Every year, travelers arrive in Curaçao excited for their trip—only to make car rental mistakes that cost them money, waste their time, or create unnecessary stress. Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid with a little preparation.
Here are the ten most common car rental mistakes we see visitors make in Curaçao, and exactly how to avoid each one.
Mistake #1: Waiting Until You Arrive to Book
The airport rental counters are there when you land, so it’s tempting to figure it out on arrival. But walk-up rates are almost always higher than advance bookings—sometimes 20–30% higher during peak season.
Worse, the cheapest vehicles sell out first. By the time you land, you may be left with only expensive SUVs or no availability at all.
The fix: Book online 2–3 months before your trip. You’ll lock in a better rate and have your pick of vehicles.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Vehicle Inspection
You’ve just gotten off a long flight. The agent is handing you keys. You want to get going. So you skip walking around the car to check for damage.
This is the single most expensive mistake you can make. If there’s a scratch, dent, or crack on the car that isn’t documented on your rental agreement, you could be held responsible for it when you return the vehicle.
The fix: Take five minutes. Walk around the car. Photograph any existing damage. Make sure it’s noted on the agreement before you drive off. This is non-negotiable.
Mistake #3: Not Understanding the Insurance
Many travelers either blindly accept whatever insurance the agent offers or decline all coverage without understanding the consequences. Both approaches can be expensive.
Understanding your coverage is critical. Read our complete guide to car rental insurance in Curaçao before you book.
Accepting coverage you don’t need wastes $15–$30 per day. Declining coverage you do need leaves you personally responsible for thousands of dollars in potential damage.
The fix: Before your trip, check whether your credit card covers rental cars in Curaçao. If it does, get a coverage letter and confirm the rental company accepts it. If you’re unsure, accept the rental company’s CDW for peace of mind.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About the Credit Card Deposit
The $200–$500 security deposit is a hold, not a charge—but it still reduces your available credit. Travelers who don’t plan for this find their credit card maxed out or declined at restaurants and shops.
The fix: Make sure your credit limit can accommodate the deposit hold plus your other travel expenses. If your limit is tight, consider using a separate credit card for the rental.
Mistake #5: Returning Without a Full Tank
Rental companies charge $1.50–$2.00 per liter if you return the car without a full tank. That’s roughly double what you’d pay at a gas station.
The fix: Fill up the day before you return. Gas stations are everywhere in Curaçao. Keep the receipt as proof.
Mistake #6: Not Reading the Rental Agreement
The rental agreement contains important details: the deductible amount, mileage limits, fuel policy, return time, and prohibited uses. Skimming or skipping it means you might violate a term without realizing it.
The fix: Read the key sections. Know your deductible, the fuel policy, the return time, and what’s prohibited (off-road driving, cross-island ferry trips, etc.).
Mistake #7: Choosing the Wrong Vehicle
Some visitors rent an economy car and then struggle on rough roads to remote beaches. Others rent a large SUV for a solo city trip and waste money on fuel and parking hassle.
The fix: Match the vehicle to your actual itinerary. If you’re exploring Westpunt and remote beaches, an SUV gives you confidence on rougher roads. If you’re staying in Willemstad with one beach day, a compact is fine.
Mistake #8: Returning Late Without Calling
Most companies offer a 30–60 minute grace period. Beyond that, you may be charged for an extra full day. Travelers who lose track of time on their last day and return two hours late are often surprised by an extra day’s charge.
The fix: Know your exact return time. If you think you’ll be late, call the rental company—some will extend your return for a half-day charge instead of a full day.
Mistake #9: Not Saving the Rental Company’s Contact Number
If you have a flat tire, a warning light comes on, or you’re in an accident, you need to reach the rental company immediately. Fumbling for their number while stranded on a remote road is not fun.
The fix: Save the rental company’s phone number in your phone when you pick up the car. Also save their after-hours emergency number if they provide one.
Mistake #10: Driving Somewhere the Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Most rental agreements in Curaçao prohibit off-road driving and sometimes restrict driving on certain unpaved roads. If you have an accident while violating these terms, your insurance coverage is void—and you’re personally responsible for all damage.
The fix: Read the prohibited uses in your agreement. If you’re unsure whether a road is okay, ask the rental company before driving on it.
The Common Thread
Almost every rental car mistake comes down to the same thing: not preparing before you arrive. A few minutes of advance research—booking early, understanding insurance, knowing the fuel policy, inspecting the car—prevents the vast majority of problems.
Curaçao is a wonderful island to explore by car. The roads are manageable, the distances are short, and the freedom a rental car gives you is worth every dollar. Just go in with your eyes open.
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