Visit Lanzarote is a great experience however you choose to do it, but certainly, if you have a car to go wherever you want and according to your time, it's a lot better. That's why we tell you everything you need to know about renting a car in Lanzarote.
On the island there are several car rental companies that can be hire even before stepping in Lanzarote. If you come by plane, the easiest way is to rent a car with pickup at the airport, but not always advisable to do directly there.
There are several ways to rent a car in Lanzarote and we explain what they are:
You can rent a car through an online agency, making "intermediary" between the car rental agency and the final customer. Often, this is the most economical option, however we recommend you read well the rental terms and conditions that could have the car rental agency once the day of booking arrived.
You can also rent a car directly with the car rental agency that will give your direct prices, not for that, the cheapest.
Another way is to do it through your travel agency, who have contacts with the "rent a car" and can attach it to your holiday package.
If you book through the web, when you get to the island you can pick up your car at the airport.
Conditions to consider:
- Cancellation: Some providers offer free cancellation, but not all. Read conditions to see if you can cancel your reservation in case of any problems.
- When you pick up the vehicle, both the main driver and additional drivers must be present and have their driving license (minimum of 1 year). You must also present your passport.
- The main driver must present a credit card in his or her name to receive the vehicle. The card must have sufficient funds to cover the deposit / franchise that will be blocked until the end of the rental.
- Unlimited Mileage: Read the conditions on mileage. Most offer unlimited km.
- Fuel: Sometimes you have to pay gas before you take the car, not every case. Read the conditions. I
A gas tank can last about 500 km, which you used to go from north to south of the island, or vice versa, about 7 times. With this in mind we're pretty sure you can visit the island comfortably.
- Deposit or franchise: the rental company will ask you to leave a deposit or franchise, which depend on one or more of the following criteria: Type of vehicle rental period, fuel cost, years of driving, rental price. It will also take into account if any insurance contract or additional service locally. The minimum amount of the franchise, often locked in the credit card is 950 euros.
- Protection: Each car rental providers offers different insurance for the car. It is the customer's decision if looking for a comprehensive insurance with excess or reimbursement of the tax exemption, protection tires, mirrors, crystals, low, damage and theft.
Extras
When you rent a car, each person has different needs, that's why car rental companies in Lanzarote offer various additional options such as:
- Available outside office hours, any fees collected and / or return the car outside opening hours of the offices.
- Highchairs.
- Booster seat for children.
- GPS navigation system.
- Child seat.
- Aditional driver.
- Young driver (under 25 years).
- Additional insurance.
- Gasoline
- Cleaning fee that will be charged if the vehicle is returned excessively dirty.
Best tips to rent a car in Lanzarote
Compare deals
It's always good to compare car rental prices and find the one that best suits what you want. If you're traveling alone or with family, if you prefer to pay the insurance or franchise. If you need to get to the airport or you prefer elsewhere on the island.
You should also compare insurance websites that offer rental, which are intermediaries, like that of the car rental company. Because you may have to pay the franchise, even if you purchased the insurance policy on the website where you made the reservation.
Book ahead
If you want to save money on car rental, it is cheaper to book in advance, rather than reducing the number of days in the reserve. You can book your car in January and pick it up in August. Remember that in summer and peak seasons as holidays, carnivals, Easter or Christmas, the price of cars goes up. And if you do not have the date of your trip guaranteed, check cancellation policy which is usually free.
Rent for more days
Three days rent costs the same as two for most operators, this is because the basis of the rental rate is calculated by the cost of preparing the car, insurance, fuel, etc. The more days you rent, the cheaper it will be. Rent the car according to your stay, because if you return the car after the stipulated time may result in penalties.
Provides information on your flight
If you take a flight, it is important to inform the company about the flight number on the reservation, because if it is delayed or there is a change, the car rental operator can have the car available upon arrival. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that when you land they will have a car because you did not give the information.
Fuel Policy full/full
Each car rental company has a different fuel policy, so we advise you to check the options you get. One of the most favorable is full / full, you get a full tank of fuel and you have to return Full. There are also prepaid, the most common by booking the web in Lanzarote, where you pay for a full tank and return it empty or the amount remaining after your trip. There are some companies that have the option to repay the amount according to what is left of gasoline. Again, review the conditions. We remind you that to pay the operator for the fuel is more expensive than at the Gas Station.
Be Strong
Do not yield to the skills of the seller. They are there to convince you choose a more expensive car insurance with more coverage or extras. They explain several times the benefits of each plan. But if you've already researched what is the best option, do not doubt yourself, follow what you planned and do not give in to pressure.
Take photos of the car before and after
We wouldn't like to think we can have an accident on our vacation, but having a problem with a car that is not yours it's more common than you think. There are accidents like scratches, dents or others on the tires that will be charged a franchise or credit card, but if it was not while you had the car, it is best to prove it. Review thoroughly the car at the time of collection and take pictures of all these details.
And if those dents or "little accidents" were already in the car, you don't have how to prove it unless you have evidence. And what better way than a photo taken at the moment you recieved the car? Also, you have to fill the review sheet before leaving the airport or the offices of the operator.
At the time of return you must do the same, as any damage that was not scored by the operator at the time of collection will be charged to your account. Return the car soon enough to be present at the review time so there is no confusion that may mean charges to your account.
Claims
We hope nothing happens, but if you have a complaint, put a claim, you are on your right. If you ask for a complaint form, you have to require the official one, not the particular of each company. And properly complete all documentation.
Car Rental Companies in Lanzarote
At the airport in Lanzarote we have experience renting cars in several companies. We tell you what might help you:
In Goldcar you pay for insurance, so you do not be charged the deposit, or leave the franchise with a credit card, which has to be of the main driver. Also the gas tank is much more expensive than at the gas station, so you better calculate your fuel needs before renting. Customer service at Lanzarote Airport's office is mostly good, but they are also good sellers and they will try to convince you to take insurance, extras and superior car.
Orlando Rent a Car is a car rental company in Lanzarote offering competitive prices, but for one reason, their cars are not new or in the best conditions in terms of appearance, They're more than three years old, for sure. However, they are not extremely careful when reviewing, because we are in "Lanzarote, an island where the wind opens doors and stones fly, to have some scratches is normal", one of the employees told us once. Nor is it to go off-road with this car or have a little dent.
AutoReisen is one of the companies that let you pay by debit card and have a policy of "fair fuel", you have to return it with the same amount that you collect it. It also offers the option of insurance included in the final price of the reservation.
There are also options with Europcar Lanzarote, Cabrera Medina, Avis, PlusCar, Cicar, Thrifty ... look for the one that best suits your vacation.
Extra Tip:
A gas tank can last about 500 km, which you used to go from north to south of the island, or vice versa, about 7 times. With this in mind we're pretty sure you can visit the island comfortably.