Montenegro offers a fantastic vacation with stunning views and a plethora of attractions. While guided tours are an option, renting a car allows you to save money and enjoy more freedom. With a car, you can break free from rigid schedules and choose where to explore, giving you the flexibility to decide what to visit and what to skip.
Required Documents for Car Rental
When renting a car in Montenegro, you must meet the following requirements and provide essential documents:
- A valid foreign passport.
- An international driver's license in good standing.
- Minimum age requirement: 22 years old.
- A credit card for the deposit.
- Cash or a credit card for payment.
Note that while it is possible to rent a car without a deposit in Montenegro, this may not be the case with larger rental companies.
Car Insurance Options
When renting a car in Montenegro, you can choose from three common insurance options:
- OSADO
This is the most popular insurance in Montenegro. It covers accidents where you are not at fault, and only a police report is required. Suitable for experienced drivers.
- KASCO Franchise
Also known as "Deposit" on websites. The standard price is 100 EUR, while expensive cars may cost 200 EUR. With KASCO, even if you are innocent in a traffic accident, you pay a fixed payment, and the rest is reimbursed by the insurance company. It provides protection for various levels of accident severity.
- Super KASCO
This is the best option, offering comprehensive coverage for any damage to the car, including the windshield, underbody, or tires, without limitations on the amount. The price of insurance varies depending on the rented car, ranging from 4-6 EUR per day. It's an excellent choice for less experienced drivers.
Rental companies may overlook minor scratches or dents, while more significant damage will be deducted from your deposit.
Deposit
When renting a car, you are required to pay a deposit. This amount is used to cover repairs for windshield, underbody, or tire damage in case of severe incidents.
The use of this deposit depends on the type of insurance. With CASCO, a fixed amount is used in any case, while OSADO applies if you are at fault in an accident.
What to Do in Case of Accidents or Auto Damage
- Always call the police and file a report if you are involved in an accident. This ensures your safety and legal compliance.
- If you encounter any significant damage during your rental, immediately contact the rental company. Local companies often resolve issues quickly and in favor of the tourist. This saves time, and the rental company can handle matters without unnecessary involvement with the insurance company.
Where to Rent a Car in Montenegro
Montenegro offers a variety of options for renting cars, with both national and international rental companies operating in the country. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. To save time and find the best deal, it's recommended to use metasearch engines to compare prices.
Booking a Car: Online or On Arrival
Online Booking
Booking your car in advance online offers several advantages over on-site booking:
- Comfortable Selection
You can choose the best option in terms of price/quality ratio and thoroughly review all the terms of lease and insurance.
- Airport Delivery
Online booking allows you to arrange for airport delivery for added convenience.
- Cost Savings
Online prices are often lower due to intense competition for tourists, making it possible to secure a car at a better rate.
- Guaranteed Availability
- Efficient Paperwork
You can skip the process of searching for rental offices and completing paperwork upon arrival.
Renting Locally
Renting a car locally also has its benefits:
- Personal Vehicle Inspection
You can personally inspect the car and note any existing damage, which can be useful in case of disputes.
- Negotiate on Price
If you have flexibility in your rental schedule, you may have the opportunity to negotiate the price.
Car Rental Companies
Montenegro hosts several international car rental companies, including Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Avis. These companies are typically in a higher price category, requiring a deposit (ranging from 500 to 3000 EUR) and a credit card for rental. However, they provide guaranteed service with transparent terms and no hidden conditions.
On the other hand, many local car rentals in Montenegro act as intermediaries and rent cars at higher rates. There are numerous complaints and cases of deceptive practices associated with such operators, including reservation cancellations if a higher-paying customer comes along.
For a more reliable option, consider using a car rental service aggregator that compiles the most trustworthy car rental companies.
Benefits of Booking Through a Service Aggregator:
- Compare prices among various companies
- Guaranteed receipt of the booked car
- Personal selection of your preferred car
- Access to a wide range of additional services (e.g., GPS navigator, child seat)
How to Choose a Rental Car
Montenegro boasts excellent roads, but they can be challenging to navigate. You'll often encounter narrow passages where yielding the right of way is necessary. For a comfortable and hassle-free trip, it's advisable to select a car with a powerful engine and compact size.
Traveling to Neighboring Countries
If you wish to venture beyond Montenegro's borders with a rental car, you'll need to obtain a "green card." Inform the car rental company of your intention to travel abroad when signing the rental contract. You'll be required to handwrite "Moze vozi van Crna Gora" in Montenegrin, sign, and stamp it. Traveling to neighboring countries typically doesn't require a visa if you possess a biometric passport.
What a Driver Needs to Know in Montenegro
While there are no major differences in Montenegro's traffic rules, there are some minor nuances that drivers should be aware of.
- Broad Beam: The car's broad beam must be on throughout the day, regardless of the time of year. Seat belts must be fastened in all seats.
- Speed Limits:
- 50 km/h - In populated areas
- 80 km/h - Outside populated areas
- 100 km/h - On highways
- 130 km/h - On expressways
Most parking lots in Montenegro are free. However, there are paid parking lots where fees typically range from 0.50 to 2.50 EUR per hour, with prices increasing in more touristy cities. Information about payment can usually be found near the parking signs. Make sure to pay all fines received to avoid issues with the police during your next visit.
Fueling Stations
It's important to note that gasoline in Montenegro is of relatively poor quality. To be cautious, inquire about fuel quality at the time of rental or select a car that is less sensitive to fuel quality. Some gasoline stations, particularly EkoPetrol, have received poor reviews for meter inaccuracies. Keep in mind that fuel consumption is often higher than expected due to the mountainous terrain of Montenegro.
Gasoline Prices:
- 98 Octane - 1.38 EUR
- 95 Octane - 1.34 EUR
- Gas (LPG) - 0.65 EUR
- Diesel - 1.19 EUR
Roads of Montenegro
Montenegro's roads may not be as good as those in other European countries. Potholes are rare, and most roads consist of only one lane in each direction.
Safety on the Road
Due to Montenegro's mountainous terrain, driving on its roads requires extra caution.
- Slides: Landslides, or their consequences, can frequently obstruct the road, with large stones often blocking the roadway.
- Night Driving: It's advisable to avoid nighttime travel altogether.
- Long Turns: Poor visibility on long turns can add to the difficulty of driving.
- Mountain Tunnels: Montenegro's mountain tunnels pose an additional challenge. When entering a tunnel, drivers' eyes may not adapt immediately, causing temporary blindness, and the same can happen when exiting. Many tunnels have a winding shape. Look out for warning signs with a black dot indicating the most dangerous tunnels.
The key to safe driving in Montenegro is maintaining constant focus, avoiding distractions, and attentively watching the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Emergency Contacts
- 122 - Police
- 124 - Ambulance
- 123 - Fire Department
- 19797 - Tourist Information