Most stories about car rental problems in Georgia come down to five things: a car that did not match the photos, a deposit that came back late, a damage claim with no evidence, a licence question at the counter, and a surprise at the border. This post is our checklist for avoiding all five, written from the handover side. Our renting a car in Georgia guide covers the process; this one covers the traps.
Updated 9 October 2026. Prices and rules checked against our booking system on that date.
Problem 1: the car is not the car
Georgia has many small rental operators, and some photos are older than the car. The fix for this first of the car rental problems in Georgia is simple. Book only where the photo shows the actual vehicle and the year is stated. On our site every car page shows the real car and its year, for example the Renault Duster 2016 to 2021. If a listing says "or similar", ask what similar means before you pay.
Problem 2: the deposit
Ask three questions before booking: how much, how is it taken, and when does it come back. With us it is about $200, cash or card, returned at drop-off when the car comes back in the same condition. Be careful with card holds elsewhere: a large pre-authorisation can block your travel money for weeks. A fixed, small deposit is the sign of a company that trusts its cars.
Problem 3: damage claims without evidence
This is where car rental problems in Georgia get expensive. The protection is photos, taken by both sides at pickup, in daylight if possible. Walk around the car and open the boot. Photograph the windscreen and each tyre. Then check that every existing scratch is on the contract. Our colleague does this with you and it takes five minutes. At return, the same photos settle everything. Also read how rental car insurance in Georgia works, because the $200 deductible is the most you pay for a covered accident, and only with a police report.
Problem 4: licence, age and the counter
Licences from Vienna Convention countries are accepted as they are. US, Canadian, Australian and many Asian licences need an International Driving Permit. Get one at home. There is no age or experience rule hidden in our terms; if you are a new driver, message us and we confirm the car before you pay. Bring the passport you used for the booking. That is the whole counter.
Problem 5: the border and the mountain track
Two things void any Georgian rental insurance. One is leaving the country without permission. The other is taking a sedan where only a 4x4 should go. We allow Armenia with documents prepared in advance, nowhere else. For Tusheti, Ushguli and the Truso valley, book a car from the 4x4 and SUV range and tell us the route, so we check the spare and the tyres for it.
The pre-booking checklist
| Check | What a fair answer looks like |
|---|---|
| Real photo and year of the car | Shown on the page, no "or similar" |
| Deposit | A fixed amount, stated before payment, returned at drop-off |
| Insurance and deductible | Included in the price, deductible stated (ours is $200) |
| Mileage | Unlimited inside Georgia |
| Fees | Listed per pickup point before payment, no desk extras |
| Fuel policy | Full to full |
| Cancellation | Free until 48 hours before pickup |
| Contact | A phone or WhatsApp that answers on the day |
Every line of this table is on our prices and conditions page, and the booking form shows the fees separately before you pay.
Had a bad experience elsewhere and want to compare? Send us the offer you were given and we will tell you honestly how ours differs. Message us on WhatsApp (+995 591 89 60 60) and we will plan a custom route with you: the right car for the roads, pickup and drop-off in different cities, and honest advice on driving times.
Car rental problems in Georgia: quick answers
Are there hidden fees at pickup?
With us, no. The daily rate, the $20 service fee and the handover fee of each location are all on the booking page. Extras such as a child seat cost $5 a day and only if you ask.
What if the car breaks down?
Call or message us first. We organise the repair or a replacement car as fast as possible, in every region of the country.
Can I cancel?
Yes, free of charge until 48 hours before pickup.
What if I get a speeding fine after I leave?
Camera fines reach us as the registered owner. We forward them at face value with the official reference, nothing added.
Car rental problems in Georgia are mostly avoidable with ten minutes of attention before booking and five at the handover. The rest is a beautiful country and an open road.