Tips for a cheap Car hire in Alicante in Spain. The city is divided into three parts: Alicante Pueblo (Old Town); Alicante Puerto (the busy harbor area); and the largest beach area. Many people need car hire during their stay, and we will in this article give you great tips about how to get cheap car rental in Alicante.
Javea is in the shadow of the dominant castle on the Costa Blanca and is one of the most popular resorts in the region. The city began attracting northern Europeans more than 30 years ago, and many of these visitors have bought their own apartments and chalets. Alicante Province is an attractive destination with much to offer visitors, including some of Spain’s finest golden beaches.
With affordable car hire, you and your family can experience more, without having to be dependent on alternative transportation.
Car hire Tips in Alicante
Good tips about car rental in Alicante. They will help you to find a car hire in Alicante, and ensure that everything runs smoothly, and you can focus on enjoying your holiday. Here comes 15 tips for affordable car hire in Alicante.
#1 Rent a car in Alicante early
It is always best to book your car hire as early as possible before you arrive in Alicante. Are you waiting to book your car until you have landed at the Alicante or Valencia Airport, prices will in most cases be much higher, and there is less cars to choose from. A good rule is to book you car when you know when you are going to Alicante.
#2 What kind of car should I choose?
The smallest cars are ordered first, and this is because most people believe that the smallest cars are the cheapest. What many people don`t know is that a medium-sized car can be as cheap as a small car. Remember that the whole family needs to sit well without having all the luggage on their laps.
#3 Where is the cheapest place to book car hire in Alicante?
In most cases it is cheapest to book car hire on internet within you arrive to Alicante. You can book through the search engine or use other simular services. These services compare prices from leading car rental providers in Alicante, to give you the best price on your car rental in one simple search.
#4 Where do i pick up the car?
The easiest is to pick up your car at the airport in Alicante or Valencia. Then you don`t need alternative transportation to and from the airport, and in most cases it is cheaper than using a local supplier in Alicante Province.
#5 Childseats, GPS ot other exstra equipment?
GPS, child seats and other extra equipment is expensive to rent. Often it will cost more to rent it than to buy it. We recommend to take it with your from home, or buy it yourself at one of the shopping centers in Alicante, so you can keep the equipment for the next trip.
#6 Do you need a additional driver?
If you want to share the driving during the holiday in Alicante, you need to keep in mind two things. One is that it comes with an additional cost per day per driver, and the second is that this person must be over 25 years old and come with you when you pick up the vehicle.
#7 Confirmation email after booking
After you have booked your rental car it is important that you print your confirmation email and read it carefully so that all information is correct. It is much easier to change your order early than to wait until you collect the car in Alicante.
#8 Pay your car rental with a credit card
If you use your credit card when you rent a car in Alicante, you buy additional security. The law gives you the right to complain to the creditor, if the car rental company is not giving you what has been agreed. You must first attempt to resolve the matter, but then you can go to your bank. If your appeal is rejected by the bank, you can complain to the Financial Services Complaints Board. You can also complain to the European Consumer Centre if you have bought the service in an EU or EEA country.
#9 Do not buy insurances you don`t need
Check what you have before ordering. Many are offered supplementary insurance when they pick up the car. They often cost more than the actual rent. This is avoided by checking your own insurance before traveling. Travel insurance usually covers theft of the car, but no damage to the car itself. Check with your insurance company if the accident insurance covers your driving abroad.
#8 What do i have to bring when i pick up my rental car?
- Booking Confirmation
- Passport
- Visa or credit card
- Driving license
#10 Check the vehicle for visible damage
Once you’ve got the keys to your rental car it is important that you check the car for damage. Take pictures and video of the car with your phone, so you have a record of what damages there is on the car. This takes only 5 minutes, but is very good to have in order to avoid problems. Also read: why you should take pictures and videos of the rental car before use
#11 Drive carefully in Spain
Spain has a completely different driving culture than in many countries in Europe. And on unfamiliar roads in a another country, it is important to take it easy. Spaniards are known for a more aggressive driving style. Take it easy so you avoid any problems.
#12 Toll roads in Costa Blanca
Toll roads are called ‘carretera de peaje’ or ‘carretera de cuota’and sometimes autopista but the most common indication that you have to pay a toll is simply the word ‘peaje’. On maps and road signs, all toll roads have to include a letter P after the road type so whilst A-33 is free, AP-34 would be a toll road.
#13 Traffic Fines
As in almost any country, traffic fines can be issued for any number of offences ranging from the very minor to the very serious. These include:
- Speeding
- Not wearing seat belts
- Double parking
- Illegally parking
- Drinking and driving
- Reckless driving
- Not giving way
- Having too many passengers
- Driving through a red light
- Not stopping at a stop sign
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Not having a valid driving licence
- Not using warning triangles correctly
- Using the horn inappropriately
- Leaving the scene of an accident
You can also be fined when filling up at the petrol station. If you are smoking, using a mobile or have left the radio or lights on, you can be fined up to 200 Euros and have 3 points added to your license.
#14 When you return the rental car
Upon return of the vehicle, it is important to do the same as when you got the car. Take pictures and video of the car so you can document the condition of the car when you are returning it.
#15 Check your bank statement
A while after you get home from your holiday in Javea, it is important to check that you have regained any deposit, that the correct rent amount is charged from your account, and that everything is as agreed on the booking confirmation.