Most rental problems in Goa start before the car is even handed over: a deposit nobody explained, a kilometre cap that only shows up on the bill, or a car too small for the luggage. Ten minutes of questions on the phone saves all of that. Here is what to ask, and how Drive Easy answers each one, so you have something to compare against.
The short list
Documents, deposit, fuel policy, kilometre limit, insurance, where and when the car is handed over, the exact car you will get, breakdown help, cancellation terms and the house rules on smoking and pets.
1. Which Documents You Need
Ask exactly what the company needs at handover so you are not caught at the hotel gate. Our documents guide lists what counts as a licence and an ID, the minimum age and what to do if something is missing.
2. How the Deposit Works
Almost every self drive company in Goa takes a refundable security deposit. Ask how much, how it is paid and when it comes back, before you book; the documents guide explains how ours works.
3. The Fuel Policy
Ask which rule applies and photograph the fuel gauge at handover. Ours is same level out, same level back: fuel is extra, the level is noted when you collect the car, and you return it at that level.
4. Kilometre Limits
Some companies quote a lower rate with a daily kilometre cap and charge for every kilometre over it. If you plan to do North and South Goa or a Dudhsagar day, a cap adds up fast. Every Drive Easy self drive car comes with unlimited kilometres inside Goa.
5. Insurance and Damage
Ask whether the car is insured, and what you would be liable for if there is a scratch, a dent or a bigger accident. Get the answer in writing on WhatsApp, not just over the phone. Before you drive away, walk round the car and take a short video of every panel, the tyres and the interior. It takes two minutes and settles almost every return dispute.
6. Where and When the Car Is Handed Over
Delivery is where Goa companies differ most. Some only hand over at their office; others deliver to the airport, the railway station or your hotel, sometimes for an extra charge. Ask where, at what time, and what happens if your flight or train runs late. We do free pickup and drop anywhere in Goa, including Dabolim and Mopa airports and the railway stations.
7. The Exact Car, Not "Or Similar"
Size matters more than the brand. Count the people and the bags before you choose: four adults with large suitcases will not fit comfortably in a hatchback. As a rough guide:
| Your group | Car type that usually works |
|---|---|
| Couple, light bags | Hatchback such as Swift, i20 or Glanza |
| Couple who want an open top drive | Mahindra Thar |
| Family of four with suitcases | Compact SUV, such as Creta or Venue |
| Five to seven people | 7 seater: Ertiga, Innova Crysta or Innova Hycross |
| Wedding, anniversary or business trip | BMW, Mercedes, Audi or MINI Cooper |
If you are not used to clutch driving in stop start traffic, ask for an automatic. Most of our fleet comes as an automatic, from the Swift and i20 to the Creta, Ertiga, Innova and Thar; only the Etios Liva, Kia Carens and Thar Classic are manual only. The full fleet is on our cars page.
8. Breakdown and Help on the Road
Ask who you call if the car will not start or you get a flat tyre at 11 pm, and whether that number is answered at night. Save it in your phone before you leave the handover point. Our help line is 70289 55080, answered 24 x 7.
9. Cancellation and Changes
Plans change, especially with flights. Ask how much notice you need to cancel without a charge, and if you can shorten or extend the booking. With Drive Easy there is no cancellation charge with 24 hours notice. If you want to keep the car longer, call or WhatsApp us before the return time so we can check it is free for the extra days.
10. House Rules
Most companies do not allow smoking in the car, and many add a cleaning charge if it comes back smelling of smoke or full of sand. Ask about smoking, pets and child seats before you book rather than at handover, so there are no surprises on return. With us the car cannot leave Goa, because the rental permit does not cover Maharashtra or Karnataka.
One More Thing: Check the Company Itself
Look up recent Google reviews, check that the phone number on the website is answered, and make sure the person you talk to will put the terms in writing. A company that explains the deposit and fuel policy clearly on the first call is usually the one that returns the deposit without a fight.
