Car hire advice

lady44

Hello, I am going on holiday in July to Gran Canaria and i'm thinking about hiring a car for just a couple of days. Is it better to book online before i go or wait till i get there and see what's available? Just wondered what would be cheaper. Any advice is appreciated as never hired a car abroad before. Thank you.

skid112

Hi,
it really depends on a number of things, how busy the resort will be, what type of car you will be looking for and whether you would be willing to travel to pick up and drop off the car. if you are just looking to tour round a few days and unsure of the dates probably better, but maybe not cheaper, to wait till you are there.

dnpark38

Up to this year I have recommended reading this sites Martins tips on car hire and using the comparison sites. This year in my case I'm not sure as presently trying to book this years car hire but these 4 comparison sites all the results there in are the same and double what I paid last year. Can not understand why the prices are double suspect some price fixing going on some how. At prices quoted I would save money by using taxis even more buses, so certainly not booking early as Martin suggests.

LutonGirl

If you have a photocard driving licence, don't forget to get a DVLA code before you go. See here for details. The code is valid for 21 days from issue.

dnpark38

Thought that was no longer necessary, I'm sure Avis last year had that in my rental agreement as not required.

skid112

Its still needed, I fly to Spain regularly, using Sixt as car hire (going again tomorrow and I have a code ready). That said they more often than not don't ask for it, whether thats because I am a regular customer I don't know.

dnpark38

Just asked Sixt for a quote and they require from me the following,
Spain - PKW

General Rental Information
Important documents
The lessee and the driver must present a valid driver's license and an identity card or passport while receiving delivery of the vehicle.

skid112

Just got back, wasn't asked this time. The advice on the DVLA website says "If you’re hiring a car, the hire company may ask for a check code so they can view your driving record."

Takes about 3 minutes to get one, doesn't eat or cost anything but your choice

eDicky

skid112 wrote: »

Its still needed, I fly to Spain regularly, using Sixt as car hire (going again tomorrow and I have a code ready). That said they more often than not don't ask for it, whether thats because I am a regular customer I don't know.

Have you (or anyone) actually ever been required to produce the DVLA check code when hiring a car outside the UK?

If so, it may be the first reported instance on this forum.

slinga

dnpark38 wrote: »

Just asked Sixt for a quote and they require from me the following,
Spain - PKW

General Rental Information
Important documents
The lessee and the driver must present a valid driver's license and an identity card or passport while receiving delivery of the vehicle.

For some reason Europcar in Spain are also asking for proof of residence in UK such as Utilities bill.
Can't believe it!!!!

skid112

eDicky wrote: »

Have you (or anyone) actually ever been required to produce the DVLA check code when hiring a car outside the UK?

If so, it may be the first reported instance on this forum.

Have been asked for it twice, last August in Spain and October in Italy. Not been asked since