Frequently Asked Questions
Locally owned and operated since 1974, St. John Car Rental is the oldest and most highly regarded rental company on the island. Offering a wide variety of Jeeps and SUVs for rent, our impressive rental fleet is well maintained and constantly refreshed with new makes and models. Discover all that the smallest island of the U.S. Virgin Islands has to offer in one of our rentals, and experience firsthand what keeps our customers coming back year after year. Click here to reserve your vehicle. If you have any questions, call us at (340) 776-6103. But first, see if you might find the answers you are seeking in our frequently asked questions below.
Our convenient location is right next to the Catholic church in Cruz Bay, just one block from the ferry dock (from the dock, make a right turn, and head to the end of the block). We are open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., seven days a week. If arriving after 5 p.m., an after hours appointment will be arranged based on your flight information. If we do not receive your correct flight information, our office will close at 5pm and you can pick up your vehicle the following day starting a 8am. Please note that our office is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, and July 4. No pick-ups or returns can be made on these days.
It is important to note that Virgin Islanders drive on the left side of the road. Please wear your seat belt at all times. It’s the law. Children should be placed in the back seat in child restraint seats. St. John Car Rental does not provide car seats; however, there are companies on the island that you can rent car seats from.
A valid U.S. license is required. Foreign drivers are required to purchase a temporary license for $30 and may be used for up to 30 days. You can purchase foreign licenses from us.
Renters must be 25 years of age or older.
Drinking and driving is illegal and unsafe. If you do consume alcoholic drinks, make sure someone in your party who is registered as a driver is chosen as the “designated driver” so that everyone in the vehicle can be safe. Driving on the left side of the road takes all your concentration. Make sure you drive safely!
Yes. You can’t take our rentals off the island; they must remain on St. John. Vehicle rentals also cannot be driven on beaches, as they are all protected national parks. Off-roading in our vehicle rentals is also not permitted. The natural roadways on the island are already hilly and a bit treacherous, which is why four-wheel drive is necessary. However, there are plenty of places you can go in your rental. Be sure to check out our Island Guide for suggestions.
Yes. A NON-REFUNDABLE $100 advanced payment is required to hold all reservations.
No. The $100 advanced payment is non-refundable. When you make a reservation with St. John Car Rental, we guarantee that you will receive the class of vehicle you reserved or better. If your vehicle becomes unavailable (due to an accident or mechanical failure), we will refund your $100 and try to find you another rental agency.
We accept: Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. We DO NOT accept cash,Virtual Credit Cards, American Express or personal checks for the balance of payment.
The peak travel season for St. John is November 15th to August 15th, and the off season is from August 16th to November 14th.
Yes. US Virgin Island law requires that all drivers are insured and covered to drive in the territory. Please contact your insurance agent to verify you are covered to drive in the USVI. If you do not have car insurance, or are not covered by your stateside insurance company, you will need to purchase rental car coverage through a third party travel insurance company.
Yes, but the same credit card that was used to make the reservation must be used to pay for the rental. If you have an accident or cause damage to your rental vehicle, you will be financially responsible for damages up to $2,000. Full payment is due on or before your return date listed on your rental agreement. St. John Car Rental will provide you with the necessary documents to submit a claim to your credit card company so you can be reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses.
When choosing your credit card “rental coverage,” be aware that most credit card companies will not pay for any damages if you don’t use their card to book the reservation AND pay for the rental. If you use two different cards, like a debit card for the deposit, and a credit card for the rental, chances are, you will not be covered for the damages and will be 100% responsible all damage charges.
Normal Business Hours Pick Up
All rentals are available for pick up from 1pm to 5pm. We collect all drivers information (license and insurance) prior to your arrival. The primary drivers credit card will be charged the morning before your arrival. Only the primary driver with a valid drivers license and the card used to make the reservation may pick up the rental vehicle. This ensures a quick easy rental pick up process.
After Hours Pick Up Instructions
If you need to pick up your vehicle after 5pm, please contact us in advance to make arrangements. Once approved, you will receive text instructions on where to find the key lock box, the code to the lock box, and how to complete the after-hours paperwork and inspection process. Note that after-hours pickups are only available once we have received all necessary documents and with full flight information. If we do not have your flight information and your flight is delayed or arriving after 5 pm, your rental vehicle will be available the following day starting at 8am. This will not change or reduce the total rental cost agreed to in your reservation.
What to Bring
- A valid driver’s license for all drivers listed on the rental agreement
- The credit card used to make the reservation.
- Any required additional driver documentation
Vehicle Inspection & Condition
- Time and date stamped pictures of your rental will be emailed to you the morning of your rental pick up.
- The vehicle will be provided clean and with a full tank of fuel (or the level noted on your agreement).
- Please report any concerns immediately before leaving our lot.
General Pick Up Rules
- All drivers must be present and show valid identification at pick-up.
- No smoking or vaping is allowed in any vehicle.
- Pets are allowed only with prior approval and may incur a pet fee.
- Off-road use is prohibited.
Contact Information
- Phone: (340) 474-9557
- Email / Questions: [email protected]
We look forward to getting you on the road! Safe travels on St. John.
Normal Business Hours Returns
Return your vehicle during our regular business hours(8am-5pm). Drive the vehicle to our lot and park in a designated return space. Please leave the vehicle clean (remove all personal belongings, trash, and sand/dirt) and return it with the required fuel level. Hand the keys directly to a staff member so we can complete the return inspection together.
After-Hours Returns
If dropping off your vehicle after hours, please park in our lot, lock your vehicle and place your key in the lock box located at the front of the building. All renters are responsible for their rental until we open and inspect for any incidental damages or fees.
General Return Rules (All Returns)
- Fuel Policy: Return the vehicle with the same fuel level shown on your rental agreement. A refueling fee will apply if the vehicle is returned below this level.
- Cleanliness: The vehicle must be returned in reasonably clean condition. Excessive sand, trash, or food debris, may result in a cleaning fee.
- Personal Belongings: Remove all personal items before leaving the vehicle. We are not responsible for items left behind.
- Damage & Inspection: All renters are responsible for any damage (regardless who’s at fault) that occurs during the rental period. We will inspect the vehicle upon return and notify you of any issues.
- Late Returns:: Returns after the agreed drop-off time will incur additional charges based on the return time. . Please email us to verify availability for late return (after 11am on the day of scheduled return).
- Incidents: Report any accidents, damage, or mechanical issues immediately by calling (340) 474-9557. Failure to report damage promptly can significantly delay your return process. If you are departing the same day, this may cause you to miss your ferry and flight. We strongly recommend reporting any issues before your return date.
Contact Information
- Phone/Text: (340) 474-9557
- Email: [email protected]
- Emergency: (340) 776-6103 Follow prompts
We appreciate your business and hope you enjoyed your time on St. John! Safe travels, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Contact Us With Any Additional Questions
If you have additional questions, call us at (340) 776-6103. Click here to make a reservation. To learn more about St. John Car Rental, please take a moment to read about our history.