Prime Car Rent Latvia – Terms & Conditions of car rental. These rental terms apply to all car hire bookings in Riga, at Riga Airport (RIX) and across Latvia. Please read them before booking: they explain prepayment and the security deposit, car rental insurance options (CDW, LCDW, SCDW, ESCDW), cross-border travel to Lithuania and Estonia, mileage limits, driver requirements, fuel and cleaning rules, extra equipment and one-way rentals.

1. Payments & Prepayment Policy

Prime Car Rent Latvia operates on a prepayment basis. The full rental amount must be paid before the rental period begins.

If a customer returns the rental car earlier than planned, no recalculation or refund is provided for unused rental days.

Post-payment options may be available only for corporate clients and must be agreed upon in advance.

Accepted payment methods for car rental in Latvia

• Credit and debit cards: VISA, MasterCard
• Bank transfer for pre-bookings
• Cash payments in EUR only (available at selected locations)

All online payments are processed in euros (EUR). If your card operates in a different currency, conversion is made at your bank’s exchange rate.

2. Security Deposit – Credit Card Requirement

A security deposit is required for every rental and must be held on a credit card (VISA or MasterCard only).

• If a debit card is provided instead of a credit card, Prime Car Rent Latvia reserves the right to charge an additional fee for holding the deposit.
• Corporate clients may pay the deposit by bank transfer for the entire rental period, subject to prior approval.

The deposit amount depends on the car category and the selected insurance package (see section 6). The deposit is released within 3–7 business days after the car is returned in good condition.

3. Driving in Latvia – Cross-Border Travel & Mileage Limits

Cross-border car rental: Lithuania and Estonia

By default, rental cars may be used only within Latvia. If you plan to drive outside Latvia, you must inform us in advance and purchase a Cross-Border Permit.

• Cross-border travel is allowed only to Lithuania and Estonia, with prior approval.
• If a renter crosses the border without permission, Prime Car Rent reserves the right to charge the full deposit amount as a penalty.

Mileage limits

• Rentals of 1–11 days: 150 km per day. Each extra kilometre is charged at 0.15–0.45 EUR per km.
• Rentals of 12 days or longer: unlimited mileage car rental in Latvia, provided a Cross-Border Permit is purchased.

4. Booking Cancellation & Modifications

Prime Car Rent Latvia allows booking cancellations and modifications subject to the conditions below. To change your booking, please contact our customer support team.

Refund policy for prepaid bookings

• If a booking is canceled, only 10% of the prepaid amount is refunded. The remaining 90% is non-refundable.
• If you do not show up within 1 hour of the scheduled pick-up time without notifying us, the reservation may be canceled without a refund.

5. Driver Requirements – Documents & Minimum Age for Car Hire in Latvia

To rent a car in Latvia, the driver must present:

• A valid passport or ID card
• A valid driver’s license held for at least 12 months
• An International Driving Permit (IDP), if applicable (required for non-EU licenses)

Age and experience requirements

• Minimum age for car hire in Latvia: 20 years
• Young driver fee (under 23 years): 30 EUR
• Drivers with less than 1 year of driving experience: 30 EUR
• Additional driver: 15 EUR per rental

6. Car Rental Insurance in Latvia – CDW, LCDW, SCDW & ESCDW

Every Prime Car Rent Latvia rental includes basic insurance – CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) with OCTA and KASKO. To reduce your liability for vehicle damage to a lower amount or to €0, you can add one of our protection packages in the extras step of your booking.

Choose your protection

Choose the level of protection that suits your trip – whether you are exploring Riga, driving the highways or travelling across the Baltics. Our four packages make it simple:

Why we recommend additional insurance

With Basic Cover (CDW) only, your liability for vehicle damage is up to €950. Any damage to the rental car – including scratches, dents, chips, damaged wheels or interior – is treated as damage to company property and is charged to the customer.

Compensation for damage includes not only the cost of repair, but also the related costs incurred by Prime Car Rent Latvia, such as damage assessment, towing or transportation of the vehicle, vehicle downtime (loss of rental income) and administrative handling.

To drive with peace of mind, we strongly recommend choosing Gold Cover (SCDW) or Platinum Cover (ESCDW), which reduce your liability for covered damage to €0.

Which insurance package should I choose?

• Basic Cover (CDW – Collision Damage Waiver) – included in every rental. You remain liable for vehicle damage up to the excess amount.
• Silver Cover (LCDW – Limited Collision Damage Waiver) – a budget-friendly upgrade that reduces your liability for vehicle damage.
• Gold Cover (SCDW – Super Collision Damage Waiver) – our most popular choice: €0 liability for covered vehicle damage.
• Platinum Cover (ESCDW – Extended Super Collision Damage Waiver) – maximum protection: €0 liability for covered damage and theft.

CDW excess by car category

• Standard 5-seater cars: 200–950 EUR
• SUVs and 7–9 seaters: 700–950 EUR
• Luxury cars: insurance is calculated individually

Prices and excess amounts may vary depending on the vehicle category and rental period. The security deposit amount also depends on the selected package. Coverage is subject to these rental terms and the exclusions below.

