How Does Car Hire Work in Spain?

Car hire in Spain normally works by choosing a vehicle and rental period, confirming the price and rental conditions, providing the required driver details, collecting or receiving the vehicle, and returning it at the agreed time and location. Requirements for deposits, credit cards, insurance, fuel and additional drivers vary between rental companies, so the conditions should always be checked before booking.

If you are visiting the Costa Blanca, renting a car can be one of the easiest ways to travel between Alicante or Valencia Airport and destinations such as Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, Calpe, Altea and Benidorm.

With Blanca Cars, the process is designed to be straightforward: the rental price includes full cover under the applicable rental conditions, there is no standard rental deposit, a credit card is not required, an additional authorised driver is included, and vehicles can be delivered directly to eligible locations on the Costa Blanca North.

Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Applies to: Car hire in Spain, with additional information specifically about Blanca Cars on the Costa Blanca

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Quick Answer: How Car Hire Works in Spain

The normal process is:

Choose your rental dates and vehicle.
Check the total price and rental conditions.
Make the reservation.
Provide the required driver information.
Bring a valid driving licence and identification.
Review and sign the rental agreement.
Check the vehicle before driving away.
Use the vehicle according to the rental agreement and Spanish traffic laws.
Refuel according to the agreed fuel policy.
Return the vehicle at the agreed time and location.

The exact procedure varies by rental company. Deposits, excesses, insurance, mileage limits, credit-card requirements, fuel policies and airport charges should all be checked before confirming the rental.

Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically recommends checking the final price, insurance, excess, mileage, fuel policy, payment method, cross-border restrictions and any collection or one-way charges before renting a vehicle.

1. Choose Where and When You Need the Car

The first step is deciding:

Collection date
Collection time
Return date
Return time
Collection location
Return location
Number of passengers
Amount of luggage
Manual or automatic transmission
Any extras such as child seats

In Spain, rental cars can be collected from airport rental facilities, rental offices or other agreed collection points.

Some companies also provide delivery services.

For example, Blanca Cars provides door-to-door delivery on the Costa Blanca North as well as rental services for customers arriving through Alicante and Valencia airports.

Choosing the Right Size Car

Do not choose a vehicle based only on the number of seats.

Consider luggage as well.

A small five-seat car might technically accommodate five people, but it may not have enough boot space for five passengers arriving with large suitcases.

For a Costa Blanca holiday, think about:

Number of adults
Number of children
Suitcases
Pushchairs
Golf equipment
Automatic or manual preference
Mountain driving
Parking in narrow streets

Read our rental car size guide.

2. Check What the Rental Price Includes

This is one of the most important parts of hiring a car in Spain.

A low headline price does not always tell you the final cost.

Before booking, check whether the quoted price includes:

Taxes
Insurance
Excess
Deposit
Mileage
Additional drivers
Airport charges
Fuel charges
Young-driver fees
Child seats or other extras
One-way fees
Out-of-hours charges

The European Consumer Centre in Spain advises customers to read the terms carefully and understand the final price, insurance conditions, mileage restrictions and any additional charges before booking.

How Blanca Cars Works

Blanca Cars uses an all-inclusive pricing model.

According to the current Blanca Cars website, rentals include full cover under the applicable rental conditions, no standard deposit and an additional driver. Blanca Cars also states that the booking price is intended to be the final rental price rather than a low introductory price followed by mandatory extras at collection.

Always check your individual booking confirmation and rental agreement for the conditions applying to your vehicle.

3. Do You Need a Credit Card to Hire a Car in Spain?

It depends on the rental company.

Many car rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name, particularly where a security deposit or pre-authorisation is required.

Spain’s European Consumer Centre notes that although some rentals can be booked using a debit card, many traditional rental companies require a credit card when the vehicle is collected.

However, this is a rental-company policy rather than a general Spanish law requiring every renter to possess a credit card.

Blanca Cars Credit Card Policy

Blanca Cars does not require customers to have a credit card simply to rent a vehicle.

Supported debit/bank cards can be used instead.

For eligible local vehicle deliveries, Blanca Cars also offers a cash-payment option.

Cash payment currently applies to qualifying local deliveries between Villajoyosa and Oliva and is not available for Alicante Airport or Valencia Airport collections.

Read: Can You Hire a Car in Spain Without a Credit Card?

4. Do You Have to Pay a Deposit?

Again, this depends on the rental company.

