Find out everything you need to know about car rental bookings with Sunny Cars and optional extras that can be booked.

FAQ Rental cars: Your questions, our answers
On this page, you will find comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions about your rental car booking with Sunny Cars. From general information about picking up and returning the vehicle to important insurance details—you will find all the answers here. Learn how to make changes and cancellations, which payment methods are accepted, and what to do in an emergency. We also explain various terms related to rental cars and introduce your account, our special customer area.
If you have any further questions that are not answered in our FAQs, please feel free to contact us by phone—our rental car experts are available at 089 / 82 99 33 900!
Find out everything you need to know about changes to your booking or cancelling your car rental booking with Sunny Cars here.
In this section, you'll find helpful information about payment methods and how the deposit for car rentals with Sunny Cars is regulated.
Here you will find the most important answers to frequently asked questions about insurance for rental cars from Sunny Cars.
Here you'll find answers to your questions about picking up and returning your rental car with Sunny Cars.
Find out everything you need to know about Car Check, how the application works and what advantages it offers you when picking up and returning a hire car.
Accidents and breakdowns can happen at any time. In this section, you will learn how to behave in such cases and what measures you should take.
Do you have general questions about Sunny Cars? Our comprehensive carefree package? Or would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?
Confused by the many technical terms related to rental car? In this section, we explain the most important terms and what they mean.
Find out everything you need to know about our account, how to register for it and what benefits you can enjoy.

Rental car booking
- Find out everything you need to know about car rental bookings with Sunny Cars and optional services that can be booked.
How can I book a Sunny Cars rental car?
There are three convenient ways to reserve your Sunny Cars rental car: online at https://www.sunnycars.de/, via our service hotline on 089 / 82 99 33 900 or directly through your trusted travel agency. In any case, you will always receive the proven all-round carefree package with no hidden costs.
What additional services can be booked with Sunny Cars?
At Sunny Cars, you can tailor your car rental booking to your needs – with many optional additional services. You can put together your own individual service package from the following services:
- Online check-in
- Rental without deposit
- Express pick-up of the rental car
- Contactless pick-up of the rental car
- Pick-up of the rental car via smartphone
- Additional driver
- Young driver
- Hotel delivery
- One-way rental
- and much more
A complete overview of all bookable extras can be found here.
What accessories can be booked?
Depending on the destination region and availability, you can book practical accessories for your rental car. These include child seats, navigation devices and roof tents. In winter or alpine regions, winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks are also available.
You can select winter tyres directly when choosing your vehicle, simply use the appropriate filter. All other extras can be booked in the next step. Payment is made easily on site at the local car rental partner.
I can't find a specific category – what should I do?
No problem! Once you have entered your pick-up and drop-off dates and all vehicles are displayed, you will find the "Vehicle type" option under "Popular filters". All available vehicle categories are listed there.
Please note: The available categories may vary depending on your destination.
I would like to book a car with automatic transmission. Is that possible?
Vehicles with automatic transmission are marked with an "A" icon and the designation "Automatic". You can also specify this using the "Equipment" filter during your search, if available for your destination.

