Smart travel choices for 2025: Car rentals with insurance in the Philippines

We would like to begin by wishing you a happy new year!

As we enter 2025, it is obvious that there will be new plans, adventures, and opportunities awaiting to be explored. One of the easiest ways to explore all these options is by booking a self-drive car rental.

Don’t believe us, here are the top reasons why you should consider car rentals when traveling in and around the Philippines -

No hassle & headaches

Public transportation usually operates within the city’s limit with a few following a set of intercity routes. So, if you wanna travel to more than one destination within the city and between cities, it most likely means hopping more than one public transportation. If you are with luggage or other belongings, it is a challenging situation.

Renting a car is the best way out, as having your vehicle will ensure the safety of your belongings while on the road. In case you are traveling to the Philippines, you can rent a car right at the airport.

Offers comfort during jams

If you are a local who wants to explore the city or have a task or two in hand or if you are a tourist who wishes to explore the city - the one thing that remains common is the suffering of traffic jams. However, having a comfortable vehicle by your side while stuck in traffic makes a huge difference.

Compared to a taxi or other public transport, a rented car from a reputable company will offer the comfort of spacious seats and freshness from the air-con system.

Faster

Unlike public transport that follows a set route and rarely deviates during heavy traffic jams, a rented car has no such issues. Here you are free to go via a faster route or even an expressway to cut short the travel time.

Flexibility

While a set itinerary/schedule/route needs to be followed in the case of public transport, rented cars offer the freedom to travel at your own pace. This pearl comes in handy when one is planning to explore intercity tourist spots (work spots).

Explore

A rented car gives you full freedom to choose the destination and in-between stoppages. It is best for an explorer or tourist who wishes to travel outside of the usual tour queue.

Car rental requirements in the Philippines

It is quite easy to rent a car in the Philippines, frankly speaking, the process is quite straightforward and so are the requirements which include -

• A valid driver’s license
• A valid passport
• A major credit card like Mastercard, Amex, and Visa

In the case of a foreigner or international traveler, there is no need to obtain a Philippine driver’s license to rent a car. Your own driver’s license is just fine, however, there are a few conditions -

• The diver’s license should be valid & written in English
• You are only permitted to drive for 90 days (starting from the day of arrival)

For a non-English diver’s license, there’s still a chance to make it work. Just head to your country’s embassy in Manila and get it officially translated into English. Simple. As for the 90-day clause, it can be extended too. All you need to do is head to the LTO office and get a local version of your license or a new Philippine license.

Car rental and insurance

Yes, there are a lot of benefits of renting a car in the Philippines and the list of requirements is not that long either. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll just go with any car rental, instead do some research and choose a rental company that offers ample insurance coverage.

Yes, car rentals in the Philippines are often accompanied by insurance which is a great thing, especially considering the heavy traffic and high accident cases around. So, make sure the car rental provider offers the following coverages -

Car Damage

It doesn’t matter how careful or good a driver you are, a rented car can still suffer scratches or dents. With insurance by your side, you will be financially protected against such damages.

Damage to property or other people

If your rental car insurance covers damage to property or other people then you are financially protected against damages to objects like posts or other cars and even bodily injuries to others on the road.

Damage to belongings or theft

In case some of your belongings are stolen or damaged from the rented car, in that case, this coverage will pay for the losses incurred. It must be noted that there is usually a cap on the items covered under this coverage.

Personal Injuries & accidental death

If in case of an accident, you sustain injuries or die, this coverage will bear all the financial liabilities. Also, depending on the policy sometimes even passengers are covered.

Car rentals in the Philippines

There are several car rental providers in the Philippines, some of the most popular ones being -

• National Car Rental
• Hertz
• Avis
• Europcar
• Toyota Mobility Solutions
• Saferide Car Rental
• Thrifty Car Rental

The table below gives key information about each of these providers including operating locations, rates, cars, and insurance offered.