A rental-car deposit is generally an amount of money held or pre-authorised as security during the rental.

The amount can vary significantly between companies and vehicle categories.

Some companies require a substantial card pre-authorisation before releasing the vehicle.

Blanca Cars Deposit Policy

Blanca Cars does not require the standard rental deposit normally associated with many car-hire bookings.

The current Blanca Cars website states:

No standard deposit
Full cover under the applicable rental conditions
No standard excess under the applicable rental conditions

This does not mean that a renter can use a vehicle without responsibility.

The rental agreement still applies, including any exclusions or situations for which the renter may remain responsible.

Read: What Is a Car Rental Deposit?

Read: Can You Hire a Car Without a Deposit in Spain?

5. What Documents Do You Need?

At a minimum, a driver needs a valid driving licence that is recognised for driving in Spain.

Identification such as a passport or accepted identity document will also normally be required by the rental company.

Spain’s DGT states that drivers must carry the required driver and vehicle documentation. For a rental vehicle, the vehicle’s registration and technical documentation should also be present as required.

EU and EEA Driving Licences

A valid driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country is generally valid for driving in Spain.

DGT confirms that driving licences issued by EU countries and the EEA — Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway — are valid for driving in Spain while they remain valid.

The European Union also confirms that an EU driving licence can be used throughout the EU provided it remains valid.

Driving Licences From Outside the EU/EEA

Rules are different for licences issued outside the EU and EEA.

Depending on the country of issue and the format of the licence, an International Driving Permit or official translation may be required or recommended.

DGT advises travellers with licences from outside the EU/EEA to check whether their licence is valid in Spain and recommends obtaining an International Driving Permit before travelling where appropriate.

Because requirements depend on the country that issued your licence, check your individual situation before travelling.

Read: What Driving Licence Do I Need to Rent a Car in Spain?

6. Confirm Your Reservation

Once you have selected the car and checked the terms, the booking can be confirmed.

Keep your booking confirmation accessible during your journey.

It should clearly show information such as:

Rental company
Driver
Vehicle category
Collection date
Collection time
Collection location
Return date
Return time
Price
Payment instructions
Any extras requested

If you are arriving by air, provide the correct flight number where requested.

This can be particularly useful when the rental company monitors incoming flights or has airport collection arrangements.

7. Collect or Receive the Rental Car

When the rental period begins, you normally need to:

Confirm your identity.
Present your driving licence.
Complete or confirm the rental agreement.
Make any payment required.
Receive the vehicle and keys.

The European Consumer Centre recommends making sure you understand the rental agreement before signing and checking that the final terms correspond with what was communicated when the reservation was made.

Airport Car Hire

At major Spanish airports, many traditional rental companies operate rental desks and airport parking facilities.

AENA confirms that Alicante-Elche Airport and Valencia Airport both have dedicated car-hire operations.

Collection arrangements vary by company.

Some use:

Terminal rental desks
Airport car parks
Shuttle buses
Meet-and-greet systems
Off-airport offices

Blanca Cars at Alicante Airport

Blanca Cars uses its own collection procedure.

Customers receive collection instructions with their booking, and Blanca Cars states that no rental-car shuttle bus is required at Alicante Airport.

Read our Alicante Airport car-hire guide.

8. Inspect the Vehicle Before Driving Away

You should check the rental car before starting your journey.

Look at:

Bodywork
Wheels
Tyres
Windscreen
Mirrors
Lights
Interior
Fuel level

If you notice existing damage that is not already recorded, tell the rental company.

Taking photographs or a short video of the vehicle when you receive it can also provide a record of its condition.

Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically recommends inspecting the vehicle carefully and ensuring that existing damage is documented before leaving with the car.

9. Check Which Fuel the Car Uses

Before refuelling, know whether your vehicle uses:

Petrol
Diesel
Electricity
Another fuel type

Using the wrong fuel can cause serious mechanical damage.

The European Consumer Centre specifically recommends checking which type of fuel the vehicle requires before refuelling.

Blanca Cars Fuel Policy

Blanca Cars operates a full-to-full fuel policy.

This means:

You receive the vehicle with a full tank and return it with a full tank.

If the vehicle is not returned full, the applicable refuelling costs and service charge may apply under the current rental conditions.

Read: How Does a Full-to-Full Fuel Policy Work?