Changes & cancellations of bookings
- Here you will find everything you need to know about change requests for bookings, cancellations and the "no show" policy.
Can I still change the car rental category after completing my booking?
Yes, changing the car rental category is easy and free of charge with Sunny Cars.
Please note: Changes must be made at least 24 hours before the start of the rental period or communicated to our customer service team. However, changing the car rental category may result in a change in the rental price.
Can I extend or shorten the rental period?
Sunny Cars offers full flexibility at no additional cost: if your holiday plans change, you can easily shorten or extend the rental period – subject to availability. You can do this yourself in your account or via the link in your booking confirmation. There you can also update your flight number in addition to the pick-up and drop-off times.
Please note: Changes must be made or reported to our customer service at least 24 hours before the start of the rental period. A change may affect the rental price of your booking.
I entered the wrong pick-up time. What should I do?
No problem! You can easily change the time in your account (you can find the login on our website) under "Current bookings". If you do not have an account, use the link in your booking confirmation or call our customer service team on 089 / 82 99 33 900. Please have your booking number ready.
Can I extend my rental car booking, and how does it work?
Of course, that's possible! You can extend the rental period via your account under "Current bookings". Alternatively, you will find a link in your booking confirmation. If you would prefer personal contact, please call our customer service team on 089 / 82 99 33 900 and have your booking number ready.
Can I cancel my car rental booking?
If you need to cancel your booking unexpectedly, you can do this free of charge and without giving a reason up to one hour before the rental. Cancellations can only be made through your travel agent, by telephone on 089 / 82 99 33 900 or – if available – via your account. It is not possible to cancel directly with the car rental partner on site.
If you use an account, log in, select the relevant booking and then click on "Cancel".

Payment & deposit
- Here you will find information on payment methods, deposit processing and possible additional fees at Sunny Cars.
What payment methods are available?
At Sunny Cars, you can choose to pay by invoice, SEPA direct debit, credit card or PayPal. If you choose to pay by invoice, simply transfer the total amount yourself; if you choose to pay by direct debit, you give us a mandate so that we can collect the amount on time. If you use a credit card or PayPal, you will receive a secure payment link with your invoice, which you can use to approve the transaction with a single click. All our payment methods use SSL-encrypted connections to ensure that your data remains protected at all times.
Tip: If you would like more detailed information about the payment process for each of Sunny Cars payment methods, you can find a detailed overview here: Secure payment options at Sunny Cars.
When will the amount be charged to my account?
You can choose when to make the payment; however, it must be completed at least 14 days before the rental date. If you prefer not to worry about deadlines, you can select convenient direct debit—in this case, the amount will be charged automatically 14 days prior to the rental date.
Please note: Regardless of the payment method, the invoice amount will be posted within seven days of approval.
How is the deposit handled?
You can find the deposit amount on our website next to the respective car rental offer:

If you only want to block a certain amount for the deposit, you can set this in the filter on the left-hand side of the car selection page:

In many cases, you will also find the deposit amount on your voucher. If the deposit amount is not specified on your voucher, an amount between 100 € and 800 € will be estimated depending on the vehicle category. In most cases, this amount must be deposited with the driver's credit card.
If you pay the deposit by credit card, the corresponding amount will usually be requested or "blocked" on your credit card and released again after the vehicle is returned; however, depending on the station and local car rental partner, a debit may be made with a subsequent credit.
Do you have specific questions about the terms and conditions that apply to your booking? Our customer service team will be happy to help. Send an email to info@sunnycars.de or contact us by telephone on 089 / 82 99 33 900.
Can I also book a Sunny Cars rental car without a deposit?
Yes, at certain destinations this is possible. If you choose the optional "No Deposit" service with Sunny Cars, you won’t have to pay a deposit to the local rental partner. Another advantage: no credit card is required to pick up the vehicle. Click here to see where and how you can book a rental car with the "No Deposit" service.
I would like to pay the deposit in cash. Is that possible?
Sunny Cars offers a "cash deposit" service for some destinations: this means you can pay the required deposit to the local car rental partner in the local currency. When booking, select the "cash deposit" filter under the "deposit" tab. A credit card is therefore not required. Further information on cash deposits can be found in the rental conditions for the respective vehicle.

