Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before renting a car from Auto Aleya in Sofia — documents, deposit, insurance, working hours and delivery. Can't find an answer? Write to us at office@autoaleya.bg or call +359 886 30 3333.
To rent a car from us, you need to meet the following two minimum requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a valid driving license with a minimum of 1 year of driving experience.
When signing the rental agreement, please bring:
- 🪪 A valid ID card or passport (to verify identity and address).
- 🪪 A valid driving license along with its control coupon.
- 💳 A credit card to hold the security deposit.
Important: If your license was issued outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you must also present a valid International Driving Permit (IDP).
Yes, but only if they are officially listed on the rental agreement. Adding a second driver comes with a small daily fee. This ensures all insurance remains fully valid on the road. Driving by an unlisted person is prohibited, and in the event of an incident the renter bears full financial responsibility.
The process is as simple as possible. You can reserve your car in 3 ways:
- Online through our website's quick booking system.
- By phone at +359 886 30 3333.
- In person at our office in Sofia.
Processing time: Up to 1–2 hours during business hours, and up to 24 hours on weekends. The booking is finalized once you receive official confirmation by email and an e-voucher.
The entire process is digital and takes place on the spot through our own app — selecting terms, an automatically calculated price, and an electronic signature. The vehicle is photo-documented at pickup and return, for both parties' security.
The rental price is paid according to the payment method you choose at booking — online in advance (partially or in full) or on-site when you pick up the car. The security deposit is separate from the rental price: it is blocked via credit card only at pickup and is automatically released after the car is returned in the agreed condition.
Absolutely secure. All transactions are processed through a protected payment system (Stripe), certified to the international PCI DSS security standard. Auto Aleya does not store your card details — they are encrypted and processed directly by the payment provider.
Changes: Completely free if you notify us at office@autoaleya.bg at least 72 hours before the rental start.
Cancellations: If cancelled more than 72 hours in advance, the prepaid amount is refunded in full. Cancellations with less than 72 hours' notice are subject to our Cancellation Policy.
The standard minimum period is 3 days (72 hours). The only exception is our special city service, the "7-Hour Car Rental," designed for quick same-day tasks in Sofia.
Prices on the website are final amounts including 20% VAT. The price depends on the car class, the rental period, and any additional extras. Our economy models (such as the Volkswagen T-Cross or Taigo) start from €35/day for long-term rentals over 30 days. We offer substantial discounts for regular customers, corporate partners, or when renting more than one car.
Please notify us as early as possible. Our late-return rules are:
- Up to 1 hour late: Completely free, no issue.
- Between 1 and 2 hours: 50% of the daily rate is charged.
- Over 2 hours: A full day's rental rate is charged.
📅 Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 19:00
📅 Saturday: 10:00 – 14:00
🔴 Sunday: Closed (but we do serve pre-booked reservations).
Note: Handover or pickup outside working hours is possible for a fee of €15.
Yes, we deliver anywhere.
Within Sofia: Completely FREE for regular customers or rentals longer than 5 days. For shorter periods, the fee is €15 per direction.
Outside Sofia: We deliver upon request in advance, with the price calculated based on distance.
Extras: You can add a child seat, GPS navigation, snow chains, or a ski rack for a small daily fee.
Travel abroad: Leaving Bulgaria is only possible with our prior written approval. A one-time fee of €90 applies, and a double security deposit is required.
There are no hidden surprises with us. The base price includes:
- ✅ Unlimited mileage. With an individual lower-price offer, a mileage limit may be agreed in advance and in writing.
- ✅ Valid third-party liability insurance (valid across the EU).
- ✅ Prepaid road vignette for Bulgarian roads.
- ✅ CDW & TP insurance (limits your liability for damage or theft to the amount of the security deposit, typically between €150 and €500).
The renter covers the costs of: fuel, parking fees (Blue/Green zone), car wash, traffic fines, as well as damage to the interior, tires, rims, or undercarriage (unless you have additional protection).
Fuel rule: The car is handed over with a full tank and must be returned the same way. If not, an administrative fee of €10 plus €3 incl. VAT per missing litre is charged.
Super CDW: Reduces or fully removes your liability for damage to the vehicle body.
Full CDW (Maximum Protection): Covers absolutely everything, including tires, rims, glass, and undercarriage. Under certain conditions, it allows you to rent a car without a security deposit.
Important: Even with the highest level of insurance, you must always obtain a police report in the event of an incident. A €350 fine applies for lost keys or documents.
All our vehicles are in excellent condition and come with free 24/7 roadside assistance within Bulgaria. If a problem occurs, follow these steps:
- Stop safely and stay calm.
- Call Auto Aleya's emergency line immediately: +359 886 30 3333.
- If there is any danger or injury, call 112 immediately.
- Always wait for and obtain a police report. Without this document, insurance becomes invalid!
Do not attempt any repairs on your own without explicit approval from our team.