10. Drive According to Spanish Traffic Rules

Once you have the vehicle, Spanish road laws apply regardless of whether you are driving your own car or a rental car.

Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Drivers should understand the rules covering:

Speed limits
Roundabouts
Seat belts
Child restraints
Mobile phones
Alcohol
Parking
Motorways
Traffic signs
Low-emission zones
Emergency procedures

Your rental company’s conditions also apply separately.

For example, Spanish law determines the legal speed limit.

Your rental agreement determines matters such as who is authorised to drive the rental car or whether you are permitted to take it outside Spain.

These are two different sets of rules.

Read: Driving in Spain — Rules Tourists Need to Know.

11. What Happens If You Receive a Traffic Fine?

The driver remains responsible for traffic offences committed while using a rental vehicle.

If an authority contacts the rental company about an offence, the company may be required to provide information identifying the person who rented or drove the vehicle.

Depending on the rental agreement, an administration charge may also apply for processing a traffic or parking offence.

The European Consumer Centre explains that responsibility for an infringement rests with the driver and that rental companies may charge an administration fee for processing information requested by the authority.

Read: What Happens If I Get a Traffic Fine in a Rental Car?

12. What Happens If the Rental Car Breaks Down?

Follow the rental company’s roadside-assistance procedure rather than independently arranging repairs.

If something happens:

Stop somewhere safe where possible.
Follow Spanish road-safety requirements.
Contact the rental company or its roadside-assistance provider.
Explain your location and what happened.
Follow the instructions provided.

Do not authorise repairs without permission from the rental company unless the circumstances require immediate emergency action.

Blanca Cars includes access to 24-hour telephone roadside assistance with its rentals.

Read: What Should I Do If My Rental Car Breaks Down in Spain?

13. What Happens If You Have an Accident?

Safety comes first.

If you are involved in an accident:

Stop safely.
Check whether anyone is injured.
Contact emergency services when necessary.
Exchange relevant information with other parties.
Take photographs where safe.
Contact the rental company.
Complete any accident documentation required.

The European Consumer Centre advises renters involved in an accident to contact the rental company promptly and complete the appropriate accident report.

Spain’s general emergency number is 112.

Read: What to Do After a Rental-Car Accident in Spain.

14. Return the Car

At the end of the rental, return the vehicle according to your agreement.

Check:

Return location
Return date
Return time
Fuel level
Vehicle condition
Personal belongings

If the rental uses a full-to-full fuel policy, refuel before returning the vehicle.

It is good practice to take photographs of the car, dashboard mileage and fuel level at return.

The European Consumer Centre recommends having the vehicle inspected at return where possible and taking photographs of the interior and exterior, including the fuel gauge and mileage.

Example: Hiring a Car for a Costa Blanca Holiday

Imagine that two people are travelling from the UK to stay in Jávea for 10 days.

They decide they want an automatic vehicle.

Before travelling

They:

Search available cars for their dates.
Select an automatic vehicle with enough luggage space.
Check the total rental price.
Review the insurance and fuel conditions.
Confirm the booking.
Provide their flight details.
Check that their driving licences meet the requirements for driving in Spain.

On arrival

They follow their rental company’s Alicante Airport collection instructions.

They present their identification and driving licences, complete the required rental formalities and check the vehicle before leaving.

During their holiday

They use the car to travel between Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, beaches, restaurants and other destinations.

They follow Spanish road and parking regulations.

At the end of the holiday

They refill the tank according to the full-to-full fuel policy and return the car at the agreed airport location and time.

That is essentially how a typical car rental in Spain works.

How Car Hire Works With Blanca Cars

The process with Blanca Cars differs from some traditional rental companies in several important ways.

All-Inclusive Pricing

Blanca Cars uses an all-inclusive rental model with the aim of showing customers the real rental price rather than relying on mandatory extras when the vehicle is collected.

No Standard Deposit

There is no standard rental deposit required by Blanca Cars.

No Credit Card Required

A credit card is not required. Supported bank/debit cards can be used.

Cash for Eligible Local Deliveries

Customers receiving an eligible local vehicle delivery between Villajoyosa and Oliva can request cash payment.

Cash payment is not available for Alicante Airport or Valencia Airport collections.

Full-to-Full Fuel

The vehicle is supplied with a full tank and should be returned with a full tank.

Additional Driver Included

An additional authorised driver is included with Blanca Cars rentals, subject to the driver meeting the applicable requirements.

