What you should know before hiring a car with DoYouSpain

Article

Hiring a car with DoYouSpain is one of the most convenient and cheap ways to get around Spain. Whether you’re travelling for a holiday, a business trip or a weekend getaway, having your own vehicle gives you complete freedom and flexibility. Before you book your rental car, it’s worth knowing a few essentials to help you avoid unexpected costs or confusion at the rental desk—so your journey starts off smooth and stress-free.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before hiring a car with DoYouSpain—from the paperwork you’ll need to the insurance options available, fuel policies, and what to expect if you're planning to drive beyond Spain’s borders.

Keep in mind that rental conditions can vary from one supplier to another, as each company sets its own terms. That’s why we recommend reading the terms and conditions before confirming your rental.

Required documents to collect your hire car

To collect your hire car, you must present the following physical documents at the rental desk:

• Valid driving licence: Most providers require a full EU licence in Roman alphabet. If your licence does not meet this requirement, you’ll need to present an international driving permit alongside your original licence.
• Passport or national identity document
• Payment card in the name of the lead driver: A debit or credit card bearing the lead driver’s name is mandatory. While both types are often accepted, credit cards are generally preferred as they allow the rental company to block the security deposit.
• Voucher: Once your reservation is confirmed, a voucher will be sent to your email with all relevant details.

Please note: all documents must be presented in printed form. Digital copies, mobile photos or scanned versions will not be accepted. Failure to provide the correct documentation may result in the denial of the vehicle.

2. Minimum age to hire a car & young driver surcharge

Most hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held a licence for at least one year. Requirements may vary depending on the vehicle type and supplier. Additionally, drivers under 25 years of age are typically subject to a young driver surcharge, the amount of which varies between companies. 

This fee is charged at the rental desk and should be taken into account when calculating the total cost of your hire.

3. Payment cards: accepted types and requirements

To hire a car, it is mandatory to present a payment card in the name of the driver. Most companies require a credit card, although some may accept debit cards under specific conditions—always refer to the booking terms to be sure.

The card is used to block the security deposit during the rental period. Debit cards are generally not suitable for this purpose unless expressly accepted by the supplier and subject to special requirements.

Before travelling, ensure that your card has enough credit to avoid any issues when collecting the vehicle.

4. All about car hire insurance

• Seguro básico. Todos los coches incluyen un seguro a terceros con franquicia. Esto significa que, en caso de daños, tú serás responsable de una parte del coste (la franquicia).
• Platinum insurance: You can purchase additional coverat the time of booking to protect the excess. If the vehicle is damaged and you’re charged, you can file a claim to recover that cost. This policy also typically includes cover for windows, mirrors, wheels, and tyres. It is often more cost-effective than the insurance sold at the rental desk and provides greater peace of mind from the outset.
• Rental desk insurance: Alternatively, you may choose to purchase insurance directly at the collection point.

If you take out insurance with DoYouSpain, you will still need to leave a deposit at the desk. If the car is damaged and the issue is covered by the policy, you can request a reimbursement after your rental ends. Make sure to read the full insurance terms carefully, so you know exactly what is included.

5. Difference between excess and deposit

The excess is the maximum amount you would need to pay in the event of damage or theft. For example, if the excess is €1,200 and the damage amounts to €800, you would pay €800.

The deposit, on the other hand, is the sum temporarily blocked on your credit card as a form of security. If you return the vehicle in good condition, this amount is released at the end of the hire period.

While they are not the same, the excess and deposit are closely linked—so it’s important to understand how each works.

6. How many kilometres can you drive?

Many rental rates include unlimited mileage, but not all. Some companies, especially for short-term rentals or special vehicle categories, may impose a daily or overall kilometre limit. Exceeding the allowance will result in an additional charge per extra kilometre.

Revisa siempre esta información en las condiciones de la oferta.

