Renting a car

The procedure of renting a car in Turkey will be similar to any other renting procedure in West-European countries. Some reminders regarding renting a car in Turkey: 

•  Hire a car from a known “Rent a car company” and conclude always a written renting contract about all the issues that you have agreed with the renter. Even if you make any deals through the internet.
• Check the car for any existing damages before you rent it. If there are any damages have them noted in the agreement. This will prevent you to be liable for existing damages.
• Verify the current dealer regarding the speed limit possibilities on the Turkish highways. 
• Be sure that the car has all risk insurance for both of the parties. Every Rent a car company operates with different insurance policies. Keep in mind to read the small letters!

Car Insurances 

Third Party Insurance

According to the Traffic law every car owner is obliged to conclude a legally Third Party Insurance. This insurance will only cover the damages of the third-party which has been caused by your car.
Not concluding ‘Third party Insurance’ will be punished by money-fines.

Casco Insurance

The Casco insurance is a voluntary insurance that you can conclude with any assurance company in Turkey. The insurance policies and also the rates can vary form company to company. It is advisable to ask different assurance companies for proposals.

Some insurance policies have limited their insurance payments to the driver and his family. The insurance companies do not refund any insured sum when the incident has been caused by another person than the driver!
We’re remind you: Read the ‘small letters’ carefully before you undersign any insurance policy and especially not if it is not in your own language

Other Issues

Driving License Requirements

You must have an international driving license in order to drive a vehicle in Turkey. Such licenses are issued on the basis of bilateral or multilateral international agreements.

Drunk Driving

Any driver, found guilty of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, may lose his driving license immediately. The penalty involved for driving under the influence of alcohol may vary from revoking the license till prison sentence.
Being involved in a car accident under influence of alcohol or drugs will also be effective on the refunding of your insurance sum.
Even if you are not drunk, but you are involved in an accident or incident (like robbery), you have to have an official report from the authorities and alcohol report in order to apply to your insurance company.

Car accidents, Theft or Damage

Never under absolutely no condition move the car from in the event of an accident. The police will not make an official report when the car is moved. Statements will be taken from the parties. As this report can be important in any future court case, it may be advisable to have a lawyer present while it is prepared. It is also required for any claims for repair under insurance.
Within the borders of the Municipality the Traffic Police (154) is competent to make an official report. Outside the borders of the municipality the Gendarme is the competent authority (156). The parties who are involved with the car accident may not leave the place of the accident, without the permission of the authorities.
All such incidents must be properly recorded so that entries in the passport of the owner of the car can be canceled in order to allow him to leave the country.

Cars that are determined by the customs offices to have been damaged in an accident or cars that require maintenance in order to leave the country are delivered to a repair garage approved by the Customs for a reasonable period for repair which must be documented.

The owner of the car or the item that has been stolen during the period of stay in Turkey is not required to pay tax on the stolen car/item, and the guarantee on the car/item is canceled.