How to rent a car

Welcome to Sicarro — El Salvador's peer-to-peer car rental platform that connects you directly with local car owners. Renting a car here is up to 30% cheaper than traditional agencies, with zero hidden fees and the option to pay with Bitcoin Lightning. This guide walks you through the entire process from sign-up to return.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Getting started on Sicarro takes just a few minutes.

How to Sign Up

1. Visit sicarro.com/sign-up and choose "I want to rent a car"
2. Enter your email address and create a secure password
3. Add your phone number — this is used for booking confirmations and communication with car owners
4. Fill in your basic profile information (full legal name, date of birth)
5. Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox
6. Verify your phone number with the SMS code

For a detailed walkthrough, see our Creating Your Driver Account guide.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Identity verification is required before you can book any vehicle. This protects both you and the car owner, and is a legal requirement in El Salvador.

What You'll Need

• Valid driver's license — must be current and held for at least 1 year
• Government-issued ID — passport, national ID (DUI for Salvadorans), or similar
• A clear selfie — for identity matching

Verification Steps

1. Go to My Account → Verification in your dashboard
2. Upload clear photos of the front and back of your driver's license
3. Upload your government-issued ID
4. Take a selfie following the on-screen instructions
5. Submit for review

Verification typically takes 1 to 24 hours. You'll receive a notification once approved. For more details, see Identity Verification for Drivers.

Step 3: Search for the Perfect Car

Once verified, you can browse our full selection of vehicles across El Salvador.

Using the Search

1. Go to sicarro.com and enter your pickup location (city, neighborhood, or airport)
2. Select your rental dates and times
3. Click "Search Cars" to see available vehicles

Refine Your Results

Use filters to narrow down exactly what you need:

• Vehicle type: Sedan, SUV, pickup truck, compact, luxury
• Price range: Set your daily budget
• Transmission: Automatic or manual
• Fuel type: Gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric
• Seats: Number of passengers
• Features: AC, GPS, Bluetooth, child seat, roof rack
• Airport pickup: Filter for owners who deliver to the airport

For advanced search tips, see How to Search and Filter Cars.

Step 4: Book the Car

Found the right car? Here's how to secure your booking.

Review the Listing

Before booking, carefully review:

• Car photos — check all angles, interior, and exterior condition
• Vehicle details — make, model, year, mileage, features
• Supplier reviews — read what other renters have experienced
• Rental conditions — mileage limits, fuel policy, pickup/return location
• Pricing breakdown — daily rate, service fee, deposit, extras

Choose Your Extras

Many suppliers offer optional add-ons:

• Child car seat
• GPS navigation device
• Additional driver coverage
• Airport delivery/pickup
• Roadside assistance package

Complete Payment

1. Select your preferred payment method:
   • Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
   • Bitcoin via Lightning Network (instant, low fees)
2. Review the total cost including deposit
3. Accept the rental terms and conditions
4. Click "Confirm Booking"

Step 5: Pick Up the Car

On your rental start date, it's time to meet the car owner and get your vehicle.

Before Pickup

• Message the supplier through the Sicarro chat to confirm time and location
• Bring your documents: driver's license, ID, and booking confirmation
• Check the weather and plan your route to the meeting point

At Pickup

1. Meet the supplier at the agreed location
2. Present your documents — driver's license and government ID
3. Sign the rental contract — read it carefully, it covers responsibilities, insurance details, and return conditions
4. Inspect the vehicle together — walk around the car with the supplier:
   • Check for any existing scratches, dents, or damage
   • Verify the fuel level
   • Test that lights, wipers, AC, and signals work
   • Check the spare tire and emergency kit
5. Take photos and videos — document the car's condition from all angles. This protects you against false damage claims
6. Get the keys and go!

Step 6: During Your Rental

Enjoy your trip! Here are some things to keep in mind while driving:

Driving Responsibilities

• Follow traffic laws — you are responsible for all fines and violations during your rental
• Respect the fuel policy — most rentals require you to return the car with the same fuel level
• Stay within mileage limits — if applicable, check your booking for daily/total mileage caps
• Park safely — avoid leaving valuables visible in the car
• No unauthorized drivers — only listed drivers may operate the vehicle

If Something Goes Wrong

• Minor issue (flat tire, dead battery): Contact the supplier first via Sicarro chat
• Accident: Call emergency services (911), then contact Sicarro support immediately
• Breakdown: Pull over safely, contact the supplier and Sicarro support
• Theft: File a police report immediately, then contact Sicarro support

Step 7: Return the Car

When your rental period ends, return the car in good condition to avoid extra charges.

Return Checklist

1. Refuel — fill the tank to the same level as pickup (or as specified in your booking)
2. Clean the car — remove all personal belongings and trash. A basic clean is expected
3. Return on time — late returns may incur additional daily charges
4. Meet the supplier at the agreed return location
5. Joint inspection — walk around the car together to verify its condition
6. Take return photos — document the car's condition at return
7. Hand over the keys and confirm the return in the Sicarro app

After Return

• Your security deposit will be released within 3-5 business days (assuming no damage or violations)
• You'll receive a receipt via email with the final cost breakdown
• Leave a review — help the community by rating the car and the supplier

Tips for a Great Rental Experience

• Book early — popular cars get reserved quickly, especially during holidays and tourist season
• Read reviews — past renters share valuable insights about the car and supplier
• Communicate clearly — use Sicarro chat to confirm pickup details with the supplier
• Document everything — photos at pickup and return protect both parties
• Follow the fuel policy — returning with less fuel than agreed results in extra charges
• Return on time — if you need to extend, request a modification before the return time
• Be respectful — treat the car as if it were your own. Car owners appreciate careful drivers
• Try Bitcoin Lightning — if you hold Bitcoin, our Lightning payments are instant and have minimal fees

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Verification Taking Too Long?

Most verifications complete within 24 hours. If it's been longer:

• Check that your uploaded documents are clear and readable
• Make sure the name on your license matches your account name
• Contact support at support@sicarro.com

Can't Find Cars in My Area?

• Try expanding your search radius
• Adjust your dates — some cars have limited availability
• Remove strict filters and browse all available vehicles
• Check the "Airport pickup" option — many suppliers offer delivery across San Salvador

Booking Was Declined?

If a supplier declines your booking request:

• The car may have become unavailable — try other listings
• Check that your profile is complete with a photo and verified ID
• Look for cars with Instant Booking enabled for guaranteed availability

Supplier Not Responding?

• Allow up to 24 hours for a response on booking requests
• For confirmed bookings, try WhatsApp or phone if chat doesn't get a reply
• Contact Sicarro support if the supplier is unreachable close to pickup time

Dispute After Return?

• Your pickup and return photos are your evidence
• Contact Sicarro support immediately with your documentation
• Our team mediates disputes fairly based on evidence from both parties