Car Hire in Spain: What to Look Out For
Hiring a car in Spain gives you a great deal of freedom during your holiday. Especially on the Costa Blanca, beaches, villages, restaurants and attractions are spread across the region, and having your own car makes exploring much easier.
But the cheapest rental car on the screen is not always the cheapest car once you collect it. Deposits, credit card requirements, insurance, fuel policies, mileage limits and additional drivers can all make a significant difference to the final price. So what should you check before booking car hire in Spain? Here are our most important tips.
Last updated: September 2026
Do you need a rental car in Spain?
That depends largely on where you are staying. If you are spending a few days in a large city such as Valencia or Alicante, a car may actually be inconvenient. Parking can be expensive and many places are easy to reach on foot or by public transport. On the Costa Blanca, the situation is different. If you are staying in a villa outside the centre or want to visit different beaches, towns and inland villages, a rental car gives you considerably more freedom. Staying in Moraira and not sure whether you need a car?
👉🏻 Getting Around Moraira | Do You Need a Car?
1. Compare the total price, not just the daily rate
A rental offer that looks very cheap at first can become considerably more expensive once additional charges are added. Check whether the final price includes or excludes items such as:
- airport charges
- insurance
- additional drivers
- child seats
- mileage restrictions
- fuel charges
- young-driver fees
- late collection or return fees
- one-way rental charges
The European Consumer Centre in Spain also recommends checking whether the quoted price includes mileage and any airport or different-drop-off charges before booking. Always compare the total cost for your complete rental period.
2. Check whether you need a credit card
This is one of the most important things to check before renting a car in Spain. Many car rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name when you collect the vehicle. Even if you were able to book online with a debit card, the rental company may still require a credit card to block the security deposit. If you arrive without the correct card, you may be asked to purchase additional cover or may not be able to collect the car at all. So before booking, check: Do I need a credit card and how much will be blocked as a deposit? Some local Spanish rental companies do offer car hire without a credit card.
3. Understand the insurance and excess
Basic insurance does not automatically mean you are fully covered for every type of damage. Pay particular attention to the excess. This is the amount you may still have to pay yourself if the car is damaged. Also check whether the insurance covers:
- tyres
- wheels
- windows
- mirrors
- the underside of the vehicle
- lost keys
These items are often treated differently from ordinary bodywork damage. You may be offered additional insurance when collecting the car. Before accepting it, check what is already included in your booking.
4. Check the fuel policy
Rental companies use different fuel policies. One of the easiest to understand is: full to full
You collect the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Other companies may ask you to:
- pay for a full tank in advance
- return the car at approximately the same fuel level
- pay afterwards for the fuel you have used
There is nothing necessarily wrong with these alternatives, but make sure you understand how the system works before booking. If necessary, take a photo of the fuel gauge when collecting the vehicle.
5. Check the mileage allowance
Do not automatically assume that unlimited mileage is included. Some rental agreements have a daily or weekly mileage limit. That may not matter if you only drive between your villa and Moraira. But during a Costa Blanca holiday, distances can quickly add up if you also visit:
- Alicante
- Valencia
- Guadalest
- Dénia
- Altea
- Benidorm
- Jávea
Check how many kilometres are included and what each additional kilometre costs.
6. Register every driver
Planning to share the driving? Make sure each driver is included in the rental agreement. Some companies include an additional driver, while others charge extra. Never simply allow someone else to drive without checking the rental conditions. That can create problems with insurance if an accident occurs. Also check minimum-age requirements and whether a young-driver supplement applies.
7. Inspect the car before driving away
Take a few minutes to walk around the car before leaving. Check:
- bodywork
- bumpers
- mirrors
- wheels
- windscreen
- tyres
If you see existing damage, make sure it is recorded on the rental agreement. We would also recommend taking clear photos or a short video of the entire car before you leave. The European Consumer Centre in Spain specifically recommends checking the vehicle carefully and ensuring existing damage is recorded in writing.
8. Check the inside of the car too
The exterior is not the only thing worth inspecting. Before starting a longer journey, check whether:
- warning lights are off
- the air conditioning works
- windows operate correctly
- mirrors can be adjusted
- lights work
- the fuel level matches the contract
If something is wrong, report it before driving away.
9. Read the return instructions
Extra charges can also arise when returning a rental car. Before your final day, check:
- where the car must be returned
- what fuel level is required
- the latest return time
- where you leave the keys
- whether someone will inspect the car
Whenever possible, have the vehicle inspected when you return it. If you return it outside office hours, take photographs of:
- all sides of the vehicle
- the interior
- fuel gauge
- mileage
Keep them until the deposit has been released and the rental is completely closed.
10. Book early during the summer
Demand for rental cars on the Costa Blanca is particularly high in July and August. Some types of vehicle sell out earlier than others, especially:
- automatic cars;
- larger family cars;
- 7-seater vehicles;
- 9-seater vans.