Costa Blanca North Delivery

Blanca Cars offers door-to-door vehicle delivery within its supported Costa Blanca North service area.

Spanish Rules vs Rental Company Rules

This distinction is important when researching car hire.

Spanish Law

Spanish authorities determine things such as:

Which driving licences are legally valid
Minimum legal driving age
Speed limits
Seat-belt rules
Drink-driving laws
Mobile-phone rules
Traffic signs
Parking regulations
Vehicle roadworthiness requirements

Rental Company Policy

Individual rental companies determine things such as:

Minimum rental age
Deposit requirements
Credit-card requirements
Insurance packages
Excess
Payment methods
Fuel policy
Additional drivers
Vehicle categories
Mileage limits
Cross-border permission
Collection and return procedures

A requirement imposed by one rental company should therefore not automatically be interpreted as a Spanish legal requirement.

Common Car Hire Mistakes to Avoid in Spain

Looking Only at the Headline Price

Compare the final cost and what is included rather than choosing solely on the initial daily rate.

Not Reading the Insurance Conditions

Understand the cover, excess and exclusions before driving the vehicle.

Assuming Every Company Has the Same Deposit Policy

Deposits and card pre-authorisations can differ considerably between rental companies.

Assuming You Need a Credit Card Because One Company Requires It

Credit-card requirements are generally company policies rather than a universal Spanish car-hire requirement.

Choosing a Car That Is Too Small

Think about luggage as well as passenger numbers.

Not Checking Existing Damage

Inspect the vehicle before driving away.

Refuelling With the Wrong Fuel

Always check whether the vehicle takes petrol or diesel.

Ignoring the Fuel Policy

Understand whether the vehicle must be returned full.

Allowing an Unauthorised Person to Drive

Only drivers authorised under the rental agreement should drive the vehicle.

Assuming You Can Take the Car Abroad

Cross-border travel can require prior permission from the rental company. Spain’s European Consumer Centre recommends notifying the rental company in advance if the vehicle will be driven in another country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is renting a car in Spain complicated?

No. For most visitors the process is straightforward: reserve a vehicle, provide the required documents, complete the rental agreement, collect or receive the car and return it according to the agreed conditions.

The most important step is understanding the rental company’s conditions before booking.

Do all Spanish car rental companies require a deposit?

No.

Deposit policies are determined by individual rental companies.

Some companies require a substantial deposit or credit-card pre-authorisation, while others operate differently. Blanca Cars does not require its standard rental customers to leave a rental deposit.

Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Spain?

Not always.

Many traditional car-hire companies require one, but there is no universal rule that every rental must be paid for or secured using a credit card.

Blanca Cars does not require customers to have a credit card and accepts supported debit/bank cards.

What documents do tourists normally need?

You will normally need your valid driving licence and accepted identification, such as a passport. Additional requirements depend on your country of residence, licence type and the rental company’s conditions.

Drivers using licences issued outside the EU/EEA should check whether an International Driving Permit or translation is required for their circumstances.

Should I inspect a rental car before driving it?

Yes.

Check the vehicle for existing damage and make sure anything you notice is recorded. Taking photographs or video is also sensible.

Can I drive a rental car anywhere in Spain?

Generally, you can drive within Spain subject to the rental agreement, but certain restrictions may apply.

Do not assume that you can:

Cross international borders
Take the vehicle on a ferry
Drive on prohibited roads
Let another person drive

Check the rental conditions first.

Official Sources

Information concerning Spanish law and consumer rights in this guide has been checked against official sources including:

Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)
Spain’s national traffic authority provides information about driving licences, mandatory vehicle documents and Spanish road regulations.

Centro Europeo del Consumidor en España
Spain’s European Consumer Centre provides official consumer guidance about rental contracts, insurance, deposits, fuel policies, vehicle inspection and returning rental vehicles.

AENA
AENA operates Spain’s major airports and provides official airport information, including car-hire facilities at Alicante-Elche and Valencia airports.

Related Blanca Cars Guides

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About This Guide

This guide explains how car hire works in Spain generally and separately identifies policies that apply specifically to Blanca Cars.

Rental conditions vary between companies. When using another rental company, always check that company’s current terms and rental agreement.

Published by: Blanca Cars
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026
Review frequency: At least annually and whenever a relevant Blanca Cars policy or Spanish regulation changes.

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