Mauritius Car Rental Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking

Renting a car is one of the best decisions you can make for a Mauritius holiday, as long as you know what you are agreeing to. Rental terms differ between companies, and the cheapest headline price is not always the best value once insurance, deposits and fees are counted.

This guide walks through the choices in the order you will meet them: vehicle, price, insurance, documents, pickup and return. It uses Codexia’s terms as examples; always read the specific conditions of any company you book with.

1. Choose the right type of car

Most visitors need a compact or small saloon: it is easier to park and cheaper to run on the island’s narrow roads. Think about passengers, luggage and gearbox before you look at price.

If you are not used to driving on the left, consider an automatic. For families, see our family car rental page. You can compare every model on the fleet page.

2. Understand what the price includes

Ask what is included in the daily rate. For Codexia, the rate includes comprehensive insurance (with an excess), unlimited mileage, local taxes and 24/7 road assistance, and delivery and collection at SSR Airport is free. Other delivery points carry a small fee shown at booking. Fuel, fines and late-return charges are not included.

3. Insurance, excess and optional cover

“Comprehensive insurance” normally still leaves you responsible for an excess, the amount you pay towards a claim. Check the excess, and check what is excluded, such as tyres, windscreens, keys or driving off paved roads. If you prefer more peace of mind, you can add additional insurance as an optional extra. Read the insurance policy and the rental conditions before you pay.

4. Deposit and payment

Vehicles are usually covered by a refundable security deposit, and some bookings are paid partly online with the balance at pickup. At Codexia the amounts depend on the booking total and are shown clearly before you confirm. English pages show prices in US dollars and French pages in euros, with the rate locked for your booking.

5. Documents and eligibility

• A valid driving licence, held for the minimum period set in the rental conditions.
• A passport or valid ID.
• A driver within the permitted age range for the rental company.
• A licence in Latin characters or an official translation. Confirm whether an International Driving Permit is needed for your situation.

6. Extras worth considering

• Child seat: a baby seat for 0–3 years or a booster seat for older children, so every passenger travels safely.
• Tourist SIM card: data for maps and messaging from day one.
• Additional insurance: extra protection, charged per rental day.
• Car cleaning: an optional cleaning service.
• Additional driver: your first additional driver is included free of charge; add their details at booking.

7. Pickup, return and fuel

Check how pickup works, where you return the car and what fuel level is expected. A thorough check-in with a staff member, noting existing marks, protects both sides. For airport arrivals, read our SSR pickup guide.

8. Cancellation and changes

Plans change, so read the cancellation policy and ask what happens if your flight is delayed or you want to extend. Short, clear answers before booking save stress later.

How to book with Codexia

1. Search your dates and pickup location on the booking page.
2. Choose your model and gearbox.
3. Add extras and enter driver details and your flight number.
4. Confirm and pay online. You receive a link to manage your booking.

Questions worth asking any rental company

• What exactly is the excess, and when is it charged?
• Is the deposit refundable, how is it taken and when is it returned?
• What is the fuel policy at pickup and return?
• Is there a charge for delivery or collection, and where is it free?
• What happens if I return the car late, or the flight is delayed?
• Who do I call if the car breaks down, and is help available at night?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing only on the lowest daily price without comparing what is included.
• Arriving without a driving licence that meets the rental terms.
• Skipping the vehicle check at pickup: note existing marks together.
• Booking a car that is too small for the luggage you are bringing.
• Leaving valuables visible in a parked car.