The global car rental market is growing rapidly—it's projected to reach $144 billion by 2027. Ukraine is also following this trend, especially in Lviv, where car rental services are quite popular. The main reason for this is the large number of tourists.

If you need to rent a car in Lviv, you can check available options at the following link: https://alin.ua/rent/lviv.

How Does the Car Rental Service Work?

Car rental involves the temporary use of a vehicle provided by a rental company. The cars available range from budget to premium classes. However, fuel costs and any fines are the responsibility of the renter. The most common reasons for using the service include:

• Tourist trips when a personal vehicle is unavailable;
• Transporting goods or working as a taxi driver;
• Testing a model before purchasing;
• Fast transportation around the city during business trips.

Before receiving the car, the renter and the company sign an agreement. This contract specifies the details of the rental provider, the client, pricing, and the duration of use. Now, let's take a closer look at its key points.

Key Provisions of the Car Rental Agreement

Before signing a car rental agreement, it is important to review it carefully. Let's go over the most important points:

1. Rental Period

This section specifies the start and end date and time of the rental. A car can be rented for a short-term period (daily) or a long-term period (monthly). It is important to return the car at the exact specified time, as late returns may result in penalties.

2. Service Costs

The agreement includes details about the total rental cost, including taxes and any possible additional fees. It is crucial to check this section to ensure there are no hidden charges.

3. Terms of Use

This section outlines travel restrictions, such as:

• Whether crossing regional or national borders is allowed;
• Whether another person is permitted to drive the car;
• How to properly register an additional driver (which may require an extra fee).

If you plan to use the car outside the standard route, it is advisable to clarify this in advance.

4. Insurance

This section details the insurance conditions and the cases it covers. If additional insurance coverage has been purchased, it should also be specified in the agreement.

5. Car Return Conditions

The renter is required to return the car at the agreed time and location. Failure to comply with these terms may result in extra charges or penalties.

Before signing the agreement, make sure all points are clear. If there are no remaining questions, you can confidently proceed with signing the documents.

Who Is Responsible for Car Damage in Case of an Accident?

Most companies, including ALIN, offer clients the option to purchase insurance. This ensures that in case of an accident, expenses will be covered. The cost of insurance depends on the car class (economy, business, premium).

If the renter declines insurance, a security deposit is usually required. The deposit amount is determined based on the vehicle and is refunded upon returning the car without damage.

When Can the Deposit Be Withheld?

The deposit may not be refunded if new damages are found upon returning the car that were not recorded in the agreement. Therefore, it is essential to carefully inspect the vehicle and document any defects before signing the contract.

Can You Drive a Rental Car Abroad?

Not all companies allow cross-border travel. Smaller rental services often impose restrictions. If you plan to travel abroad, it is best to choose reputable companies, such as ALIN, which can provide this option upon prior agreement.

Key Requirements for Renters

Most rental companies in Lviv provide cars to both Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals who are at least 23 years old. The driver must have a minimum of 2 years of driving experience.

Service may be denied if the client has serious health conditions that could affect driving safety.

What Documents Are Required to Rent a Car?

Requirements differ for Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals.

Documents Required for Ukrainian Citizens:

• ✅ Identity document – this can be a passport or a driver's license containing information about the renter’s age and identity. The minimum age for renting is 23 years, and for some models (usually premium and VIP), it is 25 years.
• ✅ Tax identification number (TIN) – required only for Ukrainian citizens.
• ✅ Driver’s license – valid and of the appropriate category. The driver must have at least 2 years of experience.
• ✅ Bank card – both debit and credit cards can be used for rental payments.

Documents can be presented in their original form or via the "Diia" app.

Documents Required for Foreign Nationals:

• ✅ International passport – confirms the renter’s identity and nationality.
• ✅ International driver’s license – some companies require an international driving permit in addition to a national license.
• ✅ Credit card – the most convenient and secure payment method for foreign visitors.

Foreign clients must present only original documents.

Many companies offer online car reservations. For example, at https://alin.ua/, you can book a car just 2 hours before your trip by selecting a model and providing your contact details. The rental process takes no more than 15 minutes.