for unpaid tickets ticket violations and toll road fees. 

Credit card

You cannot hire a rental car without a valid credit card in the name of the lessee.  When you collect the vehicle an large shekel amount will be frozen on your credit card as a security deposit.  When you return the car, this security deposit will be released. Bear this in mind if you are planning large transactions during the rental period.

Ordering a vehicle on the internet is relatively simple and easy.  All rental companies have English options.  When requesting an online quote or placing an order, the English option default is set to US$.

Border Crossings

It is strictly forbidden to exit the country’s borders or to enter Palestinian Authority territories with the vehicle.

Car sharing

Considered car sharing? What is it and how much does it cost?

 

Transport resources for Israel

 

 

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