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What do I need to hire a car?

You need a full, valid driving licence, a form of photographic ID such as a passport, and a payment card in the main driver’s name to cover the security deposit. Most suppliers prefer a credit card, particularly for larger or premium vehicles. Always bring the card used to book, and make sure the licence has been held long enough to meet the supplier’s requirement.

How old do I need to be to hire a car?

Most suppliers set a minimum age of 21 and require a licence held for at least one year. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge, and some larger, premium or specialist vehicles such as vans and prestige cars require drivers to be 25 or older. The exact age limits and surcharges vary by country and supplier, so check the terms for your chosen car.

What are the driving licence requirements?

All drivers must hold a full, valid driving licence. UK and EU licences are widely accepted across Europe without an International Driving Permit. If your licence is in a non-Latin alphabet, or issued by certain countries outside the EU, you may need an IDP alongside it. Each named driver must present their own licence at the desk, and additional drivers must be registered on the agreement.

Can I hire a car with a debit card?

Many suppliers accept major debit cards, though prepaid and cash cards are usually not accepted, and some premium or 4×4 vehicles require a credit card to cover the higher deposit. The card must be in the main driver’s name with enough available balance to hold the security deposit. Policies vary, so check the card requirements for your booking before you travel.

Do I need insurance to hire a car?

Every rental includes basic cover by law, typically collision damage waiver and theft protection with an excess, plus third-party liability. You are not required to buy anything extra, but the standard excess can be high. You can reduce it by adding the supplier’s excess waiver at the desk, or more cheaply by buying a standalone car hire excess policy before you travel.

What is an excess and how does the deposit work?

The excess is the amount you are liable for if the car is damaged or stolen. At pickup the supplier holds a security deposit on your credit card to cover it, often several hundred pounds or more, which is released after the car is returned undamaged. Reducing the excess with a waiver lowers the amount at risk, and a standalone excess policy can refund what you pay.

How is damage assessed at drop-off?

Damage is judged by comparing the car’s condition at pickup and return, which is why you should inspect it and photograph any existing marks before driving away. New scratches, dents or stains beyond fair wear and tear can be charged against the excess. Keeping your own date-stamped photos at both pickup and return is the best protection against an unfair claim.

What is the fuel policy?

The most common and fairest policy is like-for-like: you collect the car with a full tank and return it full. Some suppliers use full-to-empty, where you prepay for a tank and return it as empty as you dare, which rarely works in your favour. Check the fuel policy before booking, and keep your final fuel receipt as proof you refilled.

Can I pick up and drop off at different locations?

Yes, one-way rentals are widely available and a popular way to plan a road trip. A one-way fee usually applies when you return the car to a different location, and it can be significant on longer routes or across borders. The fee is shown at the time of booking, so you can weigh it against the convenience before you confirm.

Can I collect or return the car outside opening hours?

Many locations offer out-of-hours pickup or return, which is handy for early flights or late arrivals, though it usually carries an extra fee and is not available everywhere. Arrange it in advance rather than turning up and hoping, and follow the supplier’s instructions carefully for key collection or drop-off so you are not charged for a late return.

What happens if I break down or have an accident?

For a mechanical breakdown, most suppliers provide roadside assistance at no extra cost and will arrange a repair or replacement vehicle. After an accident, make sure everyone is safe, call the local emergency number, and report it to the rental company as soon as possible. Take photos and exchange details, as the supplier will need an accident report to process any claim.

Can I take the hire car to another country?

Often yes within the EU, but cross-border travel must usually be declared and approved in advance, and some countries or routes are excluded. There may be an extra fee or a requirement for additional cover. Never assume it is allowed: confirm the policy in writing with your supplier before you cross a border, as driving outside the permitted area can void your insurance.

How do I get the cheapest car hire?

Book ahead rather than at the desk, choose a small manual over an automatic, pick up and drop off at the same location to avoid one-way fees, and travel outside the summer peak where you can. Comparing suppliers in one search helps you spot the best rate and fuel policy, and adding a standalone excess policy beforehand is far cheaper than the waiver sold at the counter.

Still Have Questions?

If your question is not answered here, our team is happy to help. Email us at sales@getcarhire.com and we will get back to you. Ready to book? Compare cheap car hire across trusted suppliers in a single search, with free cancellation on most bookings.