What car rental insurance does not cover

• Traffic fines
• Off-road driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving by persons not listed in the rental agreement

7. Fuel & Cleaning Policy

Fuel policy

The car must be returned with the same fuel level as at pick-up. If it is returned with less fuel, a 15 EUR refuelling service fee plus the cost of fuel applies.

Cleaning policy

• If the car is returned dirty, a cleaning fee applies (from 15 EUR).
• Smoking inside rental cars is strictly prohibited. A fine of 200 EUR applies.

8. 24/7 Car Rental in Riga & at Riga Airport (RIX) – Opening Hours & Holiday Fees

Prime Car Rent Latvia operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Car rental pick-up and return at Riga Airport (RIX) is available at any time. Rentals on national holidays may include a holiday service fee.

9. Extra Equipment – Child Seats & GPS

The following extras can be added when booking your car rental in Latvia:

• Infant seat: 7 EUR per day, max 50 EUR per rental
• Child seat: 7 EUR per day, max 50 EUR per rental
• Booster seat: 5 EUR per day, max 35 EUR per rental
• GPS navigation system: 7 EUR per day, max 70 EUR per rental

10. One-Way Car Rental – Latvia, Lithuania & Estonia

Prime Car Rent Latvia offers one-way car hire between Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

• Latvia → Estonia (e.g. Riga – Tallinn): 200 EUR
• Latvia → Lithuania (e.g. Riga – Vilnius): 200 EUR

For other international one-way rentals from Latvia, please contact us for pricing.

11. Key Car Rental Policies – Summary

• Detailed conditions are set out in the Rental Agreement and the Vehicle Handover Act signed at pick-up.
• If the car is returned to our parking area unattended, it is inspected after return and any additional charges may be charged remotely to your card.
• All rentals must be prepaid before the rental period begins.
• If a booking is canceled, only 10% of the prepayment is refunded.
• No refund is provided for unused days if the car is returned early.
• A credit card is required for the deposit; an additional fee may apply for debit cards.
• Corporate clients may pay the deposit by bank transfer, subject to approval.
• Crossing the border without permission may result in the full deposit being charged as a penalty.

12. Rental Agreement, Vehicle Handover & Return

Rental Agreement and Vehicle Handover Act

These Terms & Conditions give a general overview of our car rental rules. All detailed rental conditions are set out in the Rental Agreement, which is signed on site between the customer and Prime Car Rent Latvia at pick-up, together with the Vehicle Handover and Acceptance Act. The Act records the condition of the car, existing damage, mileage, fuel level and equipment at the time of handover. In case of any discrepancy, the signed Rental Agreement prevails.

Returning the car to our parking area (unattended return)

If the customer returns the car to our parking area without a Prime Car Rent Latvia representative present, the customer agrees that:

• the car will be inspected by Prime Car Rent Latvia after return, in the customer’s absence;
• after the inspection, the Vehicle Return Act with photos of the car will be sent to the customer by email;
• any charges arising under the Rental Agreement and these Terms – such as missing fuel, cleaning, extra mileage, late return, traffic or parking fines, or damage within the customer’s liability under the selected insurance package – may be charged remotely to the payment card provided at pick-up or deducted from the security deposit, without the customer being present and without an additional signature.

Delayed and additional charges – Visa and Mastercard rules

By signing the Rental Agreement, the customer authorises Prime Car Rent Latvia to store the payment card used for the rental and to process delayed or additional charges (merchant-initiated transactions) in accordance with the Visa and Mastercard rules applicable to car rental companies. Each such charge will be itemised and supported by documents – the Rental Agreement, the Handover and Return Acts, fuel or repair invoices and fine notices – which will be sent to the customer by email. Delayed charges are processed within 90 days after the car is returned.

If you disagree with any charge, please contact us at [email protected] before opening a dispute with your bank – we will review the documents with you.

13. Frequently Asked Questions

What insurance is included in the rental price?

Every rental includes Basic Cover (CDW) with OCTA and KASKO. You can reduce your liability with the Silver, Gold or Platinum packages – see section 6.

Can I drive a rental car from Latvia to Lithuania or Estonia?

Yes, with prior approval and a purchased Cross-Border Permit. Travel to other countries is not allowed.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Latvia?

20 years. Drivers under 23 pay an additional 30 EUR.

Can I pay the deposit with a debit card?

The deposit should be held on a VISA or MasterCard credit card. If a debit card is used, an additional fee may apply.

When will my deposit be returned?

Within 3–7 business days after the car is returned in good condition.

Can I pick up a car at Riga Airport at night?

Yes. Car rental at Riga Airport (RIX) is available 24/7.

What happens if I return the car to the parking area when no one is there?

The car will be inspected after return, the Vehicle Return Act will be emailed to you, and any additional charges will be made to your card as described in section 12.

Where can I find the full rental conditions?

In the Rental Agreement and the Vehicle Handover Act, which are signed on site at pick-up.

Contact Prime Car Rent Latvia

• Customer Support: +371 2844 1166
• General Inquiries: +371 2062 0080
• Email: [email protected]
• Reservations: [email protected]