Guide to car hire in Mallorca
To hire a car in Mallorca, all you need is your driving licence and to make a booking. We’ll hand over the car to you directly at Palma Airport; you can pay in cash if you prefer, and most of our cars already include comprehensive cover with no excess, with no deposit required. In this guide, we answer, one by one, the most common questions people have before booking.
Where do I collect the car in Mallorca?
Always at Palma Airport (PMI): we’ll hand over the car to you directly there, with no shuttles or transfers to distant offices, and you return it to the same airport when you’re finished. Pick-up and drop-off are available from 08:00 to 20:00. Pick-up is very quick: we have a member of staff for every handover and everything is ready for you to arrive, sign in, pay and start your holiday. Drop-off is also quick and easy: as you have comprehensive cover with no excess, there’s no need for a thorough inspection of the car.
Do I need a credit card or to pay a deposit?
No. With us, you don’t need to have a deposit blocked on your card, because our prices already include comprehensive cover with no excess. This is the big difference compared to many large companies and price comparison sites: they show you a very low initial price as a lure, and then, when you collect the car, they force you to take out additional insurance — which often costs more than the hire itself — or to pay a deposit which, depending on the vehicle, can be as high as €2,000, to cover any damage in the event of an accident. With us, there’s no such trickery: you book, collect and drive with no surprises.
Can I pay a deposit with you to get a cheaper hire rate?
No. We work exclusively with comprehensive cover with no excess and no deposit, and we do so deliberately. One of the biggest scams in the industry is the ‘bait price’ of €5 or €10 a day in exchange for leaving a deposit: many people believe they’ll get that money back in full at the end, but in practice a large proportion of those customers lose all or almost all of their deposit. Think about it: nobody would lend you a car worth €20,000 or €30,000 for just €5 a day without any strings attached; that price ends up being offset by additional charges and the retained deposit. We prefer a clear, all-inclusive price rather than a bait-and-switch offer that ends up costing you more.
A real-life example (names withheld): an online offer advertises a small car for around €68 a week. But when you get to the ‘total to pay on collection’, the price shoots up to around €313: almost five times as much. The difference lies in the airport charges and, above all, a ‘coverage’ fee they add on for around €200. And there are even more aggressive offers: you see cars advertised from as little as €1 a day. That’s the bait; the final price bears no relation to the one in the advert.
Can I pay in cash?
Yes. We accept cash payments, something most companies don’t allow. And it’s no coincidence: many require a card precisely so they can charge you after you’ve returned the car. The internet is full of complaints from customers who, once the hire period was over, found unexpected charges on their card. By paying in cash, you avoid that risk: you don’t leave your card with us, so nobody can charge you anything unexpectedly later on. It’s also handy if you don’t have a credit card, and we make everything clear when you book.
Does the insurance cover everything? Is there an excess?
Most of our vehicles already include comprehensive cover with no excess: it’s not an extra you have to book separately – it’s included in the price. If the car is damaged, you don’t pay that initial amount (the ‘excess’) that other companies charge you. No excess and no deposit held. That way, you know from the start how much the hire will cost, whatever happens.
What documents do I need?
Your valid driving licence, your ID card or passport, and your booking confirmation. For licences issued outside the European Union, an international driving permit may be required. The standard minimum age for driving is 20; if you’re unsure about your specific situation, please contact us before booking and we’ll confirm it for you.
Can I add a second driver?
Yes, and it’s free. Many companies charge extra for each additional driver; with us, the second driver costs nothing. It’s handy for taking turns on long journeys or if you’re travelling as a couple or with your family.
Are there any hidden costs or surprises when collecting the car?
We don’t do surprises. The price you see when booking is what you pay: no last-minute charges for insurance, a second driver or airport collection. If anything incurs a cost, you’ll see it before you confirm, not when you collect the car.
Is it worth hiring a car to get around Mallorca?
Yes, unless you’re staying exclusively in the centre of Palma. Mallorca is a large island, and many of its coves, villages and routes through the Serra de Tramuntana are much better enjoyed with your own car. With the car already waiting for you at the airport, you can start exploring as soon as you land.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a car in Mallorca without a credit card?+
Yes. You can pay in cash, and we do not take a security deposit or hold funds on your card.
Where do I collect my hire car in Mallorca?+
Always at Palma Airport, with direct collection and return of the car (no shuttle buses), from 08:00 to 20:00.
Does the hire include insurance with no excess?+
Yes, most of our vehicles already include comprehensive cover with no excess: you don’t pay the first part of any potential damage and no deposit is taken.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Mallorca?+
The usual minimum age is 20. Please contact us if you have any queries regarding your specific situation.
Is there a charge for a second driver?+
No, a second driver is free of charge.
Are there any hidden costs?+
No. The price shown at booking is the final price; any charges are displayed before you confirm.
Ready to book? Choose your dates and collect the car at Palma Airport – no deposit and no surprises.
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