Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about car hire in Montenegro with no deposit and no credit card

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about renting a car from 4Drive in Montenegro. We offer a no-deposit, no-credit-card model that makes vehicle hire accessible and straightforward for visitors from all over Europe and beyond. Our service covers Tivat Airport, Podgorica Airport and all major coastal and mountain destinations in Montenegro.

If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please visit our contact page or call our local Montenegro team during office hours.

Do I really not need to pay a deposit when I collect the car?

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Correct. At 4Drive Montenegro we do not block any funds on your card and we do not require a cash deposit at pickup. Your card limit stays completely free. This is possible because we include full Collision Damage Waiver and Third Party Liability insurance in every rental, so there is no need to hold a security amount against potential damage. You simply pay the rental fee and any extras you choose, and drive away.

Can I rent a car without a credit card?

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Yes. You can pay by debit card or cash on pickup. Most rental companies in Montenegro insist on a credit card to block a large deposit, but 4Drive does not require this. A debit card (Visa or Mastercard) is accepted for the rental payment, and you can also pay the balance in euro cash if you prefer. This makes car hire accessible for travellers who do not own or wish to use a credit card.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Montenegro?

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You need a valid driving licence that has been held for at least one year, your passport or national ID card, and proof of payment. Drivers from EU countries can use their national licence without any additional paperwork. If you hold a licence from outside the EU (for example the UK, USA, Canada or Australia), it is recommended to bring an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. The IDP is not always mandatory but it avoids any questions from local police on the road.

What is included in the rental price?

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Every 4Drive rental in Montenegro includes unlimited mileage, full Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance, Third Party Liability insurance, theft protection, 24-hour roadside assistance and a second driver at no extra charge. There are no hidden fees. You can also cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup, and there is no penalty for changes made in advance. If you need extras such as a child seat, GPS device or a Green Card for cross-border travel, these can be added during booking for a small daily fee.

How old do I need to be to rent a car?

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The minimum age is 21 years for economy and compact vehicles, and 23 years for SUV, automatic transmission and premium categories. Your driving licence must have been valid for at least 12 months. Drivers aged 21 or 22 may be subject to a young driver surcharge on certain vehicle types, but this will be shown clearly during the booking process before you confirm.

Where can I pick up and return the car?

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4Drive offers pickup and return at Tivat Airport (TIV), Podgorica Airport (TGD) and in the centre of Podgorica, Budva, Kotor, Bar, Herceg Novi and Ulcinj. We can also deliver the car to your hotel or accommodation address anywhere along the Montenegrin coast or in the capital for a small delivery fee. One-way rentals between different locations in Montenegro are available on request - please mention this when booking so we can confirm availability and any one-way charge.

Can I drive the car across the border into Albania, Croatia, Bosnia or Serbia?

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Yes, cross-border travel is permitted with prior approval. You must request a Green Card (international insurance certificate) and a cross-border letter at the time of booking. There is a small additional charge for the Green Card, which covers your vehicle insurance in neighbouring countries. Without this document you will not be allowed to cross the border. Most customers who plan day trips to Dubrovnik (Croatia), Shkoder (Albania) or Mostar (Bosnia) request the Green Card in advance. Let us know your travel plans and we will arrange the paperwork.

What kind of insurance is included and do I need extra cover?

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Full insurance is included in every 4Drive rental: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with zero excess, Third Party Liability, theft protection and fire cover. This means that in the unlikely event of damage or an accident, you pay nothing out of pocket - there is no excess to claim. Because of this comprehensive cover, we do not sell additional insurance policies. Your vehicle is fully protected from the moment you drive away, and this is one of the reasons we do not need to block a deposit on your card.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

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Yes. You can cancel your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled pickup time and receive a full refund. If you need to change your dates, vehicle category or pickup location, you can do this online or by contacting our team. Changes made more than 24 hours in advance are free; last-minute changes depend on vehicle availability and may incur a small rebooking fee. We understand that travel plans can shift, and we try to be as flexible as possible.

What fuel policy do you have?

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All 4Drive vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel. You return the car with a full tank before the end of the rental period. This is the fairest policy because you only pay for the fuel you actually use. Petrol stations are common throughout Montenegro - you will find them in every town and along the main roads. Both unleaded 95 octane and diesel are widely available, and prices are comparable to other European countries. Make sure to refuel before returning the car to avoid a refuelling charge.

Are there any toll roads in Montenegro?

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The only toll road currently in operation is the Sozina Tunnel, which connects Podgorica to Bar on the coast. The toll is around EUR 2.50 per passage and is paid in cash at the toll booth. The new Bar-Boljare motorway (the first section from Smokovac to Mateševo) is toll-free at present, though future extensions may introduce tolls. There are no electronic toll systems or vignettes in Montenegro, so you do not need to worry about purchasing any stickers or registering your number plate.

Is it safe to drive in Montenegro? What should I know about local roads?

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Driving in Montenegro is safe, but the terrain is mountainous and many roads are winding serpentines with hairpin bends, particularly around the Bay of Kotor and in the Durmitor region. Take your time, respect the speed limits (50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads, up to 100 km/h on open stretches) and be prepared for narrow village roads. An SUV or a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended if you plan to visit mountain national parks or remote monasteries. Traffic drives on the right-hand side. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have hands-free.

Do I need winter tyres or snow chains?

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From 15 November to 31 March, winter tyres are mandatory in Montenegro by law. All 4Drive vehicles are equipped with winter tyres during this period at no extra cost. If you are travelling to the mountains (Durmitor, Zabljak, Kolasin) in heavy snow conditions, snow chains may be advisable and can be requested at pickup. In summer months (April to October) standard tyres are fitted and snow equipment is not necessary unless you are driving to very high altitudes.

Can I add an additional driver?

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Yes. One additional driver is included free of charge on every 4Drive rental. The additional driver must meet the same age and licence requirements as the main driver, and must present their driving licence and ID at pickup. Both drivers will be registered on the rental agreement. This is particularly useful for couples or families sharing the driving on long trips from Podgorica to the coast or up to the mountains. If you need more than one additional driver, this can be arranged for a small daily fee.

What happens if I have an accident or the car breaks down?

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Every rental includes 24-hour roadside assistance across Montenegro. If the car breaks down due to a mechanical fault, call the number on your rental agreement and we will send help or arrange a replacement vehicle. If you are involved in an accident, contact the local police immediately to file a report, then call our emergency line. Because full CDW insurance is included with zero excess, you will not be charged for damage caused by an accident, provided you follow the correct procedure and obtain a police report. Do not leave the scene of an accident without notifying the authorities.

Still Have Questions?

Our local Montenegro team is here to help. Contact us by phone or email and we will respond within a few hours during business hours.

Contact 4Drive