The Must Read Car Rental Guide For Mallorca
Everything you need to know before renting a car in Mallorca.
Renting a car in Mallorca can feel daunting if you're a first time visitor, but fear not – we're here to help! Our guide is designed to streamline the rental process and ensure a hassle-free experience for you. Let us take care of the details so you can easily navigate your driving adventure in Mallorca!
What is the age restriction for renting a car in Mallorca?
The age restriction for renting a car in Mallorca typically varies depending on the rental company. However, most commonly, renters need to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may impose additional fees or restrictions for drivers under 25 years old. It's advisable to check with the specific rental company for their age requirements and policies.
What are the driving license requirements for renting a car in Mallorca?
To rent a car in Mallorca, you generally need a valid driving license from your home country. If your license is not in English, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation. Additionally, some rental companies may require that you've held your license for a minimum period, often one or two years. It's always wise to check with the rental company beforehand to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. We recommend offUgo (affiliate link with 10% discount for our readers) for reasons we will explain further into the post but their transparent booking process and comprehensive FAQ are one of the many reasons we think they are the best car rental option in Mallorca.
What types of cars are most common to rent in Mallorca?
In Mallorca, the most common types of cars available for rent typically include compact cars, economy cars, and mid-size cars. These vehicles are popular choices for navigating the island's roads comfortably while offering good fuel efficiency. Additionally, due to the island's terrain and popular tourist destinations, you'll often find SUVs and convertibles available for rent, catering to those seeking more adventure or luxury during their stay. Ultimately, the availability of specific car types may vary depending on the rental company and the time of booking.
How do you find the best car rental deals in the balearic islands?
Finding the best car rental deals in the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, involves a few strategies:
Compare Prices: Use online comparison websites or apps to compare prices from different rental companies. Websites like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, and Expedia allow you to easily compare rates across multiple providers.
Book in Advance: Booking your rental car well in advance can often result in better deals. Rates tend to increase as the travel date approaches, so securing your reservation early can save you money.
Consider Off-Airport Locations: Car rental rates at airport locations can be higher due to convenience fees. Consider renting from off-airport locations or using shuttle services to nearby rental offices to potentially find lower rates. offUgo will give you a lower rate than many other companies on the island.
Look for Discounts and Promotions: Keep an eye out for discounts, promo codes, and special offers from rental companies. These can often be found on the rental company's website, through email newsletters, or on travel deal websites. Our discount code themallorcan10 will give you 10% off.
Check for Hidden Fees: Be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of the rental agreement to understand any potential extra fees, such as insurance charges, fuel policies, and additional driver fees. Comparing total costs, including all fees, will help you find the best overall deal. One of the things we love with offUgo is that there are NO hidden fees that will shock your bank account.
Membership Discounts: Check if any memberships you hold, such as AAA, AARP, or frequent flyer programs, offer discounts on car rentals. Many rental companies provide special rates for members of certain organizations.
Flexible Dates and Times: Being flexible with your pickup and drop-off times can sometimes result in lower rates. Rates may vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and season.
Read Reviews: Before making a reservation, read reviews of the rental company to ensure they have a good reputation for customer service and reliability. A slightly higher rate from a reputable company may be worth the peace of mind. Here is yet another reason why we have decided to partner with offUgo, they have a 4.9 google review, with over 1000 other customers agreeing with us that its a great car company.
By employing these strategies and being diligent in your search, you can increase your chances of finding the best car rental deals for your trip to the Balearic Islands.
Seasonal and weather variations when renting a car in Mallorca
Mallorca has over 300 days of sunshine on average. Chances are your trip to Mallorca will coincide with favourable driving conditions. Be warned though, when it rains in Mallorca it can really rain. Typically you will get a short and intense stormy period a handful of times during the offseason between November to March.
What are the most common driving laws to be aware of in Spain?
Some common driving laws in Spain include:
Driving Side: Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Seat Belts: Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle.
Speed Limits: Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and location. For example, in urban areas, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h (31 mph), on rural roads it's 90 km/h (56 mph), and on highways it's typically 120 km/h (75 mph). However, always pay attention to posted speed limit signs as they may differ.
Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers (less than two years' experience) and 0.03% for newly licensed drivers and professional drivers. However, it's best to avoid drinking alcohol if you plan to drive.
Mobile Phones: It's illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. Use of hands-free devices is allowed, but it's recommended to avoid distractions.
Child Safety Seats: Children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm (4 feet 5 inches) must use an appropriate child restraint system.
Roundabouts: Vehicles entering a roundabout must give way to those already on the roundabout, unless otherwise indicated.
Traffic Lights: Drivers must obey traffic signals and lights. Red means stop, yellow means prepare to stop, and green means go.
Right of Way: In general, vehicles approaching from the right have the right of way unless otherwise indicated.
Parking: Pay attention to parking regulations and restrictions, especially in urban areas where parking spaces may be limited.
Tolls: Some highways in Spain are tolled. Be prepared to pay tolls when using these roads.
Documentation: Carry your valid driver's license, vehicle registration documents, and insurance papers at all times while driving.
The Mallorcan’s best tips for renting a car in Mallorca
Plan ahead. The longer in advance you plan your trip, the more likely it is that you’ll secure the best price and best choice of car for your rental.
