Search for car hire in Uk

Small but mighty, the United Kingdom is a driveable holiday destination packed with history, culture and picturesque landscapes.

It’s unpredictable (and often gloomy) climate means that it’s not for the resort-seekers and tan topper-uppers, instead serving as the ideal location for city-breakers, hikers and road-trippers. Read on to find out what to expect from a UK holiday, and how to make the most of your UK car hire.

easyCar Guide to Car Hire in the UK: Frequently Asked Questions

Planning to explore the United Kingdom by car? From bustling cities to picturesque landscapes, here’s everything you need to know about hiring a car with easyCar and driving in the UK.

Booking & Pricing UK Car Rental

What’s included in easyCar’s UK car hire prices?

easyCar UK prices typically include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, transparent pricing with no hidden charges, and access to a vast network of over 45,000 locations worldwide. We also provide 24/7 customer care to assist you.

How can I find the cheapest car hire deal in the UK?

To secure the most budget-friendly options, search with easyCar and filter your results to show ‘Mini’ or ‘Economy’ vehicles. Booking your car hire in advance can also significantly help reduce costs.

Is it cheaper to pick up a car at UK airports or downtown locations?

Generally, you might find better deals at major airport locations compared to smaller downtown car rental desks. However, airport pick-ups can sometimes include a location surcharge. To help you decide, use our car hire price comparison to see what the prices are between locations. Remember too, it is almost always cheaper to rent a car in advance.

What is the average cost of car hire in the UK?

Average daily costs vary widely based on the car type, pick-up location and time of the year. For instance, a Mini at London airports averages around £12. Historically, prices are often cheapest in January (around £13/day) and most expensive in December (around £22/day). Overall, average car hire in the UK costs approximately £41 per day. Again, use our car rental price comparisons to figure out the best prices for you.

Which car rental brands are most popular in the UK?

easyCar partners with many reputable brands. The top car rental brands in the UK often include Alamo, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, Interrent, Green Motion, Keddy By Europcar, Enterprise, and Sixt.

Picking Up Your Car Rental in the UK

Where are the most popular car hire pick-up locations in the UK?

The UK boasts over 384 car hire locations. Heathrow Airport is the most popular pick-up spot. Other frequently chosen locations include Gatwick Airport, Edinburgh, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, and Belfast.

What documents do I need to bring when picking up my rental car in the UK?

You will need a valid driving license (photocard), another form of photo ID (like a passport), proof of address (e.g., a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months), and the credit or debit card used for payment (which must be in the main driver’s name). UK residents may also need a DVLA check code, obtainable from the gov.uk website up to 21 days in advance, to verify their driving record. Do not use a paid for service to get a DVLA Check Code – the government service is completely free!

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive a rental car in the UK?

If your driving license was issued outside the EU/EEA and is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Travelers from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can generally pick up a rental car with a valid domestic license without an IDP, but an IDP can be a useful supplementary document for international recognition.

Driving in the UK

What currency is used in the UK?

The local currency is Pound Sterling (£, GBP).

Which side of the road do I drive on in the UK?

In the UK, you drive on the left side of the road.

What are the typical speed limits when driving in the UK?

Speed limits are: Single carriageway (60mph), Dual carriageway and motorway (70mph), and Built-up areas (30mph). Some inner-city areas may have speed limits as low as 20 mph. Always observe posted signs.

What is the legal drink-driving limit in the UK?

The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland has a lower limit of 22 micrograms. It is always safest not to drink any alcohol if you plan to drive.

Are there any age restrictions for renting a car in the UK?

Most car rental companies require renters to be at least 23 years old and to have held their license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may incur a “young driver surcharge.” Maximum age limits can vary between 70-80 depending on the rental company and vehicle type. Do check with us if you have any questions – our team is available 24 hours a day.

What is the London Congestion Charge and ULEZ?

If you plan to drive into central London, you may encounter the Congestion Charge (£15 daily) and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge. The Congestion Charge applies weekdays 7 am-6 pm, weekends/bank holidays 12 pm-6 pm. The ULEZ operates 24/7 except Christmas Day and applies to older, more polluting vehicles. It is highly unlikely that any modern easyCar rental will incur a ULEZ charge. It’s often advisable to use public transport in central London due to these charges and traffic.

What type of car is recommended for driving in the UK?