Insurance & what you need to know
- Here you will find the most important answers to frequently asked questions about insurance for rental cars from Sunny Cars.
What insurance do I need to drive a rental car?
You do not need to take out any additional insurance, as Sunny Cars provides everything in its All-round Carefree Package: third-party liability is supplemented by HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG to at least €10 million, while comprehensive insurance and vehicle theft protection already cover the entire excess in the event of damage. The comprehensive insurance also covers damage that you cause to the rental car yourself. For details, please refer to section 7 of our General Rental Conditions.
Is full insurance coverage included with Sunny Cars?
When you book through Sunny Cars, you automatically benefit from comprehensive insurance cover with every rent. The following services are always included:
- Fully comprehensive insurance with refund of the excess
- The standard liability coverage amount for the country
- Additional liability insurance in the amount of €10 million
- Vehicle theft protection with refund of the excess
- Refund of towing costs in the event of an accident or technical defect
- Refund of costs for damage to glass, roof, tyres and underbody
- Refund of costs for damage to and theft of car radios and navigation systems (mobile or built-in) in connection with burglary damage
- Refund of costs for the loss or damage of vehicle keys and documents
- Refund of any claims processing fees incurred
- As well as our free cancellation protection
What does vehicle theft protection mean?
Vehicle theft protection provides coverage in case of rental car theft (please refer to section 7 of our General Rental Conditions).
What is liability insurance?
Liability insurance covers damage caused to third parties. In addition to the standard liability coverage required in each country, Sunny Cars automatically includes extra liability protection of €10 million worldwide, guaranteed by HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG. This means you don’t need to purchase costly additional insurance locally.
What about the deductible?
In the event of an accident, the rental company may charge the deductible to your credit card. Once you have submitted the required documents, Sunny Cars will reimburse the full amount. Our comprehensive protection also covers damage to tyres, windows, roof, underbody, oil pan and clutch—including stone chips and tyre damage (see section 7 of our General Rental Conditions).

Rental car pick up & return
- Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about picking up, returning and using your rental car with Sunny Cars.
Which documents do I need to collect my rental car?
When picking up the rental car, the main driver must present the following documents:
- A valid credit card issued in the driver's name (please do not forget the PIN code)
- The Sunny Cars voucher (in printed form or in Apple Wallet, if available)
- An (international) driving licence
- An identity card or a passport
If even one of these documents is missing, the rental company cannot hand over the keys.
I have not received my voucher. What should I do?
If you have not received your booking confirmation and voucher, it is worth checking your spam folder first. Our email may have ended up there. If you cannot find it there either, simply contact our customer service team by telephone on 089 / 82 99 33 900 or by email at info@sunnycars.de – we will send you the voucher again immediately.
If you have an account, you can also download the voucher again out of the dashboard.
Is the rental agreement on site in German?
The rental agreement on site is usually in the local language. An English version is always available – just ask. You will always receive your voucher from us in German.
Do I need an international driving licence for certain countries?
An international driving licence is not always required, but it is a useful addition to your national driving licence. In many countries it may be mandatory or strongly recommended as it serves as an official translation document and makes it easier to prove your driving eligibility, especially outside Europe.
How can I find the Sunny Cars counter?
Please do not look for a Sunny Cars counter at your destination, as Sunny Cars does not operate its own car rental fleet. Instead, we cooperate with renowned car rental partners who will provide the vehicle for you.

Car Check
- Find out about Car Check and how you can easily document your rental car with a photo.
What exactly is Car Check?
Car Check is a free application from Sunny Cars that allows you to record the condition of your rental car on collection and return by taking a photo. The images are saved with a time stamp and GPS data and assigned to your booking.
What advantages does Car Check offer me?
With Car Check, you can document the condition of your rental car easily and comprehensibly using photos. The images are assigned to your booking and can help to clarify queries quickly if necessary. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smoother process, for example when it comes to the refund of your deposit or excess.
Is the use of Car Check free of charge?
Yes, Car Check is completely free of charge for you and is part of your rental car with Sunny Cars.
Do I need an internet connection for Car Check?
An internet connection is required to upload the photos. However, you can also take pictures without a network and upload them later as soon as you are online again. If you use My Sunny Ride, eSim ensures you stay connected wherever you are abroad and can use Car Check at any time without restrictions.
What should I do if I discover any damage when collecting the vehicle?
You should always report any existing damage directly to the local car hire partner and have it recorded in the handover report. We also recommend documenting the damage with a Car Check photo.

