No Deposit Kenya Car Hire

Why choose no deposit car hire in Kenya?

Many car renters choose no deposit car hire to save themselves a long wait and lengthy verification process. Security deposits can often be significantly more expensive than the cost of the actual rental, so the rental company might need to carry out credit or verification checks to prove you have the correct funds to cover the cost of the deposit. Choosing no deposit is considered a more convenient option for many first-time or regular car renters.

Understanding no deposit car hire in Kenya

While it can be tempting to opt for no deposit car hire, be wary that no deposit also comes with a handful of risks. These include potentially higher rental costs, the risk of being liable to pay for damage repairs out of your own money, and not being covered by certain insurance types.

When hiring a car, the deposit amount is blocked on your credit or debit card and refunded once the rental period has ended and the car has sustained no damages. No deposit means that if you get into a car accident or damage your car, you won’t have the protection of the deposit amount to cover any costs. So, you may be liable to pay for it and any extra charges that arise.

Driving in Kenya – Essential information and useful documents

In Kenya, driving occurs on the left side of the road – the same as in the UK. If you’re a UK driver looking to drive in Kenya, you must obtain an IDP (International Driving Permit) to be able to drive. The legal driving age in Kenya is 18, and to hire a car the age limit is a minimum of 23, although this can vary between regions or suppliers.

When driving in Kenya on a UK licence, you’ll need to bring an IDP, a valid UK driving licence and form of ID, and any registration or insurance documents where relevant. You’ll also need a valid form of payment, which is usually a credit card. However, debit cards may also be accepted depending on the supplier you’re renting with.

Damages and repair costs in Kenya no deposit car hire

As mentioned, no deposit may mean that you are liable to pay for any damages or repair costs that may occur during the rental period. It’s important that when booking car hire without a deposit, you thoroughly read the terms and conditions and the small print to ensure you fully understand what the rental agreement entails. Your no deposit car hire might include Collision Damage Waivers or automatically include zero excess, but this can vary.

In order to avoid any potential extra charges, make sure you return the vehicle you rented on time to the agreed drop-off location. Make sure that it is also in the same condition as it was when you picked it up.