Booking a rental car in Nairobi is easy. Booking the right rental car, from a company that won’t spring hidden fees on you at the counter, takes a bit more homework. With dozens of operators competing for your business — from small local outfits to international brokers — the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one often comes down to a handful of questions you ask before you pay a deposit.

Here are the seven questions worth asking every Nairobi car rental company, and why each one matters.

1. Is Insurance Included, and What’s the Excess?

Third-party liability insurance is legally required in Kenya and should be included in every quoted rate. What varies — a lot — is the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and the excess (deductible) you’d be liable for if the car is damaged.

For a mid-range SUV, excess amounts commonly fall between KES 50,000 and 150,000, and for a Land Cruiser Prado specifically, it’s often in the KES 80,000–120,000 range unless you upgrade coverage. Ask directly:

• Is CDW included, or is it an add-on?
• What is my excess if the car is damaged?
• Can I reduce that excess with a Super CDW upgrade, and what does it cost per day?
• What’s explicitly not covered — tyres, windscreen, undercarriage, and off-road damage are common exclusions.

A company that answers this clearly and in writing is one you can trust. A vague answer is a red flag.

2. What Documents Do I Actually Need?

Requirements vary slightly by company and vehicle category, but for self-drive rentals you should generally expect to provide:

• A valid driving license, often required to have been held for at least three years
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in the Latin alphabet, or as a general backup even if it is
• A passport or national ID
• Proof of accommodation or contact details in Kenya

Minimum age requirements typically range from 23 to 25, depending on the vehicle class — luxury and 4×4 categories often sit at the higher end. If you’re booking a chauffeur-driven rental instead, document requirements are usually lighter since you won’t be the one driving. Confirm exactly what’s needed before you arrive to collect the car, not at the counter.

3. Is VAT Included in the Quoted Price?

This is one of the most common sources of “surprise” charges reported by travelers. Kenya applies 16% VAT to car rentals, and some companies quote prices excluding it, only to add it at checkout. Always ask directly: “Is this rate inclusive of VAT?” A transparent company will confirm this upfront without you having to ask twice.

While you’re at it, ask about credit card surcharges too — some companies tack on an extra 3–5% for card payments that isn’t mentioned in the initial quote.

4. What’s the Fuel and Mileage Policy?

Almost every Nairobi rental runs on a full-to-full fuel policy: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full. Confirm this is the case, since being charged a refueling fee at an inflated rate is a common complaint when this isn’t clarified upfront.

Also ask about mileage. Reputable operators offer unlimited mileage as standard, but some budget listings cap daily distance and charge per extra kilometer — worth knowing before you plan a long road trip to the coast or a national park.

5. What Happens If the Car Breaks Down?

Kenyan roads — particularly outside the main highways — can be tough on vehicles, and breakdowns and flat tires do happen. Before booking, ask:

• Is 24/7 roadside support included?
• What’s the response time if I break down outside Nairobi?
• Will I get a replacement vehicle, or just a repair?

A company that can’t give you a clear answer here is one you don’t want to be stuck with two hours outside the city.

6. Can I Get Everything in Writing?

Verbal quotes are easy to give and easy to forget. Before you commit, ask for a written confirmation covering:

• The daily rate and total cost for your rental period
• What’s included (insurance level, mileage, fuel policy)
• The excess/deductible amount
• Any additional charges (driver fees, airport pickup, cross-border permits)

If a company is reluctant to put the terms in writing, treat that as a warning sign rather than a formality you can skip.

7. Is the Vehicle Actually Right for My Route?

Not every rental car suits every trip. A sedan is fine for city driving and coastal routes on tarmac, but if you’re heading into Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or anywhere with unpaved roads, you’ll want a 4×4 rated for that terrain — and confirmation that your insurance actually covers off-road driving. Ask the company directly whether the car you’re considering is suited to your specific itinerary, not just your budget. An underpowered vehicle on rough terrain tends to cost more in delays, breakdowns, and stress than it saves on the daily rate.

Putting It All Together

None of these questions take long to ask, but skipping them is exactly how travelers end up with unexpected VAT charges, a five-figure excess bill after a minor scrape, or a car that can’t handle their planned route. A car rental company that answers all seven clearly, and is happy to put the terms in writing, is one worth booking with.

Ready to book with a company that’s upfront about all of this from the start? Get in touch with Nairobi Car Rental Services for a clear, written quote on your dates and vehicle of choice.