Frequently Asked Questions

To rent a car with Astralis, you'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the driver's name, and proof of insurance if renting in the USA. Renters must typically be at least 21 years old, though some locations require drivers to be 25 or older. For exact information please check each rental location policies. International renters should bring their passport and may need an International Driving Permit depending on their country of origin.

We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance for the best rates and vehicle selection, especially during peak travel seasons like summer holidays and major events. Last-minute bookings are available but may have limited options and higher prices. Check our 'Deals' page for early booking discount codes or last minute deals.

Yes, most reservations can be modified or cancelled through our 'Manage Booking' page or by contacting our customer service. Cancellation is free of charge when you book directly with us. If you are booking through a third-party, always review the cancellation policy before booking.

Yes, rental extensions are available and are subject to vehicle availability. Contact us before your scheduled return time to request an extension. The daily rate for extensions may differ from your original booking rate.

The base rental rate typically includes the vehicle, unlimited mileage (in most locations), basic roadside assistance, and applicable taxes and fees. Additional costs may include optional insurance coverage, Cross Border Pass, GPS rental, child safety seats, additional drivers, fuel charges, and fees for young drivers or airport locations.

We accept major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Debit cards may be accepted at some locations but often require additional identification and may have restrictions. Cash payments are generally not accepted, and a driver's credit card is required for the security deposit at all our rental locations.

A security deposit is placed on your credit card to cover potential charges such as fuel, damages, toll fees, or traffic violations. The hold amount varies by vehicle type and rental length. This authorization is released when you return the vehicle in good condition, typically within 30 days.

The minimum age is typically 21 years old, but drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge. Some vehicle categories like luxury, specialty, and large passenger vans may require renters to be 25 or older. Age requirements may vary by location and country. 'Young Driver Fee' may be applied to your rental if you are between the ages of 18 and 24. The average cost is approximately €20.00 per day but can be higher or lower based on the rental location. If you wish to know the cost of the 'Young Driver Fee' you may begin the reservation process to determine the exact amount of the fee for the rental location (you will have the option to confirm or cancel the reservation).

Renters must present a valid, unexpired government-issued driver's license which includes a photograph of the renter. Digital licenses are not accepted. The driver's license must be valid for the entire rental period. International renters traveling to other countries: It is important that customers check with the appropriate Department of Motor Vehicles in the Countries, States or Provinces in which they intend to travel to ensure compliance with their various licensing laws. The following practices are used to ensure the customer is presenting a facially valid license at the time of rental. Customers traveling from another country must present the following:

• Their home country driver's license that is valid, unexpired and includes a photograph. Digital licenses are not accepted.
• If the home country driver's license is in a language other than English (or French, for rentals in Canada) and the letters are English (i.e. German, Spanish, etc.) an International Driver's Permit is recommended, but not required, for translation purposes in addition to the home country driver's license.
• If the home country driver's license is in a language other than English and the letters are not English (i.e. alphabet is not a Latin-based alphabet like German or Spanish but is Russian, Japanese, Arabic, etc.) an International Driver's Permit is required.
• If an International Driver's Permit cannot be obtained in the home country, another professional, type-written translation may be substituted. In either case, the home country driver's license must also be presented.
• Customers may not rent a vehicle solely with the International Driver's Permit. The International Driver's Permit is a translation of the individual's home country driver's license and is not considered a license nor is it considered valid identification.
• In some US locations, customers not holding a US/Canadian driver's license may be asked to provide additional, valid government-issued documentation. Examples of this may include a valid passport. In addition, inbound and outbound travel documentation may be required.

Please Note:

• Photocopies of driver's licenses are not accepted
• Learner's Permits are not accepted
• Any license which, on its face, restricts the licensee to the use and operation of a vehicle equipped with a form of a breathalyzer apparatus is not accepted

Temporary driver's licenses may be refused if the rental location is unable to otherwise verify the customer's identity or verify the authenticity of the temporary license. Additional government-issued identification may be required.

All renters must present a valid driver's license at the time of rental. Depending on your country of license issuance, additional documentation is required to legally operate a vehicle in Japan. International Driving Permit (IDP) Holders Japan recognizes only International Driving Permits issued in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention format are not accepted, regardless of your country's signatory status to either convention. This requirement applies to renters licensed in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and most other countries. To rent a vehicle, you must present:

• Your valid, unexpired home country driver's license, and
• A valid 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, obtained from an authorized issuing body in your country of residence prior to travel (in the U.S., this is AAA or the National Auto Club)

Please note the following conditions:

• IDPs must be issued in physical booklet form. Digital, photocopied, or laminated permits will not be accepted at the counter.
• Your IDP is valid for use in Japan for up to one (1) year from its date of issue, or until your underlying driver's license expires, whichever comes first.
• IDPs cannot be issued after arrival in Japan. Please arrange this documentation before departure.