Breakdowns, accidents & parking tickets
- Everything you need to know about dealing with breakdowns and damage to your rental car can be found here.
I've had a breakdown. What now?
Most local rental car partners usually have a 24-hour roadside assistance service. You will find the relevant telephone number on the rental agreement, on a windscreen sticker or on the key ring – to be on the safe side, ask for it when you pick up the vehicle.
Tip: If the local car rental partner is unable to help you, you can always contact Sunny Cars. For acute emergencies, dial the emergency number printed at the top right of the first voucher page.
What should I do if I notice damage when picking up the vehicle?
If you notice any damage when you pick up the vehicle, you should report it immediately to the rental company on site and have it noted in the handover report. This is the only way to ensure that you will not be held liable for existing damage at a later date. It is best to document the damage with photos as well.
What should I do in the event of damage?
In the event of damage, the rental company should be contacted immediately so that the damage can be properly documented. A police report is also required. Depending on the type of damage, the rental company will provide further instructions on how to proceed. Sunny Cars will reimburse any excess charged, including for damage to glass, the roof, tyres and the underbody, as well as towing costs. It is recommended that you photograph the damage for your own protection.
If the vehicle is no longer roadworthy, the rental company will usually provide a replacement vehicle. The deposit will initially be retained, but will be refunded once all the necessary documents have been submitted via the online form.
I have caused damage to the rental car. What documents do I need to provide now?
After an accident, immediately call the police emergency number and insist on a written report, even if the officers wave you off; without this document, you will be responsible for the entire repair costs. At the same time, notify the local car rental partner's office of the incident. You will find the number on your voucher under the pick-up location. Click here for more detailed information on "What to do in the event of damage?".
I have caused damage to the rental car. Will I get a new rental car?
As soon as you notice damage to the rental car, contact the local rental company or Sunny Cars directly. They will assess whether you can continue driving the car safely or whether a replacement vehicle will be provided. If the accident analysis shows that the damage was caused by reckless or grossly negligent behaviour, the local car rental partner reserves the right not to provide a replacement car.