Compare prices. Even though we recommend offUgo, it pays to double check prices against all the usual big name brands.
We recommend offUgo for a handful of key reasons:
Convenience - offUgo is a car rental brand that allows you to book and collect your cars without any human interaction. You simply land, locate your car and open it via the app. This, in our option, solves the most painful part of renting a car in Mallorca: the queue and dreaded insurance upselling scam you face from most other car rental companies.
Great cars and reasonable prices: Cars such as Mini Coopers, BMWs at very reasonable prices.
Modern service using technology. offUgo are competing against older, slow moving and comfortable car rental brands and therefore undertsand the modern customer much better. Their website and customer service is miles ahed of their competition.
Please note, we are bias because we chose to partner exclusively with offUgo because our experience renting a car with them was hundreds time better than with their competition. We could make more money by partnering with all of the different car rental companies but we chose to work only with offUgo as we truly believe their convenience is so superior to everyone else.
Think about car size - smaller is usually easier to navigate small streets and beach car parks in Mallorca.
Air con is a must in summer.
Be aware of most common pitfalls - getting stuck in the small streets in old towns, not being aware of alcohol and speed limits. Consider safety when parking your car in public areas. We recommend finding secure garages when you pay a few euros for peace of mind.
What insurance coverage is need when renting a car in spain?
When renting a car in Spain, the following insurance coverage is typically required or recommended:
Third-Party Liability Insurance: This is mandatory in Spain and covers damage to third parties, including injury or property damage caused by the rental vehicle. This insurance is usually included in the rental price.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This optional insurance covers damage to the rental vehicle in the event of a collision, theft, or vandalism. While not mandatory, it's highly recommended for peace of mind. Keep in mind that even with CDW/LDW, there may be an excess/deductible amount that you're responsible for in case of damage to the rental car.
Theft Protection: This optional coverage protects you in case the rental vehicle is stolen. It's usually included in the CDW/LDW package.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This optional insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and personal injury protection for you and your passengers in case of an accident. However, this coverage may overlap with your existing health or travel insurance, so check your policy before purchasing PAI.
Supplemental Liability Insurance: This optional coverage provides additional liability protection beyond the basic third-party liability insurance. It's recommended if you want extra coverage for liability claims.
Roadside Assistance: While not technically insurance, roadside assistance coverage is often offered by rental companies for an additional fee. It provides assistance in case of breakdowns, flat tires, or other roadside emergencies.
Before renting a car in Spain, carefully review the insurance options offered by the rental company and consider your individual needs. Additionally, check if your credit card offers any rental car insurance coverage, as some credit cards provide secondary insurance coverage when you use the card to pay for the rental.
Insurance is another great reason we choose offugo. It is built-in easy to understand and unlike the complexities you often are presented with when hiring a car at the big brand rental counters.
What are some hidden fees to be aware of when renting cars in Spain?
When renting a car in Spain, it's important to be aware of potential hidden fees that could increase the overall cost of your rental. Some common ones include:
Airport Surcharge: Rental companies often charge an additional fee for rentals picked up at airport locations. This fee is for the convenience of picking up the car directly at the airport and can significantly increase the rental cost.
Young Driver Fee: If you're under a certain age (typically 25), rental companies may charge a young driver fee. This fee is to cover the increased risk associated with younger drivers.
Additional Driver Fee: Some rental companies charge extra if you want to add an additional driver to the rental agreement. This fee can vary depending on the rental company and may be charged per day or per rental period.
Fuel Charges: Pay attention to the fuel policy of the rental company. Some companies require you to return the car with a full tank of fuel, while others offer the option to prepay for a full tank and return it empty. If you don't return the car with a full tank, you may be charged a refueling fee, often at a higher rate than local fuel prices.
One-Way Rental Fee: If you plan to drop off the car at a different location from where you picked it up, rental companies may charge a one-way rental fee. This fee can vary depending on the distance between pickup and drop-off locations.
Late Return Fee: Returning the car later than the agreed-upon time may result in a late return fee. Rental companies typically allow a grace period, but if you exceed this, you could face additional charges.
Insurance Deductible/Excess: Even if you opt for collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) insurance, there may still be a deductible or excess amount that you're responsible for in case of damage to the rental car. This amount can vary depending on the rental company and the type of insurance coverage.
VAT and Local Taxes: Be aware of any value-added tax (VAT) or local taxes that may be added to the rental cost. These charges are often included in the quoted price but can sometimes be listed separately.
Protect yourself before driving away
Before driving off in a rental car, it's essential to check the following:
Exterior Condition: Look for any dents, scratches, or damages. Take photos or videos for documentation.
Tire Condition: Check tire pressure and tread depth. Ensure there's a spare tire and necessary tools.
Fluid Levels: Verify engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels.
Lights and Signals: Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.
Interior Cleanliness: Ensure the interior is clean and free of debris. Check for any odors or signs of damage.
Controls and Features: Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of essential controls, such as lights, wipers, and air conditioning.
Documentation: Confirm that all necessary documents, including registration, insurance, and rental agreement, are in the car.
By performing these checks, you can ensure the rental car is in good condition and ready for your journey.
