How to rent a car in Minsk: a step-by-step guide

To rent a car from LaoCar, you need a passport and a driving licence, to be at least 20 years old and to have at least 2 years of driving experience. The process is: choose a car, send a request or call, agree on the terms, pay a 25% prepayment, sign the contract and get the keys at the office or by delivery.

If you have never rented a premium car before, the process is simpler than it seems. Below is the full route from choosing a model to returning the keys: requirements, documents, the booking procedure, what to check at handover and what to keep in mind during the rental.

Who can rent a car

The requirements are the same for the entire fleet:

• age: 20 years or older;
• driving experience: at least 2 years;
• a valid driving licence;
• a passport.

All drivers listed in the contract must meet the age and experience requirements. Foreign citizens can rent a car on the same terms: you need a passport and a driving licence valid for use in Belarus. The security deposit for foreigners may be higher.

What documents you need

Two documents are enough to sign the contract:

• a passport;
• a driving licence.

If a second driver will drive the car, they must be declared before the rental starts and provide the originals of their passport and driving licence. Up to two drivers are included in the price, three at most; the surcharge for a third driver depends on the car. Only a person listed in the contract may drive the car.

Companies rent under a contract with payment by bank transfer and a full set of closing documents. More details on the page for companies.

How much the rental costs

The price depends on the model and the period: the longer the rental, the lower the daily rate. The rate for each model is shown on its page, and KASKO and OSAGO insurance is already included. To compare prices by car class, see the article "How much does it cost to rent a premium car in Minsk" and the Prices page.

Terms for individual models

The basic rental rules apply to all car categories: premium sedans, SUVs, sports cars, convertibles, coupes, electric cars and family cars. For individual models, the terms may be specified separately: this depends on the car's value, power, type of use, rental period and route. So before booking, open the page of the chosen model and check the rate, the deposit and the mileage limit.

Step-by-step guide

1. Choose a car. Open the catalogue and pick a model by category, budget or brand. On the car's page, check the rate, the deposit and the mileage limit.

2. Send a request or contact a manager. You can do this on the website, by phone, via Telegram, WhatsApp or Max. The office and support work around the clock.

3. Specify the trip details. Tell us the dates and rental period, the format (with or without a driver), the delivery location and the route. If you plan to travel abroad, say so right away.

4. Prepare your documents. A passport and a driving licence, plus the second driver's documents if needed.

5. Agree on the price, deposit and delivery location. The manager will tell you the final amount and the deposit in advance and explain the terms.

6. Pay a 25% prepayment. The booking is confirmed once the terms are agreed and the prepayment is made; the car is then reserved for you for the chosen dates.

7. Sign the contract and get the car. The manager inspects the car together with you and draws up a handover report, after which you receive the keys. The car is handed over with a full tank.

Booking and prepayment

To secure the car for a specific date, you need a prepayment of 25% of the rental price. Booking in advance is especially important if you need a particular model, such as a sports car, convertible, premium SUV or electric car, and for weekends, holidays and wedding dates.

Free cancellation is possible no later than 24 hours before the rental starts. For later cancellations, the prepayment is not refunded.

How to get the car

There are two options: pick up the car at the office or order delivery. The LaoCar office is located at: Minsk, Internatsionalnaya St. 38, office 222. Delivery and collection within Minsk are free, except at night. Delivery to Minsk-2 Airport and other cities is calculated individually. The car can be delivered to your home, office, hotel, restaurant, filming location or event venue.

What to check when you receive the car

The inspection is carried out together with the manager, and the result is recorded in the handover report. What to check:

• bodywork: scratches, chips, dents, the condition of wheels and tyres;
• interior: cleanliness, upholstery condition, multimedia and climate control;
• completeness: keys and the car's documents;
• fuel or charge level (the car is handed over with a full tank);
• all defects noticed are recorded in the report. Photograph the car from all sides before driving off.

Deposit

When you sign the rental, you pay a refundable security deposit. Its amount depends on the car, the renter's experience and citizenship, and it is shown on the car's page. It is refunded after the car is returned in the agreed condition. A detailed guide: "Car rental deposit: amount and refund".

During the rental

Territory. The car can be used throughout Belarus. Travelling abroad is only possible with LaoCar's approval, and the necessary documents (power of attorney, green card, waybill) are prepared in advance. More details on the Travelling abroad page.

Speed and mileage. Keep to the speed limits. Some cars are fitted with GPS trackers, and each model has a daily mileage limit shown on its page.

Fines and parking. City parking and traffic fines during the rental are paid by the renter.

Extension. If the car is available, the rental can be extended; the extra charge is based on the daily rate. For a late return without prior notice, an hourly surcharge is charged under the contract.

During the rental it is forbidden to: let a person not listed in the contract drive the car; use the car for unlawful purposes; use it to make a profit; break speed limits. If such a violation is detected, the car may be taken back without refund of the amounts paid or the deposit.

Returning the car

The time and place of return are agreed in advance; this helps avoid misunderstandings and extra costs. On return, the manager inspects the car, and the deposit is then refunded if there is no damage, no fines and no breach of the contract. Check with the manager when booking what fuel or charge level to return the car with. Return in another city is possible for an extra fee.

Special cases

With a driver. If you don't want to deal with the route, parking and driving, choose a car with a professional chauffeur. This is available on request and suits transfers, weddings, business meetings, accompanying guests and photo shoots. Mention it in your request.

For companies. A contract, payment by bank transfer, closing documents.

Travelling abroad. Agreed in advance, before the contract is signed.

What to prepare in advance

• original passport and driving licence for yourself and for each additional driver;
• the rental dates and period: the daily rate depends on them;
• the mileage limit of the chosen model (shown on its page) and an approximate route;
• how you want to receive the car: at the office or delivered to an address;
• a 25% prepayment to secure the car for your date;
• if you plan to travel abroad, tell the manager before signing the contract.

Common mistakes on a first rental

Not adding a second driver. Only a person listed in the contract may drive the car: handing the wheel to anyone else is forbidden.

Missing the mileage limit. Each model has its own, for example 150 km per day for the Lamborghini Urus and 200 km for the Mercedes G-class 63 AMG.

Not booking in advance. In season, before weekends and holidays, the model you want may not be available.

Not agreeing on travel abroad. This must be done before signing the contract: you will need documents and permission.

Not photographing the car at handover. Photos help compare the condition at return and avoid disputes.

Book a rental

Choose a car in the catalogue or contact a manager: phone +375 33 333-77-44, Telegram, WhatsApp, Max. The manager will suggest a model, calculate the price and prepare the contract.