Car Rental Provider	Price	Location	Vehicle Range	Insurance Offered
National Car Rental	Starts at PHP 1755 per day via Klook (based on the hatch and subcompact sedan)	Cebu	Sedans  Compact SUVs  Intermediate SUVs Full-size SUVs	Full coverage by Klook including-   CDW  Theft protection  Third-party liability personal accident insurance, and protection associated with windows, mirrors, chassis, and tires.
Hertz	Starts at PHP 3254 per day (subcompact sedans)	Manila  Palawan  Clark Bohol  Cebu  Bacolod  Tacloban Naga Davao  Cagayan de Oro  Iloilo	Compact  SUVs  Subcompact sedans  MPVs SUVs Economy sedans Midsize SUVs Full-size SUVs Pick-up trucks	Property damage Liability Other add-ons
Avis	Starts at PHP 3285 per day (based on subcompact sedan)	Metro Manila (NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3) Avis Pasay-NAIA  Alabang  Ortigas  Angeles Clark International Airport  Cebu,  Mactan-Cebu International Airport  Davao International Airport,  Pinnacle Hotel (Davao City)	Sedans MPVs SUVs Mini-buses Vans  Other services like self-driven cars, airport transfers, chauffeur-driven cars, bridal cars, and shuffle cars	Full insurance cover for self-driven cars Personal Accident Insurance for chauffeur-driven cars
Europcar	Starts at PHP 2944 per day (based on subcompact sedan)	Pasay  Pasig  Clark  Davao Cagayan de Oro	Family cars  Sedans Prestige cars  Vans Trucks	Three protection packages are offered - Basic (limited protection from theft, damage, collision) Medium (partial protection from theft, collision, and damage along with protection to tyre, lights, and windscreen) Premium (Full protection from theft, damage, and collision along with protection to windscreen, lights, tyre)
Toyota Mobility Solutions	Starts at PHP 3000 per day (based on subcompact sedans)	Makati City	Wide range of cars including the following models  Vios Innova  Fortuner Corolla Cross  GL Grandia  Hiace Commuter	Motor vehicle coverage Passenger protection
Saferide Car Rental	Starts at PHP 2161 per day via Klook (based on compact cars)	Bacolod Butuan Bohol Cebu Iloilo Dumaguete	Offer a wide range of vehicles and services like Self-drive cars  Chauffeur-driven cars  Motorcycles Car leasing	Klook Full Coverage if booked via Klook, coverage includes - CDW, theft protection Third-party liability Personal accident insurance Protection associated with windows, mirrors, chassis, and tyres
Thrifty Car Rental	Starts at PHP 2822 per day (based on subcompact hatch)	Metro Manila  Clark  Palawan Cebu  Bohol  Davao  Batangas Iloilo  Legazpi  Naga  Cagayan de Oro Tacloban	Sedans  Pick-up trucks  Sedans,  MPVs SUVs	Optional personal accident insurance for ₱250 per day

Renting a car in the Philippines Key pointers to consider

Here are a few tips to consider when renting a car in the Philippines to ensure a smooth transit on the road and an overall relaxed experience.

• Choose a suitable car: If you are to drive within the city with just one or two people along, go for a hatchback. If you are traveling with a group and will be covering long distances an MPV or SUV will be a suitable pick.
• Card payment: Some banks in the Philippines offer secondary coverage and discounts when you book a car rental service from a certain provider. To take advantage, try paying via a credit card.
• Search & compare: To the best of your advantage, you should do proper research before finalizing a car rental provider. Also avoid booking a service available at airports, as they are usually costly.
• Check insurance coverage: When deciding on a car rental service, it is essential to go through the insurance coverage offered. Also, enquire about the deductibles and whether or not the coverage is part of the total fee.
• Book online: Most car rental companies in the Philippines offer online services which makes the process convenient for the users.
• Advance booking: It is advisable to book a car rental service in advance, especially during peak seasons. This will help you avoid surge prices and even assure you of the service.
• Check the car: Upon receiving the car, first and foremost check it thoroughly for any sort of damage, scratches, dents, etc. Also ensure that the crucial parts like brake, lights, tyres are working properly.

Driving a rental car Things to remember

If you are considering renting a car make sure to have your passport, driver’s license, and proper car rental documents along. Why? Police officers and traffic enforcers can demand these documents during routine checkups.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when driving a rental car -

• Avoid driving during rush hours (7 am to 9 am & 5 pm to 9 pm), especially in the city. Better leave before the traffic congestion starts to reach your destination on time.
• If traveling in Metro Manila, take note of the number coding scheme that prohibits driving certain cars on specific days from 7 am to 8 pm.

Weekdays	Driving restriction
Monday	Plate numbers ending in 1 & 2
Tuesday	Plate numbers ending in 3 & 4
Wednesday	Plate numbers ending in 5 & 6
Thursday	Plate numbers ending in 7 & 8
Friday	Plate numbers ending in 9 & 0

• Refrain from the following traffic violations - Illegal parking, wrong turns, driving in the wrong lane, drinking & driving, not wearing a seatbelt, etc.
• Consider using RFID car stickers for faster transit, as they permit you to use expressways in and around Manila.
• If possible avoid using the EDSA or Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (the 24km road connecting Metro Manila cities) due to the high traffic volume
• If pulled over by a traffic officer, stay calm, provide your license & other documents, and speak politely. However, you can ask questions on how to resolve the issue.
• Use navigation apps to avoid roadblocks and traffic jams.

Bottom line

Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city and countryside in the Philippines. In addition to following safe driving practices make sure to have an additional layer of insurance protection, as will add to a smooth experience, free of worries.

Also Read: No car insurance? Here’s what all wrong can happen in the Philippines