I've rented cars in Spain dozens of times—for property viewings, family holidays, and everything in between. Here's what I've learned about getting it right, from booking to handing back the keys.
Booking: Get This Right
Book online 2-3 weeks before your trip. Walk-up prices at Alicante Airport are consistently 30-50% higher than online rates. I typically use Rentalcars.com or Auto Europe to compare across providers.
Don't just chase the cheapest headline price. The lowest rate often excludes proper insurance, which gets added at the desk. Look for deals with comprehensive coverage included—it's usually worth paying a bit more upfront to avoid stress later.
Picking Up at the Airport
After collecting your luggage at Alicante, follow signs to "Car Rental." You'll find a corridor with 15-20 rental desks. Expect to wait 15-30 minutes, longer on summer weekends.
The agent will verify your documents, process payment, and try to sell you extras. Stay calm—we'll cover how to handle that in a moment.
The Vehicle Inspection
This is critical. Before you drive off, photograph the entire car—every panel, all four wheels, the windscreen, bumpers, mirrors. Spanish rental companies are meticulous about damage, and you'll be charged for anything not documented at pickup.
Take 5 minutes to do this properly. These photos are your protection if they try to charge you for pre-existing scratches when you return.
Insurance: What You Actually Need
Desk agents push hard on extra insurance—it's a major profit center for them. But you can often say no if you're already covered.
Check your credit card benefits before traveling. Many premium cards (Amex, Chase Sapphire, certain Visa/Mastercards) include rental car excess coverage. Alternatively, buy third-party excess insurance beforehand from providers like iCarhireinsurance.com—around £40-50 for annual worldwide cover, far cheaper than €20/day at the desk.
If you decline desk insurance, they'll ask you to sign forms acknowledging the €900-1,200 excess. That's standard procedure—your third-party policy or credit card covers this if something happens. Stay polite but firm.
On the Road
Driving in Spain is straightforward if you're used to European roads. A few things worth knowing:
Returning the Car
Fill the tank before returning—there's a Repsol station right before the rental car area at Alicante Airport. If you return it less than full, they'll charge €2-3 per liter plus a €30 service fee. Not worth it.
Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. Park in your company's designated area, hand over the keys, and wait for the inspection. If they claim damage you didn't cause, show your pickup photos. Keep your return receipt until the deposit clears—usually 7-14 days.
That covers the essentials. Book early, photograph everything at pickup, know your insurance options, and fill the tank before returning. Do those four things and you'll avoid 90% of the hassle.
