Croatia Car Rental Tips: Insurance, Ferries and Border Crossings

Insurance: what CDW actually covers

Every rental in Croatia includes basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP). This does not mean full coverage — it means you are only liable up to the excess amount. The excess is typically between €500 and €2000 depending on the vehicle category.

Standard CDW usually does not cover:

• Damage to tyres, wheels, windscreen and undercarriage unless you add a premium protection package
• Interior damage
• Damage caused on unpaved roads
• Incidents where the driver was intoxicated

Premium kasko (full protection) reduces or eliminates the excess and extends cover to tyres and glass. If you plan to drive on gravel tracks, mountain roads or use island ferries, it is strongly recommended.

Taking a rental car on a Croatian ferry

You can take most rental cars on Croatian car ferries (Jadrolinija and other operators) to islands including Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis and Mljet. However, you must inform the rental company in advance — taking the car on a ferry without permission can void your insurance.

Practical notes for island ferry travel:

• Book ferry tickets in advance in July and August — queues for walk-on vehicles can be long, but car spaces are often sold out
• Ferries run frequently between Split and Brač (Supetar) and Split and Hvar (Stari Grad) — typically every 1–2 hours in summer
• Korčula and Vis have less frequent connections — plan ahead
• The car deck is tidal: your car may be the last on and first off, or you may need to wait

Border crossings: Bosnia and Montenegro

Croatia shares borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Both are popular extensions of a Dalmatian road trip — Mostar and the Bay of Kotor respectively.

Bosnia (BiH): The most common crossings are near Neum on the coastal road and at Metković/Bijača inland. You need your passport (or national EU ID for EU citizens) and the rental company must permit the crossing. Additional insurance valid in BiH (a Green Card) is required — ask when booking.

Montenegro: Crossings near Dubrovnik are the most common (Debeli Brijeg/Karasovići). Again, Green Card coverage is required and the rental company must authorise the trip. Montenegro is outside both the EU and Schengen.

Always confirm cross-border permission in writing before your trip. Motion Rent confirms this in the rental agreement when requested.

Minimum driving age and young driver rules

The minimum age for renting a car in Croatia is typically 21. For premium vehicles (SUVs, estates, vans) it is usually 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver surcharge — this is confirmed before booking.

Driving in Croatia: useful rules

• Croatia drives on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on main roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, 130 km/h on motorways.
• Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers including rear seats.
• Children under 12 and shorter than 150 cm must use an approved child seat.
• Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited without a hands-free device.
• A warning triangle, reflective vest and first aid kit are legally required in the car — rental cars come equipped with these.
• The motorway system (A1 and connecting roads) is toll-based. Tolls are paid at booths in cash or by card.

Fuel in Croatia

Petrol stations are widely available along major routes and motorways. On islands and more remote areas, stations can be scarce — fill up before taking a ferry or heading into the mountains. Most rental cars take unleaded 95 (Euro 95) unless diesel, which is clearly marked. Misfuelling is expensive — double-check before filling.

Parking in Split and coastal towns

Split city centre uses a zone parking system (blue zones, meters). The historic peninsula (Diocletian's Palace area) is restricted to residents. Public car parks are available at the ferry terminal and along the western seafront. In summer, arrive early or use parking outside the city centre and walk or take a bus in.