Renters from Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, and Taiwan These countries do not issue IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention framework. Renters licensed in these countries do not require an IDP, but must instead provide:

• Your valid home country driver's license, and
• An official Japanese translation of that license, issued by an authorized provider such as the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)

We recommend arranging your translation at least two weeks prior to your rental date, as processing time may vary. Renters who may not be eligible to drive in Japan If your driver's license was issued in a country that is not a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention and is not listed among the translation-eligible countries above, you may not be legally permitted to drive in Japan under any circumstance, and no rental can be issued. We recommend confirming your eligibility with your national licensing authority prior to booking. Additional Requirements

• All renters must present their passport at the time of pickup.
• Foreign residents of Japan registered under the Basic Resident Register who have re-entered Japan within three (3) months of a prior departure may be ineligible to drive, even with a valid IDP. Please contact us in advance if this applies to you.
• Military and civilian personnel operating under the U.S.– Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) should present a USFJ Form 4EJ in lieu of an IDP.

For questions about your specific eligibility, please contact our Japan team prior to booking at info@carrental.jpn.com.

Yes, additional drivers can be added at the rental counter or at the last step during online booking ('Review & Book'). There's typically a fee per additional driver. All additional drivers must meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter and must be present with valid documentation.

Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are authorized to operate the vehicle. Allowing an unauthorized driver voids insurance protection and you may be held responsible for all damages.

You may already be covered through your personal auto insurance policy or credit card benefits. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before purchasing additional coverage. We offer several protection options including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), Roadside Protection (RAP), Excess Reduction (ER), and Zero Excess (ZE) for added peace of mind. Note that not all protection options are available at every location

The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) reduces your financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle in case of an accident or theft. It typically doesn't cover personal injury, personal property, or liability for damage to other vehicles or property. CDW may have exclusions for reckless driving, driving under the influence, or unauthorized drivers.

It limits your liability if the rental vehicle is stolen or damaged during an attempted theft, subject to the excess amount.

It increases your third-party liability coverage beyond the mandatory minimum, protecting you against claims for bodily injury or property damage caused to others in an accident.

It reduces your excess liability to a lower amount, limiting your out-of-pocket exposure in the event of damage or theft of the rental vehicle.

It eliminates your excess liability entirely, meaning you pay nothing in the event of damage or theft of the rental vehicle regardless of circumstances.

It removes your liability for damage to the vehicle's tyres, rims, and windshield, damage types typically excluded from standard Collision Damage Waiver coverage.

It covers the cost of roadside assistance services including towing, flat tyre assistance, fuel delivery, and lockout service during your rental period.

The Non-Operation Charge (NOC) is a fee assessed to the renter when the rental vehicle sustains damage, whether from an accident or other cause, and is removed from service for repair. Purpose: This charge compensates the rental operator for lost business revenue while the vehicle is unavailable for rental during the repair period. Fee Structure:

• ¥30,000 if the vehicle remains drivable and can be returned to the rental location
• ¥50,000 if the vehicle is not drivable and cannot be returned to the rental location

Additional Charges: If the vehicle cannot be driven, towing charges will apply separately and are not included in the NOC. Exemption: Customers who have purchased Full coverage or the Excess Reduction NOC are exempt from the Non-Operation Charge.

We'll hold your reservation for up to 1-2 hours past your scheduled pickup time. If you'll be significantly delayed, please contact the rental location directly to notify them. For no-shows without notification, reservations may be cancelled and cancellation fees may apply.

Most of our rental locations operate on a 'full-to-full' fuel policy: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full to avoid refueling charges. Some locations operate on a 'same-to-same' fuel policy: you receive the car with a less than full tank and return it with the same fuel level to avoid refueling charges. Alternatively, you can prepay for fuel at a competitive rate and return the car empty. Returning without refueling, or with less fuel than received, incurs refueling charges significantly higher than local gas prices plus a service fee.

Your rental agreement and the fuel door label will indicate the correct fuel type. Most vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline. Using the wrong fuel type can cause serious damage and may void insurance coverage. If you're unsure, ask our rental agent or staff member at pickup.

Child safety seats and booster seats are available for rent at most locations for a daily fee. We offer seats for infants, toddlers, and young children. We recommend booking these in advance to ensure availability. You're also welcome to bring your own properly installed car seat.

Policies vary by location. Most locations allow pets in carriers for an additional cleaning fee. Please notify us at booking if you're traveling with a pet, and expect to pay a pet cleaning fee upon return.

All rental vehicles are non-smoking. Smoking in a rental car will result in a cleaning fee of €250-500 to remove odors and restore the vehicle. This includes traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping and iQos devices.

A grace period of 59 minutes is typically allowed depending on location. After that, you'll be charged for an additional rental day. To avoid fees, contact your return location before your scheduled return time if you need an extension.

Yes, but subject to approval if you're already in the rented car. One-way rentals are available between most locations within the same country for an additional fee. The one-way fee varies based on distance and vehicle availability at both locations. Select your return location during booking to see the total cost. Some routes may have restrictions or may not be available.

Driving across state lines within the US is generally permitted at no extra charge. However, taking rental cars into Mexico or Canada may have restrictions and require additional insurance. Driving across country borders in Europe is generally permitted with cross border pass you can add to your rental at extra charge. Some vehicle types may not be authorized for cross-border travel. Always check your rental agreement and notify us in advance of international travel plans.

For breakdowns, contact your pickup rental location immediately. For accidents, ensure everyone's safety first, call emergency services if needed, then contact your pickup location and local police to file a report. Document the scene with photos and exchange information with other parties. Never leave the accident scene before authorities arrive.