Spain car rental tips: what every traveller should know

Nevtelen-terv-5.png

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for travellers, and for good reason: its sunny beaches, historic cities and beautiful landscapes offer an unrivalled experience. One of the most convenient ways to explore the country is by renting a car, which is also available at very reasonable prices, especially in high season. However, it is not always a question of how and where you rent a car. In this article, we’ll give you the most important information and tips to make your rental experience stress-free and smooth.

How to choose the most reliable car rental option?

If you want security and peace of mind on holiday, direct hire is clearly a more reliable option. Although the offers on car-hire websites may seem cheap at first glance, hidden costs and lack of service can easily increase the cost of car hire, which can even overshadow your holiday experience.
When comparing offers, don’t stop at the base price. It’s important to consider which company offers the best value for money (including all hidden costs and the extras you want), the quality of service, and the convenience and availability of pick-up and drop-off locations, taking into account their opening hours. This ensures that the car rental really meets your needs.

Collection sites

Direct rental

Why is insurance essential for car rental in Spain?

Spain is a perfect destination for car travel, but with crowded city streets, narrow parking lots and busy tourist areas, cars are often prone to minor accidents, dents and scratches. That’s why taking out the right insurance when renting a car is not only recommended, it’s practically essential.

  • The collection pages -such as Rentalcars or airlines – often offer insurance with the rental, but these offers can be fraught with pitfalls. One of the biggest problems is that such insurance almost always requires a deposit and can only be paid by credit card.

Insurance is managed by the collection site, not the rental company

It is important to note that the insurance purchased on the collection page is not valid with the rental company. This means that if damage occurs:

  • The rental company deducts the excess from the deposit.
  • You have to submit the claim to the collection site, which can be long and complicated, and there is no guarantee that you will be reimbursed in full.
  • By taking out insurance directly with the rental company, the process is not only easier, but problems with deposits and credit cards can be avoided altogether. This is particularly convenient for those who do not have a credit card or do not want to pay a deposit.
Tips for car hire in Spain
  1. Compare the offers: take 10 minutes to compare the offers. On our website you will find the best value for money car rental companies, so you can easily choose the one that suits you best.

  2. Book and check the prices: once you find an acceptable offer, book it and check the prices again from time to time. Thanks to free cancellation, you can rebook at any time if you find a better price. It’s worth paying attention because you may find a better price 1 month or even 1 week before your trip. Take advantage of the flexibility of free cancellation!

  3. Check your insurance details: in Spain, it is essential to have comprehensive car insurance, especially for frequent scratches and minor damage.

  4. Take photos of the car at pick-up and drop-off: If you book a car through a collection site, it is particularly important to take photos of all sides of the car at pick-up and drop-off. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or extra costs if there is a dispute with the rental company.


    • On the other hand, if you book directly with the rental company, there is no need to do this, as full insurance and transparent administration will ensure that such problems do not arise.

Wiber Rent a Car Tips:

  • Book after 9pm on weekdays or on weekends: you’ll find better rates.
  • Choose the “pay on delivery” option. You can also pay 1-2 days before your trip to get the extra 2% discount.
  • Use the coupon code FIESTA10: 10% discount.
  • Online check-in and Wikey Smart Box: faster and more convenient pick-up.
How do you deal with unexpected situations?

When renting a car, unexpected situations may occur, such as a minor accident, injury or technical problem. It’s important to be prepared for these and know what to do if something goes wrong.

  1. Keep the contact details of the rental company handy
    You will find the telephone number of the rental company’s customer service/emergency service in the documents you receive when you rent a car. Make a note of this number and contact them immediately in case of an emergency.
    • We’ve had the same problem: keys run out (they solved the problem by phone and then gave us a replacement car)
    • Several times the rental car has been towed in a car park (reported at drop off but covered by comprehensive insurance)
  2. Calm down and act with caution
    Do not panic if an unexpected problem arises. The rental company’s customer service is helpful and will provide a quick solution, especially if you rented directly from them.
  3. Police report
    In the event of a serious accident, always call the police and ask for a report to document the incident. This is essential for settling insurance claims.
  4. If you have hired directly and your car hire is fully insured, there is virtually nothing you can do about minor damage or scratches, for example when you were not with the car. Comprehensive insurance covers such damage, so you don’t have to worry about the cost or the hassle. All you have to do is report the damage to the rental company when you drop off the car and they will handle the situation smoothly.
  5. If you have rented through a collection site and have minor damage or scratches, for example when you were not with the car, it is important to document all the details. Take photos of the damage and note the location and time.

Find out more about the best car hire companies in Spain

Have a good journey!