Most unpleasant surprises when renting a car don’t come from hidden fees, but from terms the customer didn’t read in advance. Here are the things people most often trip over at Alicante Airport, and how to avoid each one. If you are still deciding where to rent, start with our page on car hire at Alicante Airport.
1. Deposit: you need the right card
The deposit must be paid with a physical bank card in the main driver’s name, and you must show the card at the office when you collect the car. As a rule, it has to be a credit card: debit cards are not accepted, except where the chosen package expressly allows them. For Luxury Elite vehicles you need two physical credit cards, both in the main driver’s name.
How to avoid problems: check in advance that your card is a credit card, that it is physical (not on your phone) and that it is issued to the person who will be the main driver.
2. Excess: choose the package that fits your trip
With the Basic and Comfort packages, you are liable for damage up to the excess. Its amount depends on the value of the car and ranges from €3,000 to €10,000. With the Select package the excess is €0 (for the Economy and Premium categories). With Comfort, cover for some types of damage is limited: the renter pays costs up to the excess and the deposit paid.
One important note: even with a €0 excess, you remain liable for damage caused by negligence, improper use of the vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, breach of the rental agreement, and damage not covered by the policy.
How to avoid problems: compare the packages before you book and choose the one whose excess you are comfortable with. It is cheaper than finding out the difference after a scratch.
3. Fuel: return the car with a full tank
The car is handed over with a full tank, and you must return it full. If the tank is not full, you pay for the missing fuel plus a refuelling service fee.
How to avoid problems: fill up shortly before the return and keep the receipt. Returning at night? Allow time for refuelling in advance.
4. AdBlue: don’t ignore the warning light
If the low AdBlue warning light comes on, refill it immediately. Do not keep driving if the remaining AdBlue range is 100 km or less: contact us, or refill it yourself and keep the receipt. The cost of a correct refill may be reimbursed against the receipt, or the company may offer a replacement vehicle.
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