General questions about Sunny Cars
- Find out everything you need to know about Sunny Cars, our All-round carefree services and anything else you need to know.
In which countries can I book a rental car with Sunny Cars?
Sunny Cars offers rental cars at up to 11.500 stations in over 120 countries on five continents – from Iceland to South Africa, from Canada to Australia. You can find an up-to-date overview of all destinations via this link.
Which partners does Sunny Cars work with?
We work with well-known rental car companies and reliable local partners worldwide. The voucher you receive after booking indicates which partner will provide your vehicle.
How spontaneously can I book a rental car with Sunny Cars?
If your trip is due to start in less than 48 hours, we will check with our local partner in advance to see if the vehicle you want is available. During this clarification process, the reservation will remain open and you will be notified as soon as we have a response.
If you book a rental car with optional extras (such as the "no deposit" service), we recommend that you book the car at least five days in advance.
Which services are included with Sunny Cars?
When you book a rental car with Sunny Cars, you benefit from our carefree car rental services. This means that all necessary insurance and many additional services, such as your exclusive access to My Sunny Ride, are already included in the rental price. The following are also always included:
- Unlimited mileage
- Comprehensive insurance with excess reimbursement
- Refund for damage to glass, roof, tyres, underbody including oil pan and clutch
- Refund of towing costs in the event of an accident or technical defect
- Refund of costs for the loss or damage of vehicle keys and documents
- Vehicle theft protection with excess reimbursement
- Reimbursement of damage to, and theft of, the car radio and navigation system (mobile or built-in) in connection with burglary damage
- Refund of the damage processing fee
- Standard local liability coverage
- Additional liability insurance in the amount of €10 million
- Airport fees, airport tax and all local taxes, levies and fees in accordance with the Specific Rental Terms and Conditions
- Fuel policy "return as on pick-up" (in many places this means: full/full)
- Free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental
- Payment no earlier than 14 days before rental
- Availability in emergencies
Are tolls/vignettes etc. included in the rental price?
When renting in a country where annual vignettes are available, the vignettes are already included in the vehicle and are therefore included in the rental price. In any other country where vignettes are mandatory or when driving on toll roads, the costs for purchasing them must be borne by the customer. If you are unsure and have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Various terms relating to rental car
- This section answers your questions about the most important terms and services in the world of rental car at Sunny Cars.
What is a one-way rental?
With a one-way rental, you pick up your car at station A and return it at station B. In many frequently booked destinations, there is no charge for rentals of three days or more; in other regions, the rental company charges a surcharge, which is clearly indicated during the booking process. International routes or special routes may not be bookable online. In such cases, please contact our customer service directly – we will check availability and make the reservation for you.
What is a hotel delivery?
If you do not want to pick up your car at the airport, but would prefer to do so conveniently at your hotel or apartment, you can book hotel delivery with Sunny Cars. The rental company will inform you of the additional fees on site; you pay them directly when you pick up the vehicle. The rental company does not usually confirm deliveries to private addresses, so this service is only available for official accommodation providers.
What is a drop-off box?
If you return the rental car outside of opening hours, please drop the key in the designated drop-off box. It is located near the corresponding car park and works like a letterbox.
In some cases, an additional fee is charged for returns outside office hours, which is payable on site. The "return outside office hours" service cannot currently be booked online. Please contact our customer service on 089 / 82 99 33 900.
What is Meet & Greet or Representative?
Some of our rental car partners do not have a counter at the airport. If this is the case, an employee will be waiting in the arrivals area to hand you the keys and rental agreement. In some destinations, you will be taken directly from the airport to the local rental car partner by shuttle service. The meeting point with the respective representative is determined in advance and is referred to as "Meet & Greet".
What is a single vehicle accident?
A single vehicle accident is a traffic accident involving your rental car only; there are no other road users or parties involved in the accident. As no other party is involved, the driver is automatically fully responsible for the damage caused. Comprehensive insurance cover usually applies in this case.

Account – your customer area
- Find out more about the account and the benefits you can enjoy as a registered user of Sunny Cars.
What is this account?
Account is your personal user account. After registering, you can view and cancel bookings, add payment and flight details, and change your personal information and login details. You can also download documents specific to your rental car.
Please note: New bookings will only be displayed if you are logged in while booking – previous bookings cannot usually be linked retrospectively.
You can register or log in directly during the booking process or on our website. Forgot your password? Simply use the "Forgot password" function. To delete your user account or if you are missing bookings, please write to marketing@sunnycars.de.
What are the advantages of my account?
With your account, you can conveniently manage your bookings online and have all important information at your fingertips. You can view the status of your reservation in real time, manage outstanding payments, add your flight details later, and access, download, or print your rental conditions and booking documents at any time.
At the same time, you remain flexible. You can cancel your reservation and modify your booking, for example by changing the main driver or the car category. Changes are made based on the applicable daily rates. You can also easily update your personal details, as well as your username and password online.
In addition, two weeks after your return, you will receive a personal discount code for your next car rental booking, which can be redeemed across all sales channels.
How do I register for an account and how do I log in?
You can register for an account either directly here or during the booking process, when you will be asked to provide your personal details. Important: in order for new bookings to be displayed in your existing account, you must be logged in during the booking process.
If you already have an account, this link will take you directly to the login page. Log in there with your username and password.
I have forgotten my password for my account. What should I do?
If you have forgotten your password for your account, you can simply use the "Forgot password" function in the login area. You will then receive a new password by email, which you can use to log in.
Where can I access my booking details online?
You can easily find your current booking online – either in your account or via the link, which you will find in your booking confirmation, for example. After logging in, you will find all your bookings under "Current bookings".

