You may need to rent a car in Spain if you want to visit the small remote villages and national parks or you want to go on a road trip in the country. Read here what to look out for when renting a car in Spain.
AD FROM AUTO EUROPE
Having a car gives you great freedom on holiday when you want to get out of the big cities in Spain. On my travels in the country I have rented a car several times, including when I drove the Dalí route and when I visited Navaluenga.
When I rent a car in Spain, I always rent the car from Auto Europe, which arranges car hire for reputable international and local rental companies. Here it is easy to get an overview of the selection by destination and prices when searching on the website. On the plus side, Auto Europe also offers a price guarantee. And I’m always satisfied with the service I get when I rent a car in Spain through them.
However, to avoid unpleasant experiences and unexpected expenses, there are some things you should be aware of.
Here are Auto Europe’s tips on how to save money and avoid unpleasant surprises when renting a car in Spain.
1. Book your car rental in Spain well in advance
You can save money if you book your car for your holiday in Spain well in advance – preferably several months in advance. The longer you wait, the fewer rental cars there are to choose from, and so the price goes up. The price is therefore higher the closer you get to the collection date.
2. Pick up your car at a city office in Spain
In some cities, you can save up to 30% if you pick up the car at a city office in Spain rather than at the airport. You will of course need to factor in the cost of public transport to the city centre, but this can be done cheaply by airport bus, metro or city bus from Spanish airport cities.
3. Order a car with manual gear
Many people choose an automatic car when driving in a foreign country, but if you can drive a manual car at home, you can in Spain too. The price of a rental car with manual gear is usually cheaper in Spain, and the number of cars also much larger.
4. Make use of upgrades
Before ordering a big car, check the upgrade options and use them if you can. Also remember that a smaller car uses less fuel.
5. Check the rules on fuel
Many car rental companies in Spain have a “full to empty” fuel rule. However, it is usually cheaper to pay a little more for a “full to full” fuel package, which you will ultimately save money on as you only pay for the fuel you have used.
6. Avoid unnecessary costs for extras
There’s no need to pay for a GPS if your mobile phone has the same function. If you need a booster seat, it’s often cheaper to buy than to rent one.
7. Read the rental contract when you pick up the car
Make sure you read the rental contract provided by the supplier carefully when you pick up the car in Spain. Please note that nothing extra has been added to the contract that was not specified when you booked the car.
8. Don’t be pressured into taking out extra insurance
Some car hire companies in Spain may try to pressure you into taking out extra insurance when you pick up the car. Remember that all extra insurance is optional and you can refuse it if you don’t need it.
9. Check the car and take photos before you drive
Inspect the exterior and interior of the car before you drive to make sure there are no defects or damage not noted by the car hire company in Spain. If you don’t point out any problems, you risk being liable for them when you return the car. Always check:
- Damage – even small scratches
- Tyre pressure
- Fuel level
- Windscreen
- Gadgets like GPS and radio
Take photos of any damage or defects and have them written into the rental contract, and keep the photos so you have documentation when you return the car.
10. Get a receipt when you return the car
Make sure you get a receipt that you have returned the car in Spain. It’s your proof that you’ve returned the car undamaged and with the right fuel level. If no one is around, make sure you take detailed photos of the car so you have documentation.
By the way, did you know that...
Auto Europe has recently surveyed the holiday habits of Europeans and that on a 2-week holiday on average:
- Drinking 44 glasses of wine, beer or spirits
- Complaining that it’s too hot eight times
- Are more intimate than in everyday life
If you’re curious about more facts about our holiday habits, read the full survey here
More travel tips for Spain
Travel apps are useful travel companions. Here are tips on the best travel apps for Spain.
Do you know how to get cheap flights to Spain? Get tips here
