How does the Cria.al booking platform work?
Cria.al is a peer-to-peer car rental platform connecting car owners with renters in Albania. Browse available vehicles, book directly through the platform, and pay a small service fee to secure your reservation.
What makes Cria.al different from traditional car rental companies?
Cria.al offers local car rentals directly from owners, often at more competitive prices. The platform provides verified owner profiles, secure payments, and 24/7 customer support for a personalized rental experience.
How is the handover process managed on Cria.al?
Car handovers are arranged directly with owners at agreed locations. Both parties use the Cria.al app to document the vehicle condition, verify documents, and sign the digital rental agreement.
What protection does Cria.al offer renters?
Cria.al provides insurance coverage for all rentals, secure payment processing, verified owner profiles, and 24/7 support. All vehicles are inspected and must meet platform safety standards.
How does Cria.al's rating system work?
Both owners and renters can leave reviews after each rental. Ratings cover vehicle condition, communication, and overall experience. This helps maintain high service standards across the platform.
What happens if I need to modify my Cria.al booking?
Booking modifications can be requested through the platform up to 48 hours before pickup. Changes are subject to owner approval and may affect pricing.
Does Cria.al offer airport pickup services?
Many Cria.al owners offer airport delivery for an additional fee. This service must be arranged in advance through the platform's messaging system.
How does Cria.al handle disputes or disagreements?
Cria.al provides mediation services for disputes. Their support team reviews evidence from both parties and helps reach fair resolutions based on platform policies and rental terms.
What is Cria.al's verification process for owners?
Car owners must provide valid documentation, including vehicle registration, insurance, and personal identification. Vehicles undergo safety inspections before being listed on the platform.
How are payments handled on Cria.al?
The service fee is paid online during booking. The main rental payment is made directly to the owner upon vehicle pickup, typically in cash. All transactions are documented through the platform.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Albania?
You need a valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), passport, and credit/debit card in the main driver's name. The minimum age requirement is 21 (some companies require 23).
Do I need special insurance for driving in Albania?
Basic third-party insurance is mandatory. Additional CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and theft protection are strongly recommended. Green Card insurance is required for cross-border travel.
What side of the road do they drive on and what are the speed limits?
Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 40 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on highways, and 110 km/h on motorways.
How are the road conditions in Albania?
Main highways are generally well-maintained, but rural roads may be unpaved or in poor condition. Mountain roads require extra caution, and GPS coverage can be spotty in remote areas.
What payment methods are accepted and what about deposits?
A credit card is mandatory for the security deposit (typically €300-500). Most companies accept both cash and cards for rental payment.
What types of vehicles are available and what are the rates?
Available vehicles include economy cars for city driving and SUVs recommended for rural/mountain areas. Automatic transmission is limited. Rates range from €25-80/day depending on vehicle type.
What should I do in case of breakdown or accident?
Call emergency number 112 and contact the rental company's 24/7 support. Police must be called for any accident. Take photos and get witness details if possible.
Can I drive to neighboring countries?
Yes, but it requires advance permission from the rental company and additional insurance may be needed. Not all vehicles are allowed for cross-border travel, and extra fees apply.
What should I know about fuel and parking?
Both petrol and diesel are widely available, but premium fuel may be limited outside major cities. Paid parking is available in city centers, with free parking in most other areas. Keep the tank full when traveling in rural areas.
Is it mandatory to have winter tires during certain months?
Yes, winter tires are mandatory from November 1st to April 30th when driving in mountainous regions or during winter conditions. Most rental companies will equip vehicles accordingly during these periods.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns typically incur additional charges calculated hourly or daily according to your rental agreement. It's important to contact the rental company if you expect to be delayed.
Are child seats available?
Yes, child seats are available upon request for an additional daily fee. It's recommended to book these in advance to ensure availability. Children under 12 must use appropriate restraints by law.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit. Debit cards may be accepted for the rental payment but not for the deposit. Check specific company policies before booking.
What is the fuel policy?
Most rentals operate on a full-to-full policy: you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full. Some companies offer pre-purchase fuel options. Always check the fuel type (diesel/petrol) before filling.
Are there unlimited mileage options?
Many rental companies offer unlimited mileage packages, but some may have daily limits. Long-distance or cross-border travel might have different terms. Confirm the mileage policy when booking.
