Search for car hire in Ultimate FAQs 2

26. What does ‘car hire’ mean?

‘Car hire’ is simply the most common term used in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries for what is referred to as ‘car rental’ in North America. Both terms mean exactly the same thing: the temporary use of a vehicle for a fee, provided by a car rental company. So, if you’re looking for car hire in the UK, you’re essentially looking for a car rental service.

27. What is a special car rental?

A “special car rental” typically refers to the car hire of a niche or high-value vehicle that goes beyond standard economy or family cars. This can include luxury cars, classic cars, sports cars, convertibles, or highly specialised SUVs. Such car rental options are often chosen for specific events like weddings, proms, special occasions, or simply for an enhanced driving experience. When looking for a “special car hire,” expect different pricing and potentially stricter terms compared to standard car rental.

28. Can you rent a car to drive across the UK?

Yes, you can absolutely rent a car to drive across the UK. Major car rental companies offer one-way car hire options, allowing you to pick up a vehicle in one UK city and drop it off in another. While convenient, these one-way car rentals may incur an additional fee, so it’s always wise to check the terms and factor this into your car rental price comparison. This option is popular for those planning extensive road trips or touring multiple regions without backtracking.

29. What is the best company to rent a car from?

The “best” company to rent a car from often depends on your specific needs, location, and the current deals available. While major global players like Enterprise, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Hertz or Sixt are widely reputable, the most suitable choice can vary. easyCar.com has these global brands as well as national and local brands – like Centauro in Spain. So we have one of the widest range of brands to choose from – over 1,700 in fact. To identify the best option for your car hire, use our car rental price comparison website to evaluate prices, vehicle availability, and read our recent customer reviews for your specific pick-up location. We also have our own rating system with scores voted for by our own customers.

30. What do you mean by saying “Compare Cheap Car Rental Deals”?

“Compare Cheap Car Rental Deals” means actively using online tools to find the most affordable car hire options by examining offers from various providers side-by-side. These car rental price comparison platforms are invaluable for identifying current promotions, discounts, and the lowest overall prices. By comparing multiple sources, you ensure you’re getting the best possible value for your car rental without having to visit each company’s website individually.

31. What is the best place to rent a car?

The “best place to rent a car” typically refers to the most advantageous pick-up location. While airports offer convenience and wide selection, they often come with higher “airport surcharges.” Downtown or neighbourhood car rental branches can sometimes offer cheaper rates, especially if easily accessible by public transport. The “best” place depends on your itinerary and how much you prioritise convenience versus savings. Always include various pick-up locations in your car rental price comparison, and keep an eye on the distance the pickup location is from your search location – by default we give all results within a local radius.

32. How I can use my car for car rental?

You can use your personal car for car rental by listing it on peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms. Companies like Turo or Hiyacar facilitate this by connecting private car owners with individuals looking for a temporary car hire. This allows you to generate income from your vehicle when you’re not using it. You’ll need to meet the platform’s eligibility criteria and understand their insurance and operational guidelines for using your car for car rental.

33. What is the cost of driving a rental car in Spain?

The cost of driving a rental car in Spain includes the base car hire rate, with any optional insurance choices (like excess waiver) when you pick the car up. These extras can add up, which is why we sell them at the time of booking. Additionally, you’ll incur fuel costs (petrol or diesel), potential road tolls on Spain’s extensive autopistas, and parking fees, which can be high in major cities. Be aware of urban Low Emission Zones that might require specific vehicle types or permits. When doing a car rental price comparison for Spain, remember to factor in these additional expenses.

9. Can you rent a car in Scotland and drive on the Isle of Skye?

Absolutely! You can easily rent a car in Scotland and drive on the Isle of Skye. Hiring a car is the most popular and flexible way to explore Scotland’s stunning landscapes, including the Isle of Skye. The Skye Bridge connects the island to the mainland, and there are no tolls or special charges for driving your car hire across it.

34. What is the objective of a car rental system?

The primary objective of a car rental system (whether a software platform or a company’s operational framework) is to efficiently manage the booking, allocation, and tracking of a fleet of vehicles for temporary car hire by customers. Key aims include maximizing the utilization of the car rental fleet, streamlining operational processes (reservations, payments, vehicle maintenance), enhancing the customer experience, generating revenue, and ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards.

35. Can I rent a car in the UK at the age of 18?

Unfortunately, the vast majority of car rental companies in the UK do not allow individuals aged 18 to rent a car. The minimum age for car hire in the UK is typically 21 years old, and even then, drivers aged 21-24 often face a “young driver surcharge” due to higher insurance premiums. Some very limited local providers might offer exceptions for 19 or 20-year-olds with significant surcharges, but 18 is generally too young for standard car rental.

36. What’s the best value European car rental service?

The “best value European car rental service” is subjective and can change frequently based on location, dates, and current promotions. It’s not a single company but rather the result of effective car rental price comparison. To find the best value for your European car hire, you should use aggregators that compare prices from major international brands (e.g., Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty) and local European providers. Always factor in total costs, including insurance and any cross-border fees.

