Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

Car Rental In Jamaica
The Requirements, Hints, Tips & Cautions

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!

Car Rental In JamaicaCar Rental In Jamaica

by Kesha Stewart | Associate Writer 

There are more car rental companies in Jamaica than you would probably ever guess, so I'd recommend that you shop around to find what suits your budget and tastes.

New! How much do you love Jamaica?

Join our growing list of well-thinking Jamaica-loving folks who are demonstrating what a friendly, helpful and fun Jamaican community looks like. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!

I’m, however, guessing that you may have a few questions about car rental in Jamaica. For example...

  1. How much do they charge? 
  2. Do they offer long term and short term rentals?
  3. Are there any hidden costs? 
  4. Will my vehicle be insured?

Finding a reliable car rental company is imperative if you are planning to drive around the island on your own. The companies in existence are a mix of local and international. Let me hasten to assure you that you are never really far away from a car rental company. As a matter of fact, there are companies which operate straight out of the airports enabling you to pick up your car then and there. Some companies even facilitate online booking to make your travel hassle-free. So potentially, as soon as you hit the island you can be on wheels.

Here is a checklist of the basic requirements for car rental in Jamaica:

  • You must be between 23-75 years old. If you are say 21, the company may rent you but it will definitely cost you more.
  • You must have earned your license for at least a year. Some companies ask that it be 3 years!
  • A valid card that is acceptable by the dealer e.g. Visa. They will check to see that the expiry date is after the return date of the vehicle rented. Note that a hold may be placed on your Credit card in case there are incidentals.
  • The car must be rented for no less than 24 hours.
  • A coverage charge against damages and theft.

Did You Know That?

  1. Jamaican rental cars once had specialized license plates that were green? Yes. They even had RR marked to signal it is rented. This practise was discontinued after they were targeted by car thieves.
  2. You do not need an international license to be able to drive in Jamaica? Nope, all you need is a driver’s license issued by the country you live in.

Cost Considerations

Your car will be priced based on the following:

Size - medium to midsized cars are the cheapest, next in line is the premium full-sized car, then the SUV, while the most costly is the minivan.

Brand - Toyota Corollas and Nissan Tidas are cheaper than Honda Civics or even a Toyota Camry. 

Features - You pay for the features, my friend. If you like accessories like leather seats for instance you will be charged more. Need special features? If you require extras such as car seats or have a preference such as manual transmission, you need to communicate with the dealer at least 3 days in advance of your pick up.

Days - More days more savings. After 3 days the rental companies usually offer a discount, seven days or more equals greater savings.

What’s included in my quote?  Quotes generally include rental fees, insurance and value-added tax. Find out what is included to prevent unpleasant surprises later on. Hint. Hint. Read the fine print before deciding on a plan for the insurance.

Thankfully some credit card companies offer motor vehicle insurance coverage. Check with your provider to see if you qualify and how it works. If they offer it there will be no additional charges for you when you come to Jamaica.

At last check, these were the top five rental car dealers in Jamaica

  • Avis Jamaica- contact (876) 926-8021
  • Island Car Rentals- contact (876) 926-8012
  • Apex Car Rentals- contact (876) 952-7587
  • Budget Car Rentals- contact  (876) 759-1793
  • Enterprise Jamaica- contact (876) 906-0084

Helpful Hints for Safe Driving

  • We drive on the left.
  • Fill up your tank when returning to avoid additional charges.
  • Treat the vehicle as you would your personal property.
  • Always wear a seatbelt and ensure all your passengers do the same.
  • Obey the road rules.
  • Be careful when asking for directions and never pick up someone who claims to “know” where you are going, no matter how convincing he/she is.
  • Make allowances for delays
  • Look out for potholes.

Now go and enjoy your Jamaican driving experience :-)

You might like these

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Car Dealers in Mandeville from Car Rental In Jamaica 
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Car Rental In Jamaica

References & Sources For Car Rental In Jamaica

  1. https://jamaicahotelreview.com/jamaica-car-rental/ 
Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy