Guide to Hiring a Car On The Costa Del Sol

Whether you live on the Costa Del Sol or are just visiting for a holiday, many people often find that having a car is the easiest way for them to get around. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore destinations that are off the beaten track, carry extra supplies, visit the supermarket, or simply get to and from the airport without the stress of organising airport transfers.

Are you thinking about hiring a car during your time on the Costa del Sol? Then here’s our guide to everything you need to know:

Tip 1: Book Your Car Hire Early

Just as you would never leave booking your flights until the last minute if you were hoping to bag a bargain, the same rule applies to booking your car hire, particularly during the peak of the summer season. The laws of supply and demand mean that the more people that have already booked their car for the period you are looking for, the most expensive your own car hire will be.

With that in mind, we suggest booking your car hire as soon as you book your holiday. Not only with this give you the peace of mind that you will get the car you want, it will also save you money. Leaving you with more cash to spend when you reach your destination!

Tip 2: Think Outside the Terminal

Picking up your car from inside the airport terminal may seem convenient, but this convenience could cost you dearly. Not only do airport car hire companies tend to be more expensive, you also might not get your car any quicker: you’ll spend time standing in a long queue at the airport, along with what can feel like every other passenger on your plane.

There are well over 150 car hire companies registered in the province of Malaga, but only 10 car hire companies have a desk inside the airport terminal. Do your research fully, think outside the airport box, and find the company that’s perfect for you.

Tip 3: Bring Your Own Car Seats

Child safety is of optimal concern, and it is a legal requirement that children under the height of 135cm are secured in an appropriate car seat whilst they’re travelling in Spain. But that doesn’t mean that it has to cost a fortune! Most car hire companies will charge you at least £70 to hire a single car seat for two weeks, meanwhile if you’re travelling with some airlines (including Easyjet) they will allow you to take cr seats for your children with you, completely free of charge. Not only will you save some money, you will also have the peace of mind of knowing your children are travelling in their own safe and appropriate car seats.

Tip 4: Beware of Additional Insurance Costs

Before you commit to booking your car hire, read the small print of the contract. Often what is advertised as fully comprehensive car insurance included in the price of your car hire doesn’t include many aspects you might expect. As a result, you will be asked to pay a top up insurance amount when you arrive to collect your car. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still opt for the cheapest car hire company: but it is a case of buyer beware. Understand that you may been to pay extra on arrival.  Save yourself hours or arguments and anguish at the airport by paying a little more for a hire company that offers fully comprehensive insurance or accept that the rental is already so cheap that the additional fee is worth it for worry free driving.

Tip 5: Think About Fuel

You won’t get very far in a car without petrol! So it’s important to think about how you are going to fuel up your car in the most convenient and cost-efficient way possible. You can opt for a full to full or a full to empty policy (where you hire a car that has a full tank of petrol and you either return it full or you return it empty). Full to full policies tend to be more cost effective, as you can fill up from a local petrol station without having to pay the hire companies inflated charges, but full to empty policies are more convenient, as you don’t have to visit the petrol station on your way back to the airport. Consider the pros and cons and choose the policy that’s right for you.

Tip 6: Choose Your Driver

Even if you’re travelling in a large group, it makes sense to choose just one designated driver. This will reduce the cost of your car hire considerably: Hertz, for example, will charge you 16.50 euros per day for each additional driver you add to your rental, which could add a considerable amount to your overall hire charge. Instead pick just one driver, and leave all that extra cash in your pocket.

 Are you thinking of relocating to the Costa del Sol? Hiring a car is a great way to explore the region and easily travel between property viewing appointments. Why not get in touch to see how we could help you? Our dedicated team of property experts are committed to helping our customers find the Spanish property of their dreams.