7. Fuel policy: types and recommendations

The most common fuel policies are as follows:

Full-to-Full

When you collect the vehicle, a deposit equivalent to the value of a full tank will be temporarily blocked on your credit card. Each company has different pricing, which you can review in the terms and conditions before confirming your booking online. Before returning the car, you must refuel at the petrol station closest to the rental office to ensure the tank is full. Once the vehicle is inspected and confirmed to have a full tank, the deposit is released immediately.

Full-to-Empty

With this option, you pay upfront for a full tank of fuel, along with a refuelling service fee, which typically ranges from €30 to €50, depending on the supplier. The exact cost is shown in the terms and conditions during the booking process. You can then return the car with any amount of fuel remaining. For example, if you return it half full, the company will calculate the unused portion and refund you the corresponding amount of the prepaid fuel.

Please note: The refuelling service fee is non-refundable, regardless of the amount of fuel left in the tank. This fee covers the convenience of returning the car without refuelling beforehand.

8. Can you drive abroad with your hire car?

Yes, you can take a rental car abroad—but it’s not always permitted or free of charge. Some rental companies allow cross-border travel to neighbouring countries like Portugal or France, but may apply an additional fee. The same applies if you plan to take a ferry between islands or travel overseas.

These conditions depend on the provider, the rental location, and the type of vehicle. Always review the terms and conditions of your chosen offer carefully.

9. Available extras and how to book them

Common optional extras include:

• Additional driver
• Child seats
• GPS navigation system
• Snow chains
• Ferry or cross-border travel authorisation

These services can be booked in advance via DoYouSpain, or directly at the rental desk. Pre-booking is recommended to guarantee availability.

10. Can you return the car to a different location?

Yes, many companies offer one-way rentals, allowing you to collect the vehicle in one city and drop it off in another. A supplementary fee may apply, and this is shown during the booking process.

This option is especially convenient for linear journeys, such as Madrid to Barcelona, where you don’t plan to return to your starting point.

11. What type of car am I booking? Category vs model

When booking through DoYouSpain, you are hiring a category of vehicle,not a specific model. This means that although you will receive a car with similar characteristics, it may not be the exact make or model shown at the time of booking.

This is standard industry practice and is due to the regular rotation of fleet vehicles by the rental suppliers.

12. Cancellation policy and reservation changes

DoYouSpain offers a range of deals to suit different travellers, including varying cancellation policies. Some bookings come with free cancellation, with deadlines depending on the rental company. In many cases, cancellation is permitted up to 48 hours before collection, while others allow changes up to the actual pick-up time. All such details are clearly stated in the terms of each offer. Once your reservation is confirmed, you’ll receive a voucher by email, which includes a link allowing you to modify your booking if needed.

Other offers may not allow cancellations or changes, and usually come at a lower price. In these cases, once the booking is confirmed, it cannot be cancelled or amended. For this reason, we strongly recommend reviewing the conditions carefully to ensure the offer suits your travel plans.

13. Important: conditions are set by each rental supplier

It’s essential to understand that DoYouSpain is a comparison platform. We do not set the contractual terms—these are determined by each individual rental company.

Therefore, we encourage you to read the terms and conditions before confirming your booking. You’ll find all relevant information by clicking on the details of each offer.

14. Customer support: we're with you every step of the way

From the moment you make your booking to the return of your vehicle, DoYouSpain is here to assist you. Our customer service team is available to help you through:

• Our online contact form on the website
• Telephone support: +34 964 830 995
• Our AI-powered virtual assistant
• Social media:Instagram, Facebook, X and Threads

No matter your question, concern or issue—we’ll work with you to find a solution.

Rent with confidence—we're here to help

Hiring a car with DoYouSpain is fast, straightforward and secure. As with anything, being well-informed before booking is key. This guide has equipped you with everything you need to avoid surprises and make the most of your journey.

Hiring a car with DoYouSpain is fast, straightforward and secure. As with anything, being well-informed before booking is key. This guide has equipped you with everything you need to avoid surprises and make the most of your journey.