What happens if I get a traffic fine?
You are responsible for all traffic fines during your rental period. The rental company may charge your credit card for any fines received, plus an administrative fee for processing.
Is roadside assistance included?
Basic roadside assistance is typically included in the rental price. However, coverage may be limited in remote areas. Premium roadside assistance packages are often available for purchase.
Can I add additional drivers?
Yes, additional drivers can be added to the rental agreement for an extra fee. They must meet the same age and license requirements as the main driver and be present at pickup.
What are the main things to check during vehicle inspection?
Check and document all existing damage, scratches, dents, tire condition, fuel level, mileage, and ensure all required safety equipment is present. Take photos and ensure damages are noted on the rental agreement.
Are there restrictions on where I can drive?
Most rental agreements restrict driving on unpaved roads unless you've rented a 4x4 vehicle. Some remote areas or mountain passes may be restricted. Always check the rental terms.
What happens if I lose the car keys?
Lost keys must be reported immediately. Replacement costs and service fees will be charged to the renter. Some insurance policies may cover key loss, but additional fees might still apply.
Can I pick up in one city and drop off in another?
One-way rentals within Albania are possible but usually incur additional fees. The cost depends on the distance between locations and must be arranged in advance.
What security features do rental cars typically have?
Most rental vehicles are equipped with anti-theft devices, central locking, and alarms. Some newer models may have GPS tracking. Always lock the vehicle and keep valuables out of sight.
Is smoking allowed in rental cars?
No, smoking is generally prohibited in rental cars. Violations typically result in cleaning fees of €100 or more. This policy applies to both traditional cigarettes and electronic smoking devices.
What emergency equipment is required by law?
Vehicles must have a warning triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and reflective vest. These should be provided by the rental company and their presence should be verified during inspection.
Can I rent a car with an automatic transmission?
Automatic transmission vehicles are available but in limited supply and typically cost more. Book well in advance if you require an automatic vehicle, especially during peak season.
What happens if the car is stolen?
Immediately report theft to the police and rental company. A police report is required. Theft protection insurance (if purchased) will cover losses minus any deductible. Personal items aren't covered.
Are pets allowed in rental cars?
Pet policies vary by company. Some allow pets for an additional cleaning fee, others prohibit them entirely. Service animals are generally permitted. Always declare pets when booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary by company and rate type. Many offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Last-minute cancellations may incur charges of up to the full rental amount.
Can I extend my rental period?
Extensions are possible subject to vehicle availability. Contact the rental company before your scheduled return time. Extensions at the last minute may result in higher rates.
What GPS/navigation options are available?
GPS units can be rented for an additional daily fee. Many cars have built-in navigation systems. Download offline maps as backup since coverage can be limited in remote areas.
Is there a grace period for returns?
Most companies offer a 30-minute grace period for returns. After that, late fees apply. Some companies charge by the hour, others for a full additional day.
What should I do if I get into an accident with another vehicle?
Document everything with photos, get police report, exchange information with other driver, notify rental company immediately. Don't admit fault or sign any documents you don't understand.
Are there special requirements for mountain driving?
For mountain routes, an SUV or vehicle with higher clearance is recommended. Check weather conditions, carry chains in winter, and ensure you're comfortable with mountain driving techniques.
What additional fees might I encounter?
Common additional fees include young driver surcharge, additional driver fees, GPS rental, child seat rental, after-hours pickup/return, fuel charges, and cleaning fees if necessary.
How early should I book my rental car?
Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance during regular season, and 1-2 months ahead for peak summer season (June-September). This ensures better vehicle selection and rates.
What happens if I run out of fuel?
Running out of fuel may result in service charges if assistance is needed. Always maintain at least quarter tank, especially in rural areas where fuel stations might be scarce.
Can I take the ferry with a rental car?
Ferry travel with rental cars is usually permitted within Albania but must be declared at booking. Additional insurance may be required. Some restrictions apply for international ferry travel.
What are the parking rules in cities?
Most city centers have paid parking zones marked by blue lines. Green lines indicate resident-only parking. Always check signs and pay attention to time limits. Some areas require parking discs.
Is there a minimum rental period?
Most companies have a minimum rental period of 3 days. Some may offer hourly rentals in major cities. Weekly or monthly rentals often come with discounted rates.