Spain Car Hire

Why You Should Choose Zero Excess Car Hire in Spain

Why bother with zero excess car hire in Spain? There are lots of different reasons, as it happens. First off, your bank account won’t be hemorrhaging thousands of Euros as a result of an accident or theft – so you’ll be much more chilled out during your trip. And the whole rental process is faster and smoother, because there’s no need to bargain at the counter (or online checkout) and no massive deposit on your credit card. The overall cost can be lower and some zero excess plans also include additional benefits like additional driver coverage and roadside assistance. So far, so good. But there are also some benefits that might not be immediately obvious. For instance, some car hire firms might offer their newest, best-maintained vehicles for zero excess hires and the claims process is simplified as there’s no argument about fault. Furthermore some policies protect you against vandalism and certain credit card companies offer zero excess, which can improve your credit score as there’s no big pending charge on your card. There are pros and cons to any type of car insurance, though. So it’s worth remembering zero excess will likely be more expensive up front than standard insurance, and that some policies have exclusions for things like wheels and undercarriages. On top of this, if you’re a very confident driver with comprehensive travel insurance and excess cover, you might feel zero excess is unnecessary.

Top Zero Excess Car Hire Providers in Spain

You can get zero excess car hire in Spain from providers like Top Gear and others. And you’ll find a few different types. Basic Zero Excess covers most standard damage to the car body, but might exclude items like wheels, tires, undercarriage and windows – as well as damage caused by negligence. Then there’s Premium Zero Excess. This offers broader coverage than basic and sometimes includes the aforementioned, as well as personal liability protection or roadside assistance. And how about Super Zero Excess? It’s the most complete cover, eliminating almost all excess liability for any damage. However, as you’d expect, it’s usually the most expensive. You might also want to consider a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This common add-on reduces your excess liability for collision damage but might not cover theft or other damages. Meanwhile, Super Theft Protection (STP) covers the excess in case of vehicle theft, and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) provides medical coverage for you and your passengers if you get in an accident. As you can see, it’s important to compare coverages, carefully reading the terms and conditions to understand what is and isn’t included. And the attractiveness of zero excess often depends on your inherent confidence as a driver. If you’re really confident, you might not feel you need it, but it can feel like a godsend to more risk-averse drivers.

Zero Excess Car Hire in Spain: Save Time and Money

Ah, Spain. Sun, sea, sand, sangria and bags of passionate culture, tasty cuisine and fascinating history. Whether you’re taking a city break in Barcelona or Madrid, soaking up rays in the Costas or embracing island vibes in the Canaries or Balearics, it really is something special. And zero excess car hire can enhance your holiday in several ways. First off, there’s the speedy rental process, then the (greatly) reduced paperwork, and also the lack of contentious disputes because of a claim process that’s typically simpler. How about cost though? Zero excess can be lower overall than paying the excess and additional insurance (especially if you’re a more cautious driver or renting longer-term). There’s no whopping deposit on your credit card (as mentioned), and the peace of mind which comes from being fully covered shouldn’t be underestimated.

What is zero excess car hire and how does it work?

Before we go any further, it’s worth remembering what zero excess car hire actually is. Also known as excess waiver, it’s an optional insurance add-on eliminating your liability for any damage to the hire car (within the policy limits) during your trip in Spain. In other words, you wouldn't have to pay any excess fee, which is usually a big deposit held on your credit card while renting the car. It’s reasonably easy to organise. Just pick the zero excess option when booking your Spain car hire, enjoy a smooth pick up process, drive hassle-free and bring the car back in the same condition you received it. If there’s any damage during your rental (within the policy limits), the rental firm will cover it.

How to find zero excess car hire in Spain

Now you know more about zero excess car hire, how do you actually find it in Spain? Well, you can look out for zero excess add-ons from big players like Centauro, Hertz, Europcar, Avis, and Budget. You can check comparison sites (like the one you’re on right now) to compare prices from different providers and bag one of a kind deals. And remember to consider local options – they’re often very reliable and no one knows the local driving environment better. To get the best deal, always book as early as possible, spend as much time as you can comparing deals across different platforms, and read terms and conditions carefully.

The Most Important Factors to Consider: Reputation, Customer Service, and Vehicle Quality

It’s also useful to look at zero excess car hire in Spain through the lens of car quality, customer service and reputation. Online reviews from real people help, as do in-depth articles on independent travel review sites. And you can snoop on companies’ social media pages to work out how well (or otherwise) they treat customers and deal with complaints. Don’t forget you can also contact the car hire company directly to ask about policies and procedures, and you can get to grips with car quality by searching reviews that mention the condition and performance of hire vehicles. Here’s an oft-overlooked tip too – ask about the mileage and age of the specific care you’ll receive before booking. Reputation can be a little more complicated to gauge. Industry awards might help and a long record of service can be a good sign. But that said, newer car hire companies with no awards can be better than established big players – so independent reviews and local knowledge might count for more.

Enjoy Your Trip with Zero Excess Car Hire in Spain

Spain’s a great place and zero excess car hire makes it even better. You’ll have peace of mind when you’re fully covered and protected from the financial burden associated with having an accident with standard cover. Your driving experience is often better because you can relax and focus. And when you’ve fewer financial worries, you can throw yourself into the whole rich experience without reserve.

How to drive safely and responsibly in Spain

You should drive carefully in Spain whatever your car insurance. So, a valid driver's license is a must and international Driving Permits (IDPs) are recommended if your license is non-EU. Please familiarise yourself with the local traffic laws too – like speed limits, right of way laws and drink driving rules. Rest well, avoid phone use when driving, and stay focused. Look out for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as livestock on rural roads.

What to do in a road accident or emergency in Spain

There’s a slim change you’ll actually be involved in an accident in Spain. And while zero excess insurance provides financial peace of mind, you need to be prepared to handle the immediate repercussions. So stay calm, stop your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 112 if anyone needs medical or emergency help. Turn off your engine and put on your handbrake. Then if it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the vehicular damage.