Our Honest Guide to Renting Cars on Holiday
Quick Answer: What Should You Know Before Hiring a Car Abroad?
If you’re planning to hire a car abroad, the most important things to check are whether you need a credit card, what insurance is included, whether additional drivers cost extra and whether the vehicle is suitable for the terrain you’ll be driving on. We almost always compare prices using Discover Cars and choose our vehicle based on where we’ll be exploring, not simply the cheapest option.
Is It Worth Hiring a Car on Holiday?
For us, absolutely.
In fact, hiring a car has completely transformed many of our holidays.
Whilst we love relaxing by a pool or on a beach, we also love exploring. Hiring a car gives us the freedom to discover places that many visitors never see.
Our usual approach is:
- One-week holiday = hire the car for the whole holiday
- Two-week holiday = hire for around 7 days in the middle
This gives us the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
Which Is the Best Car Hire Comparison Site?
After years of hiring cars abroad, our favourite comparison site is Discover Cars.
We have used it in:
- Greece
- Spain
- Italy
- Scotland
- America
and several other destinations.
What we like most is that it searches a huge number of companies globally and often finds options we wouldn’t have discovered ourselves.
For us, it’s always the starting point when looking for car hire deals.
Do You Need a Hire Car in Greece?
If you’re visiting the Greek Islands, I would strongly recommend it.
Some of our favourite beaches, viewpoints and tavernas have only been discovered because we had a hire car.
Many Greek roads can be:
- Steep
- Narrow
- Rough
- Poorly maintained
For this reason, we often choose something like:
- Suzuki Jimny
- Small SUV
- Quad bike (where appropriate)
The cheapest car isn’t always the best choice.
What Is the Best Hire Car for the Greek Islands?
This depends entirely on what you plan to do.
If you’re sticking to main roads, a small economical vehicle is usually fine.
If you want to explore hidden beaches, mountain villages and some of the rougher roads, a small SUV can make life much easier.
One important point to note is that many Greek hire companies will not insure you for off-road driving, so always check your policy carefully before heading off the beaten track.
If you are staying on an Island and plan to take a car ferry to the mainland or another neighbouring island check if this is allowed with the hire company. In many cases it is not due to insurance restrictions.
What Is the Best Hire Car for Spain?
Spain generally has excellent roads.
In most Spanish destinations we simply choose the cheapest suitable car.
The road network is modern, well maintained and easy to navigate.
Unless you’re planning to explore mountain regions, there’s often no need for anything particularly rugged.
What Is the Best Hire Car for Italy?
Italy is one country where smaller can definitely be better.
Many historic towns and villages feature:
- Narrow streets
- Small parking spaces
- Tight corners
A compact car can save a lot of stress when parking and navigating some of Italy’s beautiful old towns.
Should You Hire an Automatic or Manual Car Abroad?
This catches a lot of travellers out.
In much of Europe, manual vehicles remain the standard rental option and automatic cars are often more expensive and less readily available.
If you specifically want an automatic vehicle, book early.
During peak travel periods they can sell out quickly.
Do You Need a Credit Card to Hire a Car Abroad?
This is probably the single most important question to check before travelling.
Many rental companies in countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy require a credit card in the main driver’s name when collecting the vehicle.
Never assume a debit card will be accepted.
Always read the terms and conditions carefully before booking.
How Much Is the Deposit on a Hire Car?
The answer varies enormously.
Some local companies, particularly in Greece, can be incredibly straightforward.
We’ve often experienced:
- No large holding deposit
- Full insurance options
- Delivery to accommodation
- Collection from accommodation
Other companies can place substantial holds on your credit card.
Always check before you travel so there are no surprises.
Is Full Insurance Worth It on a Hire Car?
In our opinion, yes.
Holidays are stressful enough without worrying about every scratch and stone chip.
However, don’t assume everything is covered.
Check carefully for exclusions such as:
- Tyre damage
- Windscreen damage
- Undercarriage damage
- Off-road driving
Can More Than One Person Drive a Hire Car?
Usually yes.
However, most companies require additional drivers to:
- Be present when collecting the car
- Show their driving licence
- Meet the company’s age requirements
- Be added to the rental agreement
Many companies charge an additional daily fee for extra drivers.
Can You Drive a Hire Car Between Countries?
Sometimes.
Many rental companies allow this, but there may be:
- Additional fees
- Insurance restrictions
- Country-specific conditions
Always check before booking if you plan to cross borders. As already mentioned also check if you are allowed to take the car on a ferry.
This is particularly important in Europe where it is very easy to drive through multiple countries during one trip.
What Driving Laws Catch Tourists Out in Spain?
Spain is generally easy to drive in, but visitors should be aware of:
- Strict speed enforcement
- Varying parking restrictions
- Low-emission zones in some cities
- Extensive use of roundabouts
A quick read of the local rules before travelling is always worthwhile.
What Driving Laws Catch Tourists Out in Italy?
Italy has one particular trap that catches many tourists.
ZTL zones.
These are restricted traffic areas often found in historic town centres.
Driving into one accidentally can result in fines arriving long after you’ve returned home.
What Driving Laws Catch Tourists Out in Greece?
Greek driving is often less intimidating than many people expect.
What catches people out tends to be:
- Narrow roads
- Sharp bends
- Mountain routes
- Unexpected livestock
It’s all part of the adventure.
What Should You Check Before Collecting a Hire Car?
Before leaving the rental desk, always check:
- Existing damage
- Fuel level
- Insurance documents
- Additional driver details
- Emergency contact information
We always take a full video of the vehicle before driving away. Photograph the interior too and the fuel gauge if the car is partially full when collecting.
It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid disputes later.
What Are Our Top Car Hire Tips?
After many years of hiring cars around the world, these are the tips we swear by:
Book Early
The best deals usually disappear first.
Choose the Right Vehicle
Don’t automatically choose the cheapest.
Choose the one that’s suitable for your destination.
Read the Deposit Conditions
This can vary dramatically.
Add a Second Driver
Particularly if you’re covering long distances.
Photograph Everything
Take photos and videos before leaving the rental depot.
Research Local Driving Laws
Ten minutes of preparation can save a fine later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Car Abroad
Is Discover Cars Legit?
We’ve used Discover Cars for years and it remains our preferred comparison platform when hiring vehicles abroad.
Is It Cheaper to Hire a Car at the Airport?
Not always. Airport locations can sometimes be more expensive, although they are often more convenient.
Are Automatic Hire Cars More Expensive?
Usually yes. In Europe, automatic vehicles are often more expensive and less common than manual alternatives.
Do You Need a Credit Card for Car Hire?
Note Credit cards are different to debit cards. Many providers will only accept credit cards, particularly in Southern Europe. Always check before booking.
What Is the Easiest Country to Hire a Car In?
For us, Greece has consistently been one of the simplest and most straightforward places to hire a vehicle.
