Car hire in Quebec: our complete guide
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Car hire in Quebec is one of the best ways to explore the province at your own pace. But from choosing the right vehicle to understanding rental terms and checking everything on arrival, a few questions can quickly crop up. Don't worry, it's all perfectly manageable!
In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of your booking. This way, you can set off with peace of mind and fully enjoy your road trip!
BEFORE BOOKING YOUR CAR IN QUEBEC
Before you dive into booking, a few choices can make all the difference: picking the right vehicle for your trip, where to collect it, the rental conditions, and what insurance you'll need. It's much better to consider these questions now than when you're standing at the counter!
Which vehicle should you choose for your trip?
Your vehicle choice mainly depends on the number of travellers, your luggage, your itinerary, and the season. A compact car is great for a couple or small family, while an SUV or minivan offers more space and comfort.
To help you decide, here's a comparison table of the main rental vehicles in Quebec and their advantages, depending on your travel profile.
| Vehicle | Ideal for | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Compact car | Couples or small families | Economical, easy to drive in town, simple to park and lower fuel consumption |
| SUV | Families, outdoor enthusiasts or winter travel | Spacious boot, elevated driving position and optimal comfort, even on smaller roads |
| Minivan | Large families or groups of up to 7 people | Lots of space for passengers, luggage and gear, with modular seating and a comfortable ride |
What about electric cars?
Hiring an electric car can be a good option in Quebec, especially if your route takes you through areas with good charging point coverage. However, it does require a bit more forward planning than a petrol vehicle, particularly for long distances.
Before making your choice, remember to check the planned distances, the vehicle's range, and the charging options along your route.
For more details, see our guide on electric car hire in Canada.
Nos meilleurs road trips en voiture au Québec
Where to hire your car in Quebec?
The main car hire locations in Quebec are in Montreal and Quebec City. Other towns such as Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Gatineau, Saguenay, and Rimouski also have rental agencies.
In both Montreal and Quebec City, you'll find rental agencies at the airport and in the city centre. The best choice largely depends on your plans for arrival.
| Option | Ideal if... | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | You want to hit the road as soon as you arrive | Wide choice and extended hours, but airport surcharges may apply |
| City centre | You're spending a few days in Montreal or Quebec City first | You avoid paying for an unnecessary car in the city, but you'll need to arrange your transfer from the airport |
Can I return the vehicle in a different city?
Some agencies offer one-way rentals: you pick up your car in one city and drop it off in another. This is a practical option for planning a smoother itinerary and avoiding unnecessary backtracking to your starting point.
The conditions and any potential fees vary depending on the rental company and the chosen cities, so remember to check these when booking.
What are the conditions for hiring a car in Quebec?
Before booking your car, primarily check your driving licence and the age requirements applied by the rental company.
For stays under 6 months, your foreign driving licence is accepted in Quebec if it's written in Latin characters (French or English). Otherwise, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Regarding age, most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old, and a "young driver" surcharge may apply to those under 25. Certain vehicle categories may also have restrictions.
What insurance should you consider for your rental?
Car hire insurance can quickly feel like a foreign language. CDW, LDW, PAI... Don't panic: before booking, the main thing is to understand what's included in your contract and what cover you already have.
Here are the main types of insurance you might come across:
| Insurance | What does it do? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party liability | Covers damage caused to others in the event of an accident | The amount of cover included in your rental |
| Collision and damage (CDW/LDW) | Protects the vehicle in case of accident, theft, or damage | Whether this cover is already included in your contract or offered by your credit card |
| Personal accident insurance (PAI) | Covers certain medical expenses for the driver and passengers | Whether your personal insurance already offers equivalent cover |
WHEN BOOKING YOUR CAR IN QUEBEC
You've chosen your vehicle and checked the main rental conditions? It's time to book. Price, contract terms, and included services: a few checks can help avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure a worry-free booking.
When to book to get the best price?
