השכרת רכב בישראל: המדריך המלא לנהיגה | אלדן

Before renting a car in Israel, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rental conditions: minimum age, valid driver's license requirements, insurance options, cancellation policies, toll roads, and special conditions for young drivers.

In the following guide, you will find all the essential information about driving and renting a car in Israel with Eldan, including answers to common questions tourists ask before renting a car in Israel.

What is the Minimum Age for Renting a Car in Israel?

The minimum age for renting a car in Israel with Eldan is 18, subject to holding a valid driver's license for at least two years. Drivers under the age of 24 are classified as young drivers and are therefore subject to certain restrictions regarding the types of vehicles they can rent.

One of the most frequently asked questions among tourists looking to rent a car in Israel is whether young drivers can rent an SUV, a family car, or a large vehicle for their trip. In Israel, car rental companies apply various insurance restrictions for young drivers, and at Eldan, the policy is determined by predefined vehicle groups.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to check in advance which vehicles are available based on the driver's age, license seniority, and the type of planned trip, especially during peak seasons like the summer months, Israeli holidays, and vacations.

For Full Information:
Eldan's Rental Conditions
Vehicle Groups for Young Drivers

Vehicle Groups for Young Drivers

Young drivers under the age of 24 can only rent vehicles from the following groups:

• CA - Compact and economical mini cars, primarily suitable for urban driving and up to 4 passengers (e.g., Toyota Aygo X).
• D - Urban mini cars suitable for up to 5 passengers, offering a convenient solution for short and medium trips (e.g., Kia Picanto, Chevrolet Spark).
• E - Fuel-efficient economy cars suitable for couples, small families, and traveling around the country (e.g., Mazda 2, Hyundai i20).
• F - Compact cars offering more space for passengers and luggage, suitable for family trips (e.g., Hyundai Accent, Honda City).
• G - Spacious family cars suitable for long journeys, road trips, and families seeking extra comfort along the way (e.g., Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra).

In practice, this mostly includes mini cars, compacts, superminis, and standard family vehicles. Luxury vehicles, large recreational vehicles, or advanced SUVs are generally not available to young drivers due to insurance and risk factors.

Practical Scenarios - Age

• A 22-year-old wants to rent a large SUV: In most cases, no. Large recreational vehicles and luxury cars are not available to drivers under the age of 24. In such a case, Eldan will try to offer an alternative vehicle from the approved groups for young drivers.
• An 18-year-old with a new license: Even if the driver meets the age requirement, a minimum driving experience of two years is still required. A new driver without the necessary experience will not be able to rent a car in Israel.
• A young driver who booked an unapproved vehicle: If a reservation is made for a vehicle outside the approved groups for young drivers, Eldan may change the reservation to an allowed vehicle category, subject to available inventory and usually at no higher cost.

What Driver's License is Required in Israel?

To rent a car in Israel, you must present a valid driver's license appropriate for the type of rented vehicle. The license must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Israel, and the driver must be physically present at the time of vehicle pickup.

Additionally:

• A minimum driving experience of at least two years is required.
• The driver must be registered on the rental agreement.
• Only authorized drivers are permitted to drive the rental car.

Many tourists planning to drive in Israel look for information regarding international driver's licenses, foreign licenses in Israel, and whether an American or European license can be used. In practice, the requirements in Israel are relatively simple, but it is important to verify in advance that your license meets the necessary conditions.

For more information:
Eldan's Driver's License Requirements

Do You Need an International Driver's License?

• If your driver's license is printed in English and includes a photograph, an additional international driver's license is usually not required.
• If the license is not in English, it is highly recommended to obtain an international driver's license before arriving in Israel.

Practical Scenarios - Driver's License

• American License: Drivers from the United States can generally rent a car in Israel with a valid American license that includes a photo and English text.
• French or European License: If the license does not include English, it is recommended to issue an international driver's license before flying to Israel.
• An Expiring License: The driver's license must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Israel. A short-term license may prevent the completion of the rental.

What Insurance Does Eldan Offer?

Renting a car in Israel typically includes basic coverage for accident damage and theft, but it is important to understand what is actually included in the rental price and what the deductible is in the event of damage.

At Eldan, you can choose from several damage coverage options based on the vehicle type and rental plan. In most cases, the rental includes:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
• Theft Protection (TP).
• A deductible in the event of damage or an accident.

Additionally, you can purchase extensions to reduce or eliminate the deductible, a very common solution among tourists planning a long trip in Israel or driving in crowded urban areas like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

For full information on coverage:
Coverages and Insurance at Eldan

Practical Scenarios - Insurance

• Bumper damage while parking in Jerusalem: In the event of vehicle damage during parking or a minor accident, the driver may be charged a deductible according to the rental agreement. Customers who opted for extended coverage to reduce the deductible can significantly lower costs in such cases.
• Theft of equipment from the vehicle: Car insurance does not necessarily cover personal belongings left inside the vehicle. It is advised not to leave valuables in the car while traveling in Israel.

How to Book and Pay at Eldan?

After checking the age and license requirements, the next step is understanding how the actual booking process works in Israel. Many tourists are surprised to discover that in Israel, a credit card in the primary driver's name only is required, and the credit limit must cover both the rental cost and the required security deposit.

You can book a car through the Eldan website or by calling *3003.

After booking, the customer will receive:

• A full reservation confirmation.
• A notification that the reservation is pending further approval.

Eldan guarantees the booked vehicle group, but not a specific model.

Eldan's Booking Plans

• E-Save / Non-refundable: Full payment in advance at a discounted rate. Generally suitable for customers who know their travel dates are final.
• E-Flex / Flexible Rate: Partial advance payment with the remaining balance paid at the time of vehicle pickup.
• E-Free / Free Cancellation: No advance payment. Payment is made only upon collecting the vehicle.

What to Bring When Picking Up the Car?

At the time of pickup, you must present:

• A valid driver's license.
• A passport or ID card.
• A valid credit card in the primary driver's name.

The credit card is also used for a security deposit covering the rental cost plus up to 3,500 NIS.

Practical Scenarios - Payment and Pickup

• Arriving with a family member's credit card: The rental cannot be completed if the credit card is not in the primary driver's name.
• Late-night landing at Ben Gurion Airport: Vehicle handover at Ben Gurion Airport takes place only between 07:00 and 23:00. If your flight lands late at night, it is recommended to plan your pickup time in advance.
• Insufficient credit limit: If there is not enough available credit for the security deposit, Eldan reserves the right not to hand over the vehicle.

Cancellation Policy: What You Need to Know

When booking a rental car in Israel, it is important to understand in advance what the cancellation policy is for your chosen booking plan. Many tourists change flights, travel dates, or itineraries, making booking flexibility highly significant.

Eldan's cancellation policy varies depending on the plan selected during booking.

For full information:
Car Rental Terms at Eldan

• E-Save: Can be canceled within 14 days of booking and at least two business days before pickup. In such a case, cancellation fees of 5% of the rental cost or 100 NIS (whichever is lower) will apply.
• E-Flex: A similar policy to the E-Save plan, including cancellation fees according to the law.
• E-Free: Can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the vehicle pickup time.

When Might Full Cancellation Fees Apply?

Eldan may charge up to the cost of one rental day in cases such as:

• No Show.
• Late cancellation.
• Lack of a valid license.
• Insufficient credit limit.
• Failure to meet rental conditions.

Mileage, Fuel, and Vehicle Return

One of the most frequently asked questions by tourists before renting a car in Israel is how many kilometers are included, whether there is a limit on long trips, and what happens if the car is returned with less fuel.

In Israel, the mileage policy varies by rental duration. Therefore, it is important to understand in advance whether it is a short urban rental, a long cross-country trip, or a monthly rental.

How Many Kilometers Are Included?

• 1–2 day rental: Up to 250 km per day.
• 3–29 day rental: Unlimited kilometers.
• Rentals over 29 days: An average of 133 km per day.

Exceeding the quota will incur an additional charge according to the rental agreement. If the product of the daily rental cost and the total rental days is higher than Eldan's monthly rental rate for that vehicle (meaning the renter benefits from the monthly rate), the renter will be considered to have rented the vehicle for over 29 days, and the mileage quota will be updated accordingly.

Fuel and Electric Vehicle Charging

Fuel is not included in the rental price.

You must return:

• A gasoline vehicle with the exact same amount of fuel it had upon pickup.
• An electric vehicle with at least a 25% battery charge.

Returning an electric vehicle with less than a 25% charge will incur a 50 NIS fee.

For full information:
Car Rental Terms at Eldan

Returning the Car to a Different Branch (Drop-Off)

You can return a vehicle to a different branch than the pickup location, subject to prior coordination and payment of a drop-off fee.

• Practical Scenario - Eilat: A rental of up to two days that includes pickup or return in Eilat will incur a drop-off fee of 819 NIS, including VAT.

How is Driving in Israel?

Driving in Israel is on the right side of the road, and most major signage is also displayed in English. For tourists visiting Israel for the first time, driving itself is generally straightforward, especially thanks to navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, which are widely used in Israel.

However, it is worth knowing a few local characteristics:

• Traffic jams are common in the Tel Aviv area during morning and evening rush hours.
• Parking in city centers can be limited.
• Toll roads, such as Highway 6, are common for long journeys.
• Driving in Jerusalem sometimes involves narrow roads and steep inclines.

Tourists planning to drive in Israel are advised to check driving routes, peak traffic times, and parking options in advance, especially during holiday seasons.

