Renting a Car
Use these practical phrases to confidently pick up, inspect, and return your rental car in a French-speaking country.
Key Phrases
Bonjour, j'ai une réservation pour une voiture de location au nom de Dubois.
neutralHello, I have a rental car reservation under the name Dubois.
A standard, clear greeting to use when arriving at the rental desk.
Bonjour, je viens récupérer le véhicule que j'ai réservé en ligne la semaine dernière.
politeHello, I've come to pick up the vehicle I booked online last week.
A slightly more formal way to introduce your booking, using a relative clause.
L'assurance tous risques, elle est bien comprise dedans ?
casualThe comprehensive insurance, is it definitely included?
Spoken French often repeats the subject for emphasis.
Pourriez-vous m'indiquer si l'assurance tous risques est incluse dans le contrat ?
politeCould you tell me if comprehensive insurance is included in the contract?
A formal, polite indirect question to ask staff about policy details.
Je préfère prendre l'assurance sans franchise pour être tranquille.
neutralI prefer to take the zero-deductible insurance for peace of mind.
'Sans franchise' means you won't pay out of pocket if there is damage.
Je dois vous la ramener avec le plein d'essence ou pas ?
casualDo I have to bring it back to you with a full tank of gas or not?
Direct and natural way to ask about refueling expectations.
Quelle est votre politique concernant le niveau de carburant au retour ?
politeWhat is your policy regarding the fuel level upon return?
More formal vocabulary, often used when dealing with larger corporate rental agencies.
Il vous reste un GPS que je pourrais louer en plus ?
casualDo you have a GPS left that I could rent as an extra?
Using 'il vous reste' implies asking if they have any devices currently available.
Est-il possible d'ajouter un système de navigation à ma location ?
neutralIs it possible to add a navigation system to my rental?
A standard, clear request; 'système de navigation' is slightly more formal than GPS.
Il y a une rayure sur le pare-chocs qui n'est pas sur le contrat.
neutralThere is a scratch on the bumper that isn't on the contract.
Essential phrasing for reporting pre-existing damage during the inspection.
Je vous signale qu'il y a une légère bosse sur la portière gauche.
politeI am pointing out that there is a slight dent on the left door.
A polite but firm way to ensure damage is officially noted by the agent.
Si j'arrive en retard et que c'est fermé, je mets les clés où ?
casualIf I arrive late and it's closed, where do I put the keys?
Using 'et que' avoids repeating 'si' (if), which is very natural in spoken French.
Où dois-je laisser les clés si je ramène la voiture en dehors des heures d'ouverture ?
neutralWhere should I leave the keys if I return the car outside of opening hours?
Standard phrasing for asking about after-hours drop-off procedures.
Pouvez-vous me confirmer que le kilométrage est illimité pour ce modèle ?
neutralCan you confirm that mileage is unlimited for this model?
A clear way to verify you won't be charged extra for the distance you drive.