To get the best rates, it's best to book your car as early as possible, especially if you're travelling to Quebec in the summer. Booking in advance will also give you more choice from the available vehicle categories.
The period and duration of your hire can also affect the price. Rates are generally better out of season, and a weekly rental can be more cost-effective than booking individual days separately.
To find out more, discover our 5 tips for cheap car hire in Canada.
Compare our car hire deals for the best price:
What should you check before confirming your booking?
Before clicking "Book", take a few minutes to check what's actually included in your rental. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and make collecting the vehicle easier once you're there.
Pay particular attention to:
- Included mileage, especially if you're planning a long road trip.
- Insurance and cover included in the price.
- Fees for an additional driver, if you plan to share the driving.
- Fuel policy, which specifies the expected fuel level on return.
- Modification and cancellation terms for your booking.
- Any additional fees and options: young driver, additional driver, child seat, GPS, or fees related to the pick-up location.
Why book your car with Authentik Canada?
Booking your car with Authentik Canada means benefiting from negotiated rates with major rental companies, while also receiving support from a local team that knows Quebec inside out.
Our comparison tool allows you to find the right vehicle for your trip and easily compare offers from our partners. And if insurance, rental conditions, or the small print are giving you a headache, our team is on hand to guide you.
By booking with Authentik Canada, you'll particularly benefit from:
- Negotiated rates with our partners.
- Unlimited mileage so you can hit the road without counting every detour.
- Assistance in English before and during your trip.
- 24/7 support in case of any issues while you're there.
Book an appointment with a local advisor
They are here to listen and help you realize your dreams.
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WHEN COLLECTING YOUR RENTAL CAR
Your booking is made, your bags are packed: all that's left is to collect the keys! At the counter, a few simple checks will allow you to set off serenely and avoid unpleasant surprises when returning the vehicle.
What do you need to bring when collecting your car?
On the day, keep your documents handy rather than buried at the bottom of your suitcase. To collect your car, the main driver will generally need to present:
- A valid driving licence and, if necessary, an International Driving Permit.
- An ID card or passport.
- The car booking confirmation.
- A credit card in their name with a sufficient limit to cover the security deposit.
How does the security deposit work?
When you pick up the vehicle, a security deposit, generally between $500 and $1,000, is held on your credit card. The amount varies depending on the vehicle and the rental agency.
Depending on the rental company, this sum may be temporarily frozen or debited. In any case, the amount must be available on your card when you collect the vehicle, even if you've already paid for your rental online.
The security deposit is usually returned within 3 to 5 days after the vehicle is returned, provided no damage or additional fees are found.
What to check before hitting the road?
The keys are in your hand, but before you start your road trip, take a few minutes to walk around the vehicle. This check can save you a lot of hassle when you return it.
Before leaving the agency:
- Inspect the exterior and interior of the vehicle and report any existing scratches, dents, or damage.
- Take a few photos or videos of the vehicle, ideally with the date and time visible.
- Check the fuel level and make sure it matches what's stated in your contract.
- Check essential equipment: lights, wipers, air conditioning or heating depending on the season.
- Locate the fuel cap and check the type of fuel to use. This will save you a guessing game at the first petrol station!
- Check any reserved equipment, such as a child seat, if it's part of your rental.
How to get to grips with your rental car?
The vast majority of rental cars in Quebec are equipped with an automatic gearbox. If you usually drive a manual car, don't worry: a few minutes are usually enough to get the hang of it.
There are four main positions to remember:
- P (Park): for parking
- R (Reverse): for going backwards
- N (Neutral): neutral
- D (Drive): for driving
Once in D, simply let the gearbox manage the gear changes. And no need to look for the clutch pedal: there isn't one!
Before leaving the agency, also take a few minutes to adjust your seat and mirrors, locate the main controls, and connect your GPS or phone. It's better to get acquainted with your car in the car park than on the motorway.
