Renting a car, step by step.

Nine steps, start to finish.

• Find your car Search by city, price, fuel and make. The operator sets the rent.
• Apply for it One short form: your name, phone, licence and start date.
• Choose your insurance We get you comprehensive cover quotes, and you choose how long the cover lasts.
• We check you Before an operator sees you, we check your DVLA licence, your identity and that you can afford the rent.
• The operator replies If yes, you pay the deposit and first month's rent through Kharo when you collect. If the car is not as described, Kharo holds your money.
• We set up Uber and Bolt Once your collection is booked, we upload your documents to Uber and Bolt for you.
• Collect the car Photograph it with the operator in the app. The photos protect your deposit.
• Give the car back Photograph it again and note the mileage. You only pay for new damage.
• Pay monthly You pay rent monthly through Kharo, taken two weeks before each month is due.

What you pay, and who gets it

• Rent Set by the operator, paid monthly through Kharo.
• Insurance From the quotes we show you, paid to the insurer.
• Deposit The deposit is two and a half weeks' rent, held by Kharo, not the operator. You get it all back if there is no new damage.
• Kharo Nothing. The operator pays Kharo.

If something happens

• Straight away If anyone is hurt, call 999. Then report it in the app and take the photos it asks for.
• Then A person calls you to decide if the car can still be driven.
• Same day If not, we collect it and give you another car.
• After that We deal with the garage, the insurer and the operator.

More guides

• PCO car hire, with every cost shown up front PCO car hire means renting a car licensed for private hire, so you can drive for Uber, Bolt and other apps. On Kharo you see the rent, deposit and insurance before you apply.
• Rent a car for Uber and Bolt To drive for Uber or Bolt you need a car with a private hire licence. If you do not own one, you can rent one by the week. Kharo lists cars from checked rental companies, with every cost shown.
• What PCO car hire costs What renting a private hire car costs, from the weekly rent to collection day. The prices come from the cars on Kharo, which show what rental companies charge.
• How to get a PCO licence A PCO licence is a private hire driver licence. You need one to drive for Uber, Bolt or any private hire company. In London it comes from TfL, and outside London from your local council.

Your questions, answered.

What happens if I get a parking fine?

No admin fee on fines. The rental company asks the council to put any PCN (a parking, bus lane or congestion fine) in your name. You pay only the fine.

Can I see reviews of an operator?

Yes. Each car's page shows reviews from drivers who rented from that operator through Kharo.

How much is the deposit?

The deposit is two and a half weeks' rent, held by Kharo, not the operator. You get it all back if there is no new damage. The car's page shows the amount.

Can I choose any insurer?

You choose from the comprehensive quotes we show you.

Who sets up Uber and Bolt?

We do, once your collection is booked. If you use another app, tell us and we add it too.

What if I miss a payment?

If a payment fails, we remind and call the driver every day. On day 7 we ask Uber and Bolt to pause their account. On day 14 we collect the car. If you will be late, tell us first and we will try to help.

Does the operator track the car?

Yes, for theft and servicing. Your hire agreement says what the operator can see.