People are still finding plenty of reasons why they are going into Spain, and this is why car rentals are still going strong despite the pandemic. The peak seasons are almost over, and many tourists have stayed at home, but some have businesses in Spain that they need to get into their appointments without delays.
Some may ask about the things they need to expect when it comes to car rentals, and the answer can be found in many blogs on the internet. You can find several companies in Alicante that are willing to give you a reasonable price and pick you up at the airport when needed. You just have to book in advance, prepare your driver’s license, know the price, and choose the car you want to drive.
It’s no secret that many people want to drive their own vehicles when they are in another country. They may want to explore or stop in the beautiful countryside to take a picture, or they can stay over at their friend’s house where they can leave anytime.
Hire or Rental
To start with, you need to ensure that your terminology is correct when you’re in Spain. You may have searched the internet for the best car rentals in Spain or deals to know about Americans’ standard terms. However, the country has a lot more British tourists and you may have a good chance of finding a more accurate result when you search for words like Car Hire in Spain or the like.
Automatic vs. Manual
For those who are die-hard stick-shift drivers, you can get what you want in this country. Read more about stick shifts on this site here. This is because most cars that are available are usually manual or stick shifts. If you only prefer automatics, then some of the advice that you may need to follow are:
- Be prepared with the expensive and crazy amount you’ll have to pay for when you choose those vehicles with automatic transmissions.
- Try learning about stick shifts when you go to Spain since this is not difficult. You can save a lot of money this way. Moreover, when the car that you’ve initially requested isn’t available, you can always go to your destination with the rest of the available stick shifts out there.
Size Matters
If you’re with your family, you may want to choose multi-purpose vehicles like a Citroen Berlingo or a Peugeot Partner. These cars can easily accommodate up to five passengers, and there is plenty of luggage space for everyone. This can be similar to a minivan that’s perfect for a smooth ride on the streets while you’ll have an easier time parking it.
Should You Buy Insurance?
There’s always the million-dollar question of should you get insurance when you hire a car? Actually, the rental can be available anywhere else, and they are required in every country in the world, especially in Spain.
When you drive around the country, you may engage others and get scratches, dings, and broken glasses that can shell out a lot of money from you. Some cosmetic damages may not be your fault, but they are still bound to happen, which is why you need to be insured. Be particular with the front bumpers and rear-view mirrors. Look for an insurance package that can cover these and ensure that this option will work best for your trip.
Knowing More Information
- Full coverage packages by car rental companies in the country can be worth as much as the rental fees. There are max outs at about 180 euros, but you can be charged 10 euros or more each day. This can be a worry-free option that can cover you during accidents, but it’s best if you get insurance without the excess or deductibles.
- Know which insurance is included. There’s legislation requiring insurance companies to cover the vehicle occupants, car, and third parties in the vehicle. However, know that you can consist of theft insurance and collision damage waivers in the package, but they come in hefty fees as well
- Learn about the excess, which is the amount to pay when the vehicle gets damaged. This may be a pending charge ranging from 700 to 3,000 euros, and this is all going on your credit card. When you return an undamaged car, these are going to be removed. If there are damages found after the returns, then it will be an excess.
- Collision damage waivers are automatically provided when you’re in Spain. Learn more about them in thi slink here: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/collision-damage-waiver-cdw.aspThis is often the essential coverage that will include everything in case an accident happens. Some of these have high deposits that can cover any excess and potential deductibles.
- If your credit card provides you insurance, you need to read more about the fine print. Many companies may decline you when you make a claim, so you should read about the terms and conditions if possible. Call the representatives of your credit card company and be clear on the covered things, the overall length, if you need to go to a particular location, and more so that you’ll have peace of mind while navigating Spain.
Fuel Policies
Fuel policies are everywhere. In some cases, you’ll receive a full tank, and you just drive away, and it’s perfectly fine to return it with an almost empty tank. However, you can get inflated amounts with the initial tank, so you better clarify this to the company on what to expect.
There are times when you’re just going to pay for what you’ve used, and you don’t have to scramble around for the nearest gas station if you’re going to return, but this should be classified first. Some will add service fees for refueling, so it’s best if you can return this in full tank.
The fees can vary depending on the fuel and car type and the overall size of the tank. Some will provide you with a full tank, and they expect you to return the favor as well. Others will really want you to buy the initial tank at a slightly higher price than refueling at a gas station, but the advantage is that you’re ready to go to your destination. Service fees can be applicable if you leave the car with no fuel upon drop-off.
There are also the crucial points of reading through the fine print. Some of the critical variables include the location, insurance, cancellation, driver, roadside assistance, deductible, fees, fuel, and more. You also need to bring your valid driver’s license that is accepted in Spain, so it’s important to book the vehicle in advance.
