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How to Book a Rental Car on Cria.al

Client guide

How to reserve a car on Cria.al, from search to return

This guide explains the full reservation journey so you know what to check before paying, what happens while the lessor reviews your request, when the lessor contact details become visible, and how to protect yourself during pickup and return.

Search available cars Pickup checklist
1. Search for the right car 2. Send the reservation request 3. After the lessor accepts 4. Return and close the rental

2. Review the car page before checkout

The car page is where you confirm whether the vehicle and lessor terms match your trip. Do not choose only by photo or daily price. Read the practical details before continuing.

✓ Check brand, model, year, transmission, fuel type, seats, and luggage space.
✓ Review the daily rate, long-rental discounts, included mileage, and any delivery charges.
✓ Look at deposit requirements, insurance options, border-crossing rules, and extra services.
✓ Read reviews and lessor details when available.

3. Check every part of the checkout page

Checkout summarizes the reservation before you submit it. This is the best moment to catch date, location, cost, deposit, insurance, or add-on mistakes.

✓ Confirm pickup and dropoff locations and times.
✓ Review the rental total, delivery fees, selected add-ons, discounts, and remaining balance.
✓ Check the online amount due now, including the reservation fee, transaction fee, and any no-show guarantee fee.
✓ Check the amount you pay later to the lessor at pickup, plus any refundable deposit.
✓ Use the notes field for useful pickup details, such as flight number, hotel name, or special timing needs.
✓ Read and accept the terms only after you understand the cancellation and payment conditions.

4. Send the reservation request

When you submit checkout, the platform creates a reservation request for the lessor. Your online payment is authorized first and is completed only according to the reservation payment rules when the lessor accepts.

✓ A submitted request is not the same as a confirmed reservation.
✓ Watch your email, WhatsApp, and Cria account for status updates.
✓ Keep your payment method available until the request is accepted or refused.
✓ Do not make separate off-platform payments for the reservation request.

5. Wait for the lessor confirmation

The lessor checks the vehicle availability and accepts or refuses the request. Until this happens, the reservation remains pending.

✓ If the lessor accepts, your reservation becomes confirmed.
✓ If the lessor refuses, the platform releases or refunds the payment according to the payment status.
✓ When possible, Cria may show an alternative car offer for the same trip details.
✓ If the status is unclear, check your reservation page before contacting support.

6. After the lessor accepts

After acceptance, the lessor details are visible in your reservation page. You can use the in-app message option and the displayed contact details to coordinate practical pickup information.

✓ Open your reservation from your client account and review the confirmed status.
✓ Check the lessor name, phone, email, and message button.
✓ Confirm the exact meeting point, arrival time, flight delay handling, and who will deliver the car.
✓ Ask any final questions about insurance, deposit, fuel policy, or border crossing before pickup day.

7. Pick up the car carefully

Pickup is where you confirm that the car you receive matches the reservation and that its condition is clearly understood by both sides.

✓ Bring your driving license, passport or ID, and the payment method needed for the remaining balance or deposit.
✓ Inspect the body, windows, tyres, lights, mirrors, interior, fuel level, and mileage.
✓ Take photos or video before driving away, especially of existing scratches or damage.
✓ Make sure both sides agree on the fuel level, deposit, insurance coverage, and return location.

8. During the rental

Use the car according to the reservation terms. If something changes, contact the lessor early so there is a written record and both sides can agree.

✓ Contact the lessor if you expect to be late, need to change return details, or notice a mechanical issue.
✓ Do not cross borders unless border crossing permission is included or approved by the lessor.
✓ Avoid restricted roads or unpaved routes unless the vehicle and terms allow it.
✓ For accidents or emergencies in Albania, call 112 and notify the lessor as soon as possible.

9. Return and close the rental

Return the vehicle at the agreed place and time, then document the final condition. This helps avoid misunderstandings about fuel, mileage, late return, or damage.

✓ Return the car with the agreed fuel level and all accessories, documents, and keys.
✓ Inspect the car together with the lessor or representative.
✓ Take final photos or video showing the car condition, fuel level, and mileage.
✓ Ask when any refundable deposit will be released and keep receipts or written confirmations.
✓ After the rental is complete, leave an honest review from your client account.

Pickup checklist

Before you drive away, take a few minutes to check the car and confirm the practical details.

  • ✓ Driver license, ID or passport, and reservation number are ready.
  • ✓ Car brand, model, plate number, and fuel type match what you expected.
  • ✓ Photos or videos show all existing scratches, dents, tyre issues, and interior marks.
  • ✓ Fuel level, mileage, deposit, insurance, and return place are agreed.
  • ✓ You have the lessor phone number and know what to do if there is a delay or emergency.

Return checklist

At return, document the final state of the vehicle and keep proof of any payments or deposit release.

  • ✓ Return at the confirmed time and location, or inform the lessor early if delayed.
  • ✓ Match the agreed fuel level and remove personal belongings.
  • ✓ Check the car together when possible and take final photos.
  • ✓ Confirm any extra charges before paying them.
  • ✓ Keep receipts, messages, and deposit confirmation until everything is closed.

Be careful with these details

The reservation is confirmed only after the lessor accepts it.

The remaining rental amount is normally paid to the lessor at pickup, as shown in checkout.

Do not ignore deposit, insurance, mileage, border-crossing, or fuel terms. They affect the real rental cost and your responsibility.