Hong Kong Car Rental Guide 2025: Tips for Local Car Rentals | Rental Process, Fees, Insurance, and Precautions | Traffic Accident Handling

If you have passed the driving test but don’t want to buy and maintain a car, or if you just want to be a holiday driver and take a local road trip on weekends, you can choose to rent a car. Kwiksure Integrated Hong Kong car rental guide, explaining the car rental process, costs, car insurance, traffic accident handling methods, various precautions, and more, will help you rent a car wisely and get on the road easily.

Hong Kong Car Rental | Car Rental Qualifications, What are the age restrictions and can P-plate drivers rent a car?

Car rental companies generally require that the renter be 25 years of age or older and hold a valid Hong Kong driving license for at least 24 months.

Some car rental companies accept young drivers aged 21-24, but they may need to pay a higher deposit or have restrictions on car models; most companies do not accept P-plate drivers for car rentals, and a P-plate surcharge will be charged even if the car is leased.

Car rental in Hong Kong｜Average car rental cost in Hong Kong

Renting a car in Hong Kong by the day can cost anywhere from HK$300 to HK$1,000 per day. Generally speaking, the longer the rental period, the lower the average daily cost. The cost is primarily determined by the following factors:

• Vehicle type
• Rental days
• How much mileage is included in the rental price?
• Is there 24-hour road support?
• Fuel calculation method
• Is car insurance included?
• Add additional driver surcharge
• Surcharge for picking up and returning the car at non-designated locations
• Rental of additional equipment (e.g. baby seats, GPS units, etc.)

Drivers are advised to read all terms and charges in detail before renting a car, and also read the rental confirmation before picking up the car to avoid unnecessary losses.

Car Rental in Hong Kong | Documents Required for Car Rental

If you're renting a car as a private individual, you'll generally need to present your ID, driver's license, a pick-up receipt, proof of address from the last three months, and the primary driver's credit card. If you're renting a car as a company, you'll need to present a valid copy of your business registration and company seal. Requirements vary by company, so you can check with the rental company when you make your reservation to find out what documents are required. Also, be aware that some rental companies don't accept certain credit cards.

Hong Kong Car Rental | Local Car Rental Process

Generally speaking, renting a car in Hong Kong is a simple process. You only need to follow the following steps:

1. Search car rental platforms and prices

Before renting a car, you can first search online for various car rental companies' rental methods, required documents, prices, and conditions. Once you've decided, contact the company to arrange your rental.

2. Select your desired car and reserve it

Many car rental companies now allow reservations to be made by phone, online, or via mobile apps. Once you've chosen a rental platform, you can select your desired car model, fill in your personal information, choose a pick-up date and location, and pay a reservation fee to reserve your vehicle.

3. Procedures and vehicle collection

At the scheduled time, bring all required documents, the rental fee, and the deposit to the company to complete your rental. Additional fees may apply if you choose to pick up or return the vehicle at a designated location other than the company's. After signing the contract, it's best to inspect the vehicle with the staff before leaving. It's recommended to videotape the entire inspection to avoid disputes.

4. Renewing or returning the car

Return the vehicle on the date and time specified in the contract. If you wish to renew your lease, you must notify the rental company in advance. Some rental companies require that the vehicle be fully fueled before returning it. If you are unsure, please consult the terms of your rental contract.

5. Car return procedures

When you return the car, the company staff will check the condition of the vehicle and settle any additional charges, such as mileage or refueling fees. If everything is normal, the deposit will be refunded in full.

Car Rental in Hong Kong | Things to Note When Renting a Car

1. Fill up the tank before returning the car

Many car rental companies require customers to return the car with a full tank of gas; otherwise, the rental company may charge for gas and additional administrative service fees.

2. Deposit collected and refunded via credit card

Customers are required to pre-authorize a deposit with their credit card when picking up the vehicle. If the vehicle is returned in good condition, the deposit will be refunded within 30 to 60 days using the same credit card.

3. Late return of the car will be charged a high fee

Car renters must return the car on time within the agreed time. Late return will be charged a high fee.

4. Pay attention to the mileage limit of the rental car

Generally speaking, car rental plans have a daily mileage limit. If you exceed the limit, the rental company will charge an additional fee per kilometer.

5. Keep your vehicle clean

The car rental company will check the condition of the vehicle when the customer returns it. If the vehicle compartment is dirty, has a strange smell, or contains garbage, a cleaning fee may be deducted from the deposit.

6. Additional drivers must be registered when renting a car

If a person other than the renter is driving the rental vehicle, that person must also meet the rental qualifications and age restrictions and be registered at the time of rental. Some rental companies offer the option of adding an additional driver free of charge, but if you register multiple drivers, you may be charged an additional fee.

Hong Kong Car Rental | What is Car Sharing? Is It Safe?

In addition to car rental companies, there are also many shared car rental platforms similar to the concept of shared bikes; car owners rent out their unused vehicles on the platform, allowing drivers to flexibly rent and return them at any time. However, when renting a vehicle through a shared car rental platform, both parties typically only sign a simple agreement, making it difficult to determine liability in the event of a traffic accident. Therefore, those interested in renting a vehicle should rent from a reputable rental company or agent.

Do I need to buy insurance when renting a car in Hong Kong?

Car rental companies in Hong Kong are usually registered with the Transport Department and have purchased insurance for their cars, so drivers usually do not need to purchase an additional insurance policy. Car insurance coverage amount varies depending on the car model and the rental company. If you have any questions about coverage, you can inquire with the rental company. Renters can also purchase additional coverage upon pick-up to reduce the costs in the event of an accident.

What to do if you encounter an accident while renting a car?

Most car rental companies provide 24-hour road support. When there is a traffic accident, car renters should avoid "private settlement" and should immediately report to the police and call the car rental company for help and to file a record. Try not to move your vehicle until the police arrive, and do not acknowledge any responsibility to the parties involved. If circumstances permit, the renter can take photos of the vehicle's condition after the accident to facilitate future repairs and insurance claims.

If faced with a general mechanical failure, the driver can first park the vehicle in a safe place and then call the 24-hour emergency support hotline provided by the car rental company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a car in Hong Kong?

Daily car rentals in Hong Kong range from approximately HK$300 to HK$1,000. The specific cost depends on factors such as vehicle type, number of rental days, fuel calculation method, car insurance, and mileage included in the rental.

What should I pay attention to when renting a car in Hong Kong?

When renting a car, remember to pay attention to the terms of the contract to avoid being charged high administrative fees. For example, you need to fill up the car with gas before returning it, keep the car compartment clean and return the car on time. Also pay attention to the terms and conditions of the car insurance provided by the rental company to see if the coverage meets your needs. If you want more coverage, you can purchase additional coverage based on your own situation when picking up the car.