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DURING YOUR RENTAL AND WHEN RETURNING THE CAR
That's it, the road trip can begin! Once you're on the road, it's mainly about knowing a few specific features of driving in Quebec, what to do if something goes wrong, and anticipating returning the vehicle. Nothing too complicated, but it's always best to have the right approach.
What do you need to know about driving in Quebec?
Driving in Quebec is relatively straightforward, but some rules may differ from what you're used to. Speed limits are indicated in km/h and vary depending on the type of road. In wilder areas, also keep an eye out for wildlife: moose, deer, or bears can cross the road.
To learn about the main rules and specific points before getting behind the wheel, see our FAQ on the Canadian highway code.
What about in winter?
Winter driving requires a few extra precautions. Winter tyres are mandatory in Quebec from 1 December to 15 March, and road conditions can change rapidly.
Check out our 14 tips for winter driving for a safe road trip!
What to do if there's a problem during the rental?
A flat tyre, a warning light, or a minor bump can happen, even on the best road trips. If there's a problem, first contact your rental agency or the assistance number provided in your contract before attempting any repairs yourself.
In the event of an accident, ensure your safety, note down the contact details of those involved, and take photos of the vehicles and any damage.
To know how to react to minor and major hiccups on the road, see our guide: What to do in case of an unforeseen event during your road trip in Canada?
What should you check before returning your hire car?
Your road trip is nearly over! Before handing back the keys, a few simple checks can help you avoid extra charges and bring your car hire to a smooth end.
Before returning your car:
- Fill up the tank if required by your rental agreement and keep the petrol station receipt.
- Check the condition of the vehicle and take a few photos of the exterior and interior when you return it.
- Remove all your belongings, including anything in the boot, storage compartments and under the seats.
- Return the car at the agreed time and location shown on your booking to avoid any additional charges.
- Keep all return documents until your rental has been fully closed.
If you're returning the vehicle outside the rental office's opening hours, carefully follow the rental company's instructions for parking the car and dropping off the keys.
That's it, you're ready to book your hire car in Quebec!
"Hiring a car in Quebec is all about having the freedom to explore the province at your own pace. My advice is simple: get everything organised before your trip, then once you've got the keys, enjoy it! Some of the best road trip memories are the ones you never planned." Mélaine, Marketing Coordinator
If you enjoyed this article, feel free to leave us a comment below the FAQ.
FAQ
Do I need to take out collision damage insurance?
This isn't the case for Canadian or American travellers, who should check their own coverage before travelling.
For complete peace of mind, you can opt for collision protection without an excess. While this option is more expensive, it means you won't face any nasty financial surprises if the vehicle is damaged or you're involved in an accident.
Some premium credit cards already include full car rental coverage. A quick call to your bank will confirm what's covered, which could save you money on additional insurance.
Can I hire a car in Quebec and drop it off in the United States?
Simply tick the 'Return to a different location' option in our car comparison tool, then select New York. The one-way fee is already included in the price, so you won't be charged anything extra when you drop off the car.
Don't forget to apply for your ESTA to enter the United States.
Can you rent a car from a private individual in Quebec?
For a more worry-free trip, we recommend choosing a professional rental company that offers suitable insurance, regularly maintained vehicles and roadside assistance throughout your stay.
About the author
![Mélaine Poirier]()
Mélaine Poirier
Passionate about content creation as much as travel, I love turning my experiences on the road into practical tips and stories that inspire others to explore. At Authentik, I use my creativity and content marketing expertise to inspire travellers and help them plan their next adventure. And when I’m not behind my screen, you’ll probably find me kayaking on a lake, hiking a trail, or at the top of a mountain with my camera in hand.
Passionate about content creation as much as travel, I love turning my experiences on the road into practical tips and stories that inspire others to explore. At Authentik, I use my creativity and content marketing expertise to inspire travellers and help them plan their next adventure. And when I’m not behind my screen, you’ll probably find me kayaking on a lake, hiking a trail, or at the top of a mountain with my camera in hand.
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