Question 1

Do I need an international driving permit in Spain?

Accepted Answer

If your licence is from the EU or UK, you don't need an international permit. For drivers from other countries (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required.

Question 2

What's the minimum age to rent a car in Marbella?

Accepted Answer

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with a minimum of 1 year driving experience. Drivers under 25 may be charged a young driver fee (usually €10-20 per day). Premium and luxury cars often require you to be 25 or older.

Question 3

Is insurance included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Basic insurance (third-party liability and theft protection) is usually included in the rental price. However, this often comes with a high excess (deductible). You can reduce or eliminate the excess by purchasing additional coverage.

Question 4

Can I pick up at Malaga Airport and drop off in Marbella?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many suppliers offer one-way rentals between Malaga Airport and Marbella. There may be a small one-way fee (usually €20-40) depending on the company.

Question 5

What documents do I need to pick up my rental car?

Accepted Answer

You'll need: Valid driving licence (held for at least 1 year), Passport or national ID card, Credit card in the main driver's name (for the security deposit), and Booking confirmation voucher.

Question 6

How does the fuel policy work?

Accepted Answer

Most rentals operate on a full to full policy — you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it less than full, the rental company will charge you for the missing fuel plus a refueling fee.

Question 7

Can I add an additional driver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most companies allow additional drivers for a small daily fee (usually €5-10 per day). The additional driver must meet the same age and licence requirements as the main driver.

Question 8

What's the security deposit amount?

Accepted Answer

The deposit varies by car type and rental company. Typical amounts are €500-1,000 for economy cars, and €1,500-3,000 for luxury vehicles. This amount is blocked on your credit card at pickup and released when you return the car undamaged.

Question 9

Can I cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Most bookings offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before pickup. The exact policy depends on the rental company you choose.

Question 10

Are automatic cars available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but they're less common in Spain than in other countries and cost slightly more. We recommend booking in advance, especially during summer.

Question 11

Can I take my rental car to Portugal or Gibraltar?

Accepted Answer

Cross-border travel to Portugal is usually allowed but must be declared at pickup. Gibraltar is trickier — many rental companies don't allow their cars into Gibraltar due to insurance restrictions.

Question 12

What if I have an accident or breakdown?

Accepted Answer

All rental cars come with 24/7 roadside assistance. In case of an accident, call the police (112) if there are injuries, then contact the rental company immediately.

Question 13

Do rental cars include GPS navigation?

Accepted Answer

GPS is usually available as an optional extra for about €5-10 per day. However, most people use their smartphones with Google Maps or Waze, which work perfectly in Spain.

Question 14

What happens if I return the car late?

Accepted Answer

Most companies give a grace period of 29-59 minutes. After that, you'll be charged for an extra day. If you know you'll be late, call the rental company as soon as possible.

Question 15

Can I modify my booking after I've made it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can modify dates, pickup location, or car type depending on availability and the rental company's policy. Some changes may result in a price difference.

Car Hire in Marbella – FAQ

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