A mini or compact car is generally recommended for navigating the UK’s often narrow city streets and for easier parking. Consider a larger vehicle if you require more space for passengers or luggage for longer road trips.

Are rental cars in the UK typically manual or automatic transmission?

Most rental cars in the UK come with a manual transmission by default. If you prefer or require an automatic transmission, it is highly recommended to book it in advance, as they are less common and usually incur an additional cost. You can filter out automatic cars by using the filters on our search results pages.

Are there many roundabouts in the UK?

Yes, the UK is known for its many roundabouts! Take time to understand the rules; the key thing to remember is that priority is usually given to cars approaching from the right.

Where are the best places to park in the UK?

Parking varies greatly. In major cities, street parking can be difficult and expensive. Look for designated car parks (often multi-story) or street parking zones with pay-and-display machines. Parking apps can help locate available spaces. Outside cities, parking is generally easier and more available. The use of parking apps to pay for car parking are now common in the UK (and are very helpful to use!), check out PayByPhone or RingGo on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Insurance & Add-ons for UK Car Rental

Should I get extra insurance when hiring a car in the UK?

Most car hire providers include basic insurance (Collision Damage Waiver – CDW) which limits your financial liability for damage. However, this often comes with an excess amount (deductible) and may exclude specific parts like tyres or glass. So, we offer insurance as part of our bookings process that you can also upgrade to a fully comprehensive policy. This has been designed especially for our customers. We always recommend that you read the car hire policy details before booking.

What is the fuel policy for rental cars in the UK?

Fuel policies vary, but most commonly operate on a “full-to-full” basis. This means you pick up the car with a full tank and should return it with a full tank. Failure to do so will result in refuelling charges from the car rental company, which are often at a higher rate than pump prices. Always confirm the specific policy at pick-up and note the fuel type (petrol/diesel).

Are there mileage limits on car rentals in the UK?

Some rental agreements may include a maximum number of miles or kilometers you can drive per day or for the entire rental period. Exceeding this limit can result in additional per-mile charges. Check the mileage policy carefully if you plan extensive driving and consider options for unlimited mileage if available.

Can I add an additional driver to my rental car for the UK?

Yes, you can typically add an additional driver for an extra daily fee. The additional driver must also meet age requirements and present a valid driving license and ID at the time of pick-up.

Can I rent child seats or other add-ons in the UK?

Yes you can. Child seats (which are a legal requirement for children under 12 years of age or under 135cm tall) and other amenities like GPS navigation can usually be rented for an additional charge. It is the parent/guardian or renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat correctly. It may sometimes be cheaper to bring your own child seat.

Is smoking allowed in rental vehicles in the UK?

No, smoking or vaping is generally not allowed in any rental vehicles. It is illegal to smoke in enclosed public spaces, and smoking in a rental car can lead to significant cleaning fees.

During & After Your Car Rental

What should I do in case of a breakdown or accident in the UK?

Most rental vehicles come with full UK breakdown cover. In case of a breakdown, contact the rental company immediately using the provided emergency number. In case of an accident, do not accept any liability. Inform the rental company within 24 hours and fill out any required accident forms. Note down details of other parties involved and take photos or videos of the scene.

What should I check when picking up the car?

Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the car for any existing damage (dents, scratches, scuffs). Ensure all damage, no matter how minor, is noted on the pre-rental inspection form and signed by a rental agent. Take photos or videos of the car’s condition. Also, confirm the fuel gauge reading matches the paperwork.

What should I check when returning the car in the UK?

Before returning the car, ensure you have adhered to the fuel policy (e.g., refuel to full). Inspect the car again for any new damage and ensure it’s clean to avoid additional charges. It’s advisable to take photos or videos of the car’s condition at drop-off. Return the car on time to avoid extra day charges; if delayed, communicate with the rental company.

Can I take the rental car into another country from the UK?

If you plan to drive from the UK into mainland Europe, you may need to take out “Continental Cover” from your rental company. This provides necessary insurance and breakdown assistance abroad. easyCar can help you, so contact us with any questions you have or if you are uncertain about booking online. If you are heading further into Europe, some border crossings may be restricted. Dropping off a car in another country usually incurs a one way fee, that easyCar can advise on before booking. Travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is generally permitted without extra charge by most companies.