Compare Cheap Car Rental Deals

A few simple tips can help you feel confident about hiring a car. We work with more than 1,000 providers worldwide, so we know our stuff when it comes to car hire. Here's what's helpful to know when you compare car hire deals.

Driver age rules

Most drivers must be 21–25 to hire a car.

If you're wondering how old you have to be to rent a car, the exact car hire age limit depends on the provider and destination. Drivers under 25 might need to pay a young driver fee, and some larger or premium cars can have higher age restrictions.

Documents you need

Bring your driving licence and a credit card.

You'll need both at pick-up for the deposit. Most companies ask for a credit card, although some accept debit cards with conditions. In certain countries, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP), so it's worth checking before you travel.

Deposit and payment

A deposit is held on your card.

This isn't a charge, but an amount set aside while you have the car. You'll get it back after you return the vehicle with no damage, although it can take a few days to appear in your account.

Car hire insurance and excess

Insurance is included, but there's an excess.

Most car hire includes a collision damage waiver (CDW), which covers damage or theft. If something happens to the car, you need to pay a set amount known as the excess. You can add car hire excess insurance to cover that cost.

Fuel and mileage

Full-to-full is usually the best value.

You collect the car with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use. Some companies let you pay for fuel upfront or bring the car back empty, which can cost more. Rentals can include unlimited mileage, others limit the distance and charge for extra miles.

Optional extras

The price typically covers the car and one driver.

Child seats, additional drivers and sat navs are typically added separately and charged per day. Costs vary by location and can add up on longer hires. If you'll need any of these, check the total price before you book.

Car hire fast facts

Everything you need to know to hit the road happy.

Cheapest provider	Avis
Highest rated provider	EPTA

How to find the best car hire deal

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We're free to use, and we’ll do the hard work for you by searching hundreds of car hire companies, allowing you to instantly compare prices and then book. Here's how to get the most out of your car rental search.

Book now, cancel later

There are many car and van hire options with flexible booking policies and free cancellation. So you can bag the best deal with total flexibility to change your plans last-minute if you need to.

Rent a car in Kinshasa for a whole month

Want to rent a car for almost a month? Often, car rental companies avoid costly admin in between pick-ups by hiring out cars for longer periods. So see if monthly car rental is cheaper than the three weeks you need it for by selecting 30 days.

Compare fuel policies

To save money on topping up the tank before you take off, look out for deals with a 'full to full' fuel tank policy.

Skip the queues

We call out keyless or self-service pick-up when you search with us. No keys to pick up or paperwork to fill in means no queues. Just turn up at your preferred car hire location, hop in and hit the road.

Go greener

Limit your impact on this beautiful planet while you explore it. Filter by electric vehicles, which will be charged up and ready to go when you pick them up, meaning no worries about fuel policies, either.