37. What does “Cheap Car Rental, Price Match Guarantee” really mean?

“Cheap Car Rental, Price Match Guarantee” indicates a car hire company’s commitment to offering competitive pricing. A “Price Match Guarantee” means that if you find a lower car rental price for the same vehicle and terms elsewhere, the company promises to match or beat it. This can be a valuable feature when conducting your car rental price comparison, as it provides an assurance that you’re getting one of the best available car hire deals. Always read the specific terms and conditions of any price match guarantee.

38. Which is the best Credit hire car company in London?

A “Credit hire car company” in London specifically provides a replacement vehicle to an individual who has been involved in a non-fault road accident. The cost of this car hire is then recovered from the at-fault party’s insurer. These companies are distinct from standard public car rental agencies. “Best” in this context would refer to efficiency in processing claims, quality of replacement vehicles, and customer service during a stressful time. Recommendations for credit car hire often come through legal or insurance channels rather than direct public car rental price comparison.

39. How to book a self-drive rental car?

To book a self-drive rental car:
1) Begin by using a car rental price comparison website or visiting the direct websites of major car hire companies.
2) Enter your desired pick-up location, dates, and times.
3) Select the vehicle class that best suits your needs.
4) Add any optional extras (GPS, child seats, additional drivers).
5) Choose your preferred insurance coverage.
6) Provide the primary driver’s details and complete the payment using a credit card. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with all the details for your car rental pick-up.

40. Which is the best rent-a-car company in Edinburgh, UK?

The “best rent-a-car company in Edinburgh, UK” can depend on factors like your specific dates, desired vehicle type, budget, and customer service preferences. Major car hire brands with a strong presence in Edinburgh include Enterprise, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt, all offering various car rental options from Edinburgh Airport and city centre locations. To find the best deal and service for your car hire in Edinburgh, it’s highly recommended to use a car rental price comparison website for your exact travel dates.

41. Can you rent a car in England and drive to France?

Yes, you can rent a car in England and drive to France, but there are important considerations. You must inform your car rental company in advance of your intention to take the vehicle abroad. They will typically apply an additional “cross-border fee” or “continental cover” charge, which ensures your car hire has the necessary insurance, breakdown cover, and documentation (like a Green Card) for international travel. Not all car rental companies permit international travel, so always confirm this during your car rental price comparison and booking process. Our car hire price comparison search allows you to enter a pick up and drop off location. Use this to find cars and suppliers that allow this.

42. Who provides cheaper rental cars in the UK?

Finding who provides “cheaper rental cars in the UK” is best achieved by using car rental price comparison website like easyCar.com. This platform allow you to instantly compare prices from numerous car hire providers (both major international brands and smaller local ones) for your specific dates and locations. Prices fluctuate based on demand, season, and promotions, so consistent use of a car rental price comparison tool is key to finding the lowest cost car hire at any given time. Booking in advance and avoiding peak travel times can also help secure cheaper rates.

43. Is it better to rent a car at the airport or online?

It is almost always better to rent a car online in advance rather than waiting to book at the airport. Booking your car hire online allows you to compare prices using car rental price comparison tools, secure better deals, and guarantee vehicle availability. While airport locations offer convenience, they often have higher “walk-up” rates and airport surcharges compared to pre-booked online rates. Therefore, always conduct your car rental price comparison and reserve online.

44. Why do people want car rental service?

People want car rental services for numerous reasons, driven primarily by convenience, flexibility, and specific temporary needs. They seek car hire for holidays and road trips (offering freedom of movement), business travel (for efficiency and client meetings), temporary transportation (when their own car is in repair or they are between vehicles), moving to a new house, or simply to access a specific type of vehicle they don’t own (e.g., a larger van or a luxury car). The ability to pay only for the time a vehicle is needed, without the long-term costs of ownership, makes car rental a highly attractive solution.

45. Who is Europcar: Car Rental

Europcar is a leading global car rental company, providing a wide array of vehicles for car hire across Europe and internationally. They cater to both leisure and business travellers, offering options from small economy cars to larger family vehicles, SUVs, and vans. Europcar has a significant presence at airports, train stations, and city locations. When planning your car rental, it’s advisable to include Europcar in your car rental price comparison alongside other major providers to find the most suitable deal for your needs.

46. Why do we use rental cars if there is a taxi?

We use rental cars even when taxis are available because car hire offers distinct advantages that taxis do not. A rental car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, make spontaneous stops, and access locations not easily served by public transport or taxis. For longer trips, multiple stops, or group travel, car rental often becomes significantly more cost-effective than numerous taxi fares. Furthermore, car hire is preferred when needing to transport specific items, desiring a particular type of vehicle, or for business purposes requiring dedicated transportation over an extended period.