A hire car in Spain gives you the freedom to explore beyond your resort, whether you’re travelling along the Costa del Sol, discovering Andalucía or heading off on a road trip around Mallorca.
But driving in Spain is different from driving in the UK. From getting used to driving on the right to understanding your rental agreement, a little preparation can make collecting your car and getting on the road much easier.
Driving a hire car in Spain: a quick checklist
Before collecting your hire car, make sure you’ve:
- checked your driving licence meets the requirements
- checked your rental company’s age and licence rules
- packed the required ID and documents
- familiarised yourself with Spanish road rules
- checked for tolls and local driving restrictions
- understood the fuel policy, security deposit and excess
- checked what to do if the car is damaged or breaks down
Can you drive in Spain with a UK licence?
Before travelling, check the latest UK Government requirements for using your particular driving licence in Spain. Don’t assume you automatically need an International Driving Permit simply because you’re driving abroad.
Your rental company can have its own requirements too, including minimum-age rules and requirements around how long you’ve held your licence.
Bring the documentation specified in your booking. This will commonly include your driving licence, passport or accepted photo ID, booking confirmation and an appropriate payment card.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Spain?
In Spain, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
For UK drivers, take particular care at junctions and roundabouts, as well as when leaving car parks or petrol stations.
Before leaving the rental depot, familiarise yourself with the car too. Adjust your seat and mirrors and locate the indicators, lights and other important controls while stationary. Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) recommends making adjustments to your driving position and mirrors before setting off.
What are the speed limits in Spain?
Spain uses kilometres per hour (km/h) rather than miles per hour.
Limits depend on the road and location and can change, so always follow the current signs rather than relying on a limit you remember from a previous holiday.
The same principle applies to other local restrictions. If you’re planning to drive into a city, check whether your destination has environmental or other traffic restrictions before setting off.
Spanish driving rules to remember
Never assume driving rules abroad are identical to those at home.
Seat belts are compulsory in Spain in both front and rear seats. DGT also states that children up to 135cm tall must use an appropriate child restraint system and should generally travel in the rear seats.
Don’t use a handheld mobile phone while driving. If you’re using your phone for navigation, set up your route before moving off.
You should also check Spain’s current drink-drive regulations before travelling rather than relying on UK limits. The safest approach is simple: if you’re driving, don’t drink.
What should you check when collecting your hire car?
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to leave the rental depot. A few checks can help prevent problems later.
Inspect the car. Walk around the vehicle and check the bodywork, wheels, tyres, mirrors and glass. Make sure any existing damage has been recorded and consider taking your own photographs or video.
Check the fuel policy. Find out whether your rental is full-to-full or operates another arrangement so you know what’s expected when you return it.
Check the excess. Your rental agreement may include an excess, meaning you could be responsible for paying an amount towards eligible damage or theft claims.
Know who to call. Save the rental company’s emergency number and understand what to do if you have an accident, breakdown, puncture or other problem.
What is car hire excess insurance?
Your rental car may come with basic protection while still leaving you responsible for an excess if the vehicle is damaged or stolen, depending on the rental agreement.
One option is additional protection offered by the rental company. Another is arranging separate car hire excess waiver insurance before you travel.
CHEW Insurance’s UK and European Car Hire Excess Insurance currently includes Spain within its definition of Europe and offers Single Trip and Annual options. As with any insurance product, eligibility requirements, policy limits, terms and exclusions apply, so check the policy wording to ensure it’s suitable for your rental.
With separate excess insurance, you may still need to pay the rental company first and then submit an eligible claim to your insurer. That’s one reason it’s worth understanding the arrangements before you’re standing at the rental counter.
Hiring a car in Spain? Check the excess in your rental agreement before travelling and compare your cover options in advance.
Can you take a Spanish hire car into Portugal or France?
If you’re planning a cross-border road trip, check with the rental company first.
Ask whether:
- cross-border travel is permitted
- additional charges apply
- you need written permission
- the vehicle remains covered by the relevant insurance and breakdown arrangements
Don’t assume that being able to drive across the border means your rental agreement permits it.
Returning your hire car
When it’s time to return the car:
- Follow the agreed fuel policy.
- Photograph the vehicle again.
- Allow plenty of time before your flight.
- Keep your rental agreement and relevant receipts.
- Ask for return confirmation where available.
A hire car can be one of the best ways to explore Spain. Get the paperwork and rental details sorted before your trip, understand the local rules and take a few minutes to check the vehicle before driving away.
Then you can focus on the important part: enjoying the journey.