If you have specific requirements, we recommend booking once your travel dates are confirmed rather than waiting until shortly before departure.
Car hire at Alicante or Valencia Airport
Most guests travelling to Moraira arrive through Alicante Airport or Valencia Airport. Both airports offer a large range of car rental options. When comparing offers, check where you actually collect the vehicle. Depending on the company, the car may be:
- collected from a desk inside the terminal
- waiting in the airport car park
- collected from an off-airport office
- reached by shuttle bus
A rental that is €20 cheaper may be less attractive if you have to wait for a shuttle and then queue at an off-site office after your flight. Convenience has value too.
Car hire for your holiday in Moraira
Staying with Moraira Holiday Homes? We offer our guests a simple local alternative. Moraira Holiday Homes has worked with Giner Rent a Car since 2004.
Your rental car can be ready for collection at Alicante or Valencia Airport. There is no need to queue at a traditional rental desk, and no credit card is required. The remaining paperwork can be completed after arrival at Giner’s office in Benissa. Our dedicated car hire page shows:
- current vehicle categories
- weekly prices
- automatic cars
- 7- and 9-seater vehicles
- Alicante and Valencia collection information
👉🏻 Car Hire in Moraira | Cars & Current Prices
Why hire a car on the Costa Blanca?
One of the advantages of staying in Moraira is how much of the northern Costa Blanca you can explore within a relatively short drive. With a car, you can easily visit:
- Jávea
- Dénia
- Calpe
- Altea
- Guadalest
- Benidorm
- Alicante
A car also makes it much easier to reach smaller coves, inland villages and viewpoints that are difficult to access by public transport. Looking for ideas?
Hiring an electric car in Spain
Electric rental cars are increasingly available in Spain. Whether one is suitable for your holiday depends on:
- how far you plan to drive
- where you are staying
- the vehicle’s range
- access to charging points
For journeys around Moraira and the northern Costa Blanca, an electric car can work very well. If you plan longer day trips, check the charging network before setting off.
👉🏻 Charging Stations in Moraira
Parking a rental car in Moraira
Parking is generally manageable outside the busiest summer weeks. July and August naturally become much busier, particularly around:
- Moraira town centre
- L’Ampolla beach
- El Portet
- the Friday market
Parts of central Moraira use regulated blue-zone parking. If you expect to drive into the centre regularly, read our parking guide before your holiday.
Our most important car hire tip
Do not choose a rental car in Spain purely because it has the lowest advertised price. Compare the complete package: rental price + insurance + excess + deposit + fuel policy + mileage + additional drivers + collection arrangements.
A car that initially appears cheaper can ultimately cost more — or simply create more hassle. And at the start of a holiday, convenience is worth something too.
Frequently Asked Questions about car hire in Spain
Do you need a credit card to hire a car in Spain?
Many rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name, especially to secure the deposit. Some companies accept debit cards or offer rentals without a credit card, so always check the conditions before booking.
How much is the deposit for a rental car in Spain?
There is no standard amount. The deposit varies by rental company, vehicle category and insurance package. Check both the amount and the accepted payment method before confirming your booking.
What insurance do I need for car hire in Spain?
Check what the basic insurance covers, the amount of the excess and whether items such as tyres, wheels, windows and mirrors are included. Additional cover may reduce your financial liability.
What is the best fuel policy for car hire?
Full-to-full is usually the easiest policy to understand: collect the vehicle with a full tank and return it full. Other policies can also work, provided the terms and charges are clear.
Should I photograph a rental car when collecting it?
Yes. Check the vehicle carefully and photograph or film any existing damage before leaving. Make sure significant existing damage is also recorded on the rental agreement.
Can somebody else drive my rental car?
Only if the rental conditions allow it and the person is registered as an authorised driver. Some companies charge for additional drivers.
Does car hire in Spain include unlimited mileage?
Not always. Some rentals include unlimited kilometres, while others have a daily or weekly allowance. Check this before booking if you plan to explore extensively.
Can I take a Spanish rental car into France or Portugal?
This depends on the rental company. Cross-border travel may require prior permission and can involve additional conditions or charges. Check before leaving Spain.
Do I need a rental car in Moraira?
Not necessarily. If you stay in the town centre, many beaches, restaurants and shops are within walking distance. A car is much more useful if you stay outside the centre or want to explore the Costa Blanca.
Can I hire a car at Alicante Airport?
Yes. Alicante Airport has numerous car rental options, including terminal, car-park and off-airport providers. Guests of Moraira Holiday Homes can also arrange airport collection through our local partner.
Can I hire a car at Valencia Airport?
Yes. Valencia Airport has several rental companies, and Moraira Holiday Homes can also arrange a vehicle for its guests through our local partner.
When should I book a rental car in Spain?
For July and August, or when you specifically need an automatic or larger vehicle, booking early is advisable. Availability is normally better outside peak season.
