Customer Support
Need help with an existing car hire booking? The quickest route depends on what you need. Use the options below to manage your booking, contact CarTrawler customer support or contact the rental provider supplying your vehicle.
Manage your booking
View your reservation and check the options available for changes, cancellation or other booking requests.
Contact customer support
CarTrawler provides customer support for bookings made through the booking platform, including online support options.
Contact the rental provider
For vehicle collection, opening hours, breakdown assistance or an issue with the car itself, use the rental provider details on your voucher or rental agreement.
Keep your booking voucher available when contacting them.
Who handles my booking?
Car Hire Trawler is an independent car hire comparison website. The search and booking journey is powered by CarTrawler, and the vehicle is supplied by the rental provider selected during booking.
Car Hire Trawler does not have access to amend or cancel individual reservations. For a confirmed booking, use CarTrawler's booking management and customer-support services or the rental-provider contact details supplied with your booking.
Booking changes and cancellation
How do I manage or change my booking?
Use the CarTrawler Manage My Booking service to view the options available for your reservation. Whether a particular change is possible, and whether a charge applies, depends on the terms of your booking.
How do I cancel my booking?
Open your reservation through Manage My Booking and follow the cancellation options shown there. Check the cancellation deadline and any charges attached to your particular booking before confirming the cancellation.
Can I extend my rental?
If you already have the vehicle, contact the rental provider using the details on your rental agreement or voucher. Extensions are subject to vehicle availability and the provider's conditions.
Can I return the car to a different location?
One-way rentals are available on some bookings, but not every vehicle or route permits them. An additional one-way fee may apply. Check the terms of your reservation or contact support before changing the return location.
Can I return the car earlier than planned?
Contact the rental provider if you intend to return the vehicle early. Do not assume that unused rental days will be refunded; this depends on the conditions of your booking.
Collection and rental-desk questions
Where can I find the rental desk?
Check your rental voucher or booking confirmation. It should contain the collection instructions, rental-provider name, address and relevant contact details.
Is the rental desk always inside the airport terminal?
No. Depending on the selected offer, collection may be inside the terminal, at an off-airport rental facility or through a shuttle or meet-and-greet arrangement. Follow the instructions on your voucher rather than assuming the desk is in the terminal.
What do I need to take when collecting the car?
Requirements vary by rental provider. Check your voucher for the exact driving-licence, identification and payment-card requirements that apply to your booking.
If you hold a GB photocard driving licence, some rental companies may ask to check your driving record electronically. The old GB paper counterpart is no longer used. Northern Ireland licensing arrangements are different.
What if I arrive outside normal opening hours?
Some rental providers offer out-of-hours collection or return, sometimes for an additional fee. Check the opening hours and any late-arrival instructions shown with your booking.
Cards and deposits
Can I use a debit card when I collect the vehicle?
Accepted payment and deposit cards vary by rental provider and offer. Some providers accept debit cards and others require a credit card that meets particular conditions. Check the exact card requirements in your booking terms before travelling.
Why is a payment card needed at collection?
Rental providers commonly require an accepted payment card for the security deposit or pre-authorisation and for charges that may arise during the rental. The amount and card requirements are determined by the rental provider and your selected offer.
How much is the security deposit?
There is no single deposit amount. Check the deposit information in the terms attached to your booking. If you already have a confirmed reservation, refer to your voucher or contact the rental provider.
Fuel and mileage
Where can I find my fuel policy?
Your fuel policy is shown in the rental terms and on your booking documentation. Follow the policy attached to your confirmed rental, as fuel arrangements vary between offers and rental providers.
What does full-to-full mean?
With a full-to-full policy, the vehicle is normally supplied with a full tank and should be returned with a full tank. Follow the exact instructions in your rental agreement and keep your final fuel receipt if requested.
Is mileage always unlimited?
No. Some offers include unlimited mileage while others include a stated allowance. Check the mileage conditions attached to your selected vehicle. Additional charges may apply if you exceed a limited allowance.
During your rental
Can I drive the hire car into another country?
Cross-border travel depends on the rental provider, vehicle and countries involved. Advance permission, additional cover, documentation or charges may apply. Check the rental terms before crossing a border or taking the car on a ferry.
What should I do if the vehicle breaks down?
Use the roadside-assistance or rental-provider contact details shown on your voucher or rental agreement. Contact the rental provider before arranging repairs yourself unless instructed otherwise.
If there is an immediate danger or emergency, contact the appropriate local emergency service.
What should I do if the vehicle is damaged or not in the condition I expected?
Raise the issue with the rental provider as soon as possible. If you notice existing damage at collection, make sure it is recorded before you leave the rental location and keep any relevant photographs or documentation.
Still need help?
For questions about a confirmed booking, use the official CarTrawler Help Centre. Support options currently include online booking management and customer contact channels.