💳
Do I need a credit card to rent a car from Zagreb to Split?
A credit card is required for the security deposit hold rather than for payment itself. The card must be in the name of the primary driver listed on the rental agreement. A few select suppliers may accept debit card deposits, but with a higher deposit amount and additional insurance.
💡 Check whether your travel companion can be registered as the main driver and use their card to book if you don’t have a personal credit card. You can be added as an additional driver in that situation.
📄
What documents do I need to rent a car in Croatia?
The required documentation for all standard rentals in Croatia is given below.
- Full driving licence held for at least 1–2 years, depending on the supplier
- Passport or national ID
- Valid credit card in the primary driver’s name for the security deposit hold
- Rental Confirmation Voucher
⚠️ International Driving Permit (IDP): Required if your driving licence is from a non-EU country and is not in Latin script (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese). It is not mandatory for EU, UK, US, Canadian, or Australian licence holders, but it is often advised to carry it with your domestic licence.
🛂
Can I travel cross-border into Bosnia or Slovenia with the rental car?
Yes, cross-border travel with a rental car from any Croatian location to neighbouring countries is possible with prior written authorisation from the supplier. A cross-border fee usually applies, along with a Green Card (international insurance certificate).
| Country | Generally permitted? | Cross-border Fee | Green Card required? |
| Slovenia | Yes (EU) | €0–30; often included on longer rentals | No (EU) |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | Yes (most suppliers) | ~€50–100 | Yes |
⚠️ Crossing either border without the supplier’s written authorisation invalidates your insurance coverage and incurs fines. You will be fully responsible for all costs in case of an accident during unauthorised travel abroad.
ℹ️ The Zagreb to Split route itself runs entirely on the A1 motorway within Croatia and does not require crossing into either country. Confirm with the supplier and obtain authorisation for a detour or a longer itinerary beyond the direct route.
🛡️
Do I need additional insurance for a one-way rental?
Most rental cars in Croatia come with Third Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and Theft Protection. But the standard cover may still leave you with an excess (minimum amount you must pay in case of vehicle damage).
| Cover | Included in base rental? | What it does |
| Third Party Liability | Yes | Covers damage or injury to others |
| CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) | Yes – with excess | Limits your liability for vehicle damage, up to the excess |
| Theft Protection | Yes – with excess | Limits liability if the car is stolen |
| SCDW (Super CDW) | Optional add-on | Reduces or removes the CDW excess |
| Wheels, Undercarriage, Glass | Not included | Covers tyre punctures, windscreen chips, glass damage |
Standard CDW typically does not cover tyre damage, windscreen chips, glass breakage, or undercarriage damage on Croatian roads.
💡 Check if your travel insurance policy or credit card covers rental cover before purchasing SCDW or full protection to avoid paying twice.