Tips for Driving in Israel: Roads, Tolls, and Safety

Pickup and Return at Ben Gurion Airport

Eldan's Ben Gurion Airport branch operates every day of the week and is primarily intended for passengers who have landed in Israel within the last 24 hours.

• Vehicle delivery hours: 07:00–23:00.
• Vehicle return: 24/7.

Picking up or returning a car at Ben Gurion Airport involves an airport service fee. Tourists looking to rent a car at the airport usually prefer to pick up the vehicle immediately after landing, so it is recommended to schedule the pickup time in advance according to the flight time.

For more information:
Eldan's Ben Gurion Airport Branch

Toll Roads and Fast Lanes

The use of toll roads in Israel, such as Highway 6, the Carmel Tunnels, and the Fast Lane, is not included in the rental price. The charge is processed after the rental at a casual customer rate, plus a handling fee.

Tourists driving in Israel for the first time are not always aware that toll roads operate automatically, without physical payment booths on site. Therefore, the charge is billed later through the rental company.

Safety, Child Seats, and Emergencies

In Israel, wearing seatbelts is mandatory in all vehicle seats.

Additionally:

• Children under the age of 14 must sit in the back.
• Infants and children require an appropriate safety seat.
• Child seats can be reserved in advance when booking.

In case of a breakdown or emergency: Eldan's road and towing service center is available 24/7 at *3003.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Israel?

The minimum age to rent a car at Eldan is 18. However, drivers under 24 are defined as young drivers and may be subject to restrictions on the types of vehicles they can rent. Additionally, a valid driver's license with at least two years of experience is required. Before booking, it is recommended to check which vehicle groups are available according to the driver's age and the updated rental conditions.

Can a 22-year-old rent a large car?

In most cases, 22-year-old drivers can rent a car in Israel, but not all vehicle types will be available to them. Young drivers are usually restricted to specific vehicle groups, while luxury cars, large SUVs, or advanced category vehicles may not be available. It is recommended to check the rental conditions and the permitted vehicle groups for young drivers in advance.

Do I need an international driver's license?

Not always. If your driver's license includes a photo and English text, you can usually rent a car in Israel without an additional international license. However, when the license is not in English or there is ambiguity regarding its details, it is recommended to carry an international driver's license to avoid delays or issues during vehicle pickup.

What is Eldan's cancellation policy?

The cancellation policy varies depending on the booking plan chosen during the reservation. For E-Save and E-Flex plans, reservations can be canceled according to the schedules set in the rental terms and subject to legally mandated cancellation fees. In the E-Free plan, you can cancel at no cost up to 24 hours before the pickup time, providing greater flexibility for travelers whose plans may change.

How many kilometers are included in the rental?

The mileage quota varies according to the length of the rental period. Short rentals of one to two days include up to 250 kilometers per day, while rentals of 3 to 29 days include unlimited kilometers. For longer rentals, a daily mileage quota may apply based on the rental conditions. In case of exceeding the quota, an additional charge may apply.

Is there an extra fee for picking up a car at Ben Gurion Airport?

Yes. Picking up or returning a vehicle at Ben Gurion Airport may incur an airport service fee. The airport branch operates every day of the week, with vehicle handovers during business hours and returns available 24/7. It is recommended to check the exact fee and updated operating hours before arriving.

What insurance is included in the car rental?

Renting a car with Eldan includes various damage coverage options based on the vehicle type and chosen rental plan. In many cases, there is coverage for accident damage and theft, alongside an applicable deductible. Customers seeking broader coverage can opt for various insurance extensions aimed at reducing or eliminating the deductible in case of damage.

Can I return the car to a different branch?

Yes. The vehicle can be returned to a branch different from the pickup location, subject to prior coordination with Eldan and according to the rental conditions. In some cases, a logistics fee or one-way drop-off fee will be charged. If planning a trip that includes picking up a car in one city and returning it in another, it is recommended to check the relevant costs and conditions in advance.

What documents do I need to present when picking up the car?

Upon picking up the vehicle, you must present a valid driver's license, an ID card or passport, and a credit card in the primary driver's name. The credit card is also used for a security deposit as required by the rental conditions. It is advised to verify in advance that there is a sufficient credit limit to avoid delays during handover.

Can I rent a car with someone else's credit card?

No. In most cases, the credit card must be in the name of the primary driver listed on the rental agreement. If the credit card details do not match the driver's details, it may not be possible to complete the rental and receive the vehicle.

What happens if the car is returned with less fuel?

The vehicle must be returned with the exact same amount of fuel as it had at the time of delivery. If the car is returned with less fuel, a charge will be applied for the missing fuel according to the pricing and rental terms. For electric vehicles, there is also a minimum battery charge requirement upon return.

Can an additional driver be added to the rental car?

In many cases, additional drivers can be added to the rental agreement, provided they meet the required age and license conditions. The additional driver must be registered on the rental agreement, and only drivers listed on the agreement are permitted to drive the vehicle during the rental period.