Car Rental Requirements & Conditions

What you need to rent a car from Rentcar24 in Almaty: documents, driver age, deposit, insurance, fuel and mileage — set out in plain language before you book.

Driver requirements

• Minimum age: 21 years for most categories. Premium models and large SUVs have a higher minimum age, stated on the vehicle page.
• Driving experience: at least two years of holding a valid licence. Some categories require three years or more.
• Valid licence: category B as a minimum, not expired, not suspended.
• Additional drivers: allowed, but each must be recorded on the rental agreement and present their licence at handover. An unregistered driver at the wheel voids insurance cover.

Documents to bring

Foreign driving licences

Kazakhstan is party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, so national licences issued by other member states are generally accepted for the duration of a temporary stay. If your licence was issued by a country that is not a party to the Convention, or if it is not written in Latin or Cyrillic script, bring an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. The IDP is only valid together with the licence it accompanies, never on its own.

Security deposit

A refundable deposit is blocked on the main driver’s bank card when the car is handed over. It is not a charge — the funds are held, not taken.

The deposit is released after the car is returned, once we have confirmed that there is:

• no new damage to the body, glass, wheels or interior;
• no outstanding traffic fine recorded against the vehicle for your rental period;
• no missing fuel relative to the level recorded at pick-up;
• no excess cleaning required (smoke, pet hair, spilt liquids).

Depending on your bank, the hold can take several working days to disappear from your statement after release. The deposit amount depends on the vehicle category and is shown before you confirm the booking.

Insurance

Compulsory third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is included in every rental, as required by Kazakhstan law. It covers damage you cause to other people and their property.

It does not cover damage to the rental car itself. For that, additional cover reducing or removing your excess can be added — during booking or at handover. We recommend it for mountain roads, gravel sections and winter driving, where stone chips and minor scrapes are simply more likely.

Insurance does not apply if the driver was not registered on the agreement, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drove off public roads where this is prohibited, or left the scene of an incident. In an accident, call the police, obtain the official report, and contact us before moving the car where possible.

Mileage

Daily rentals include a free mileage allowance sized for normal city and regional driving. Kilometres beyond the allowance are charged at the per-kilometre rate shown on the vehicle page.

If you are planning a long route — Almaty to the Kolsai Lakes and back is roughly 650 km, Almaty to Astana around 1,200 km one way — tell us before confirming and we will arrange an extended or unlimited mileage option. It is almost always cheaper than paying the overage afterwards. Long-term rentals are normally set up with extended mileage from the start.

Fuel

Cars are handed over with a recorded fuel level and should be returned at the same level. The required fuel grade is stated in the car and on the agreement — using a lower grade than specified, or diesel in a petrol engine, is the renter’s responsibility. Keep your receipts if you refuel just before returning.

Where you may drive

• Across Kazakhstan: permitted without restriction on public roads.
• Mountain and unpaved roads: permitted for crossovers and SUVs. Low-clearance cars are restricted on rough tracks such as the approach to Lake Kaindy — the vehicle page states this.
• Off-road: not permitted. Driving outside roads and marked tracks is excluded from insurance.
• International borders: only with written permission arranged in advance. Ask us at least a few days before departure.

Traffic fines

Speed and red-light cameras are widespread in Almaty and on intercity routes, and fines are issued automatically against the vehicle. Any fine incurred during your rental period remains your responsibility, including fines that arrive after the car is returned. We pass on the official notice; there is no mark-up from us.

Changes, extensions and cancellation

• Extending a rental: contact us before the return time. Extensions are subject to the car not being booked by someone else.
• Returning early: possible; refund terms are stated in your booking confirmation.
• Cancellation: free up to the cut-off shown in your confirmation. Later cancellations and no-shows may be charged.
• Late return: a grace period applies, after which an additional day may be charged. Tell us if you are running late — it is almost always resolvable.

Prohibited use

The rental car may not be used for driving lessons, motorsport or any form of competition, towing other vehicles unless the car is equipped and approved for it, transporting goods for commercial resale, subletting to third parties, or any illegal activity. Smoking inside the vehicle is not permitted.