🚘 Car Rental Wiki & Glossary

Q: What's the best fuel policy?

Full-to-Full is the fairest option: pick up the car full and return it full to avoid extra fuel fees.

Every important car hire term explained in simple English — perfect if you're renting a car in Marbella or at Málaga Airport (AGP). Use the search or A–Z to jump to what you need.

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T U W Y Z

A

Additional Driver

Another person allowed to drive the car. Often costs €5–€10 per day. Must show a valid licence.

Age Limit

Most companies rent to drivers 21–70. Under 25 or over 70 may pay an extra fee.

Airport Surcharge

Small fee for pick-up at Málaga Airport (AGP). Often included in the total price.

Authorization Hold (Pre-Auth)

Temporary block on your card for the deposit. Released after you return the car in good condition.

B

Breakdown Assistance

24/7 help if the car stops working. Call the number in your rental contract.

Booking Voucher

Your rental confirmation (PDF or email). Show it when you pick up the car.

Body Damage Fee

Charge for new scratches or dents not covered by insurance when you return the car.

C

Car Category

Size or style: Mini, Economy, SUV, Convertible, Luxury. Categories are "or similar".

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Basic insurance for car damage after an accident. Often excludes tyres and windows.

Credit Card Hold

The blocked amount kept during your rental (see Deposit).

Cross-Border Fee

Extra charge if you drive into another country (e.g., Gibraltar or Portugal).

Cancellation Policy

Rules for refunds if you cancel. Most offer free cancellation 24–48 hours before pick-up.

D

Damage Report

Form listing existing marks before you drive away. Take photos of all sides.

Deductible (Excess)

The part you pay yourself if there's damage. Insurance covers the rest.

Deposit

Refundable hold on your card — usually €200–€1500 depending on car and insurance.

Debit Card Rental

Some suppliers accept debit cards (often with full insurance and a smaller deposit).

E

Economy Car

Small, fuel-efficient car. Easy to park in Marbella's Old Town and beach areas.

Excess Insurance (Super CDW)

Optional add-on that removes or reduces your deductible to near zero.

F

Fuel Policy

Full-to-Full (best): return the car full. Prepaid: pay upfront and return near empty. Learn more in our complete Fuel Policies Guide. Learn more →

Free Cancellation

Cancel without fees up to 24–48 hours before pick-up (check each supplier's rules).

G

GPS / Sat Nav

Navigation system — often an extra €5–€10/day. Phone maps work well too.

Green Vehicle

Hybrid or electric car. More options available at Málaga Airport fleets.

H

High-Season Rates

Prices are highest in July–August and holidays. Book early to save money.

Hidden Fees

Extra costs not clear at first (admin, cleaning). We highlight real prices to avoid surprises.

I

Insurance Types

Usually includes CDW (damage), TP (theft) and Third-Party Liability. Add Super CDW to reduce excess.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Needed if your licence is not from the EU or UK. Bring it with your passport.

K

Kilometer Limit (Mileage)

How far you can drive. Most rentals in Spain include unlimited mileage.

L

Late Return Fee

If you return late, you may be charged for an extra day.

Liability Insurance

Covers damage or injury to others. Required by law in Spain.

M

Manual vs Automatic

Manual is common and cheaper. Automatic is easier for city driving but costs more.

Mileage

Total distance driven. Shown on the odometer.

N

No-Show Policy

If you don't arrive on time, your booking may be cancelled without refund.

O

One-Way Rental

Pick up in one place, drop off in another. May include a drop-off fee.

Out-of-Hours Pick-Up

Collecting the car outside office hours. Often €25–€40 extra.

P

Parking Fee

Cost to park in the city/garages — about €1–€2 per hour in many areas.

Prepaid Rental

Pay online before arrival to lock a better rate.

Premium Location Fee

Extra cost at airports, stations, or luxury zones.

Pre-Authorization

Temporary card hold for your deposit. Released after return.

Q

Quick Return

Faster drop-off process at busy locations like Málaga Airport.

R

Refund Process

Deposit refunds usually take 5–10 business days (depends on your bank).

Rental Agreement

The contract you sign. Check fuel policy, mileage, deposit, and insurance before driving.

Roadside Assistance

Help for breakdowns, flat tyres, or if you run out of fuel. Usually included.

S

Security Deposit

Same as deposit — refundable hold kept during your rental.

Second Driver

See Additional Driver.

Super CDW (Full Coverage)

Extra insurance that can cover tyres, glass, underbody and reduce excess to zero.

T

Theft Protection (TP)

Insurance covering the car if it's stolen or damaged in a theft attempt.

Toll Roads

The AP-7 is a toll motorway (faster, quieter). The A-7 is free and follows the coast.

Traffic Fines

You're responsible for tickets. They may be charged later to your card.

U

Upgrade

Sometimes a better car is given if your category isn't available. Often free.

Unlimited Mileage

No limit on distance. Common in Spain.

W

Waiver

Insurance coverage (e.g., CDW = Collision Damage Waiver).

Winter Tyres / Chains

Rarely needed in southern Spain except in mountain areas.

Y

Young Driver Fee

Extra charge if you're under 25 — usually €10–€25 per day.

Z

Zero-Excess Insurance

Premium cover so you pay nothing if something happens to the car.

FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Spain?

EU/UK licences are fine. For other countries, bring an IDP with your passport.

Is it cheaper to rent at Málaga Airport or Marbella Downtown?

Málaga Airport usually has more cars and lower prices. Downtown is convenient if you're already in the city.

What's the best fuel policy?

Full-to-Full is the fairest — pick up full, return full, no extra fuel fees.

Related Guides

Explore our detailed guides for practical tips and step-by-step advice on renting a car in Marbella:

Last updated: 31 October 2025