What to Consider Before Renting a Car in Tenerife
Whether you’re planning a long weekend in Tenerife or a three-week getaway, having your own transport can make a huge difference to your holiday experience. A car can provide you with all the freedom you need to explore and make the most of your time in this diverse and beautiful Canary Island. But before you hire a car for your trip, there are a few key things to consider in order to ensure a trouble-free experience. Taking a few moments to think about what car rental company to use, what documents you’ll need, and any fees you should be aware of can help you avoid any problems further down the line and ensure your holiday in Tenerife runs as smoothly as possible.
Consider the Hire Agency
Before you set out to rent a car for your Tenerife holiday, one of the most important things to bear in mind is which hire agency to choose. You’ll find plenty of car hire companies offering a full range of vehicles in Tenerife and it can be hard to know where to start. Ideally, it’s best to look for a company with a long and established reputation in the region, along with positive customer reviews.
There are a few very reputable international car rental companies who have presence in Tenerife, such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis. With these larger companies, you benefit from being able to earn loyalty scheme points and having peace of mind that you’re dealing with an experienced and well-known provider.
If you do choose to go with an international car hire company, make sure to check your contract details carefully as local rates can vary and are often higher than those offered at airports.
Understand the Costs
You’ll also need to be aware of the various costs and fees associated with car hire in Tenerife. These can vary depending on factors like your age and even the brand of car you’re renting. Over and above the obvious car hire fee, you may also be liable for an excess deposit and additional insurance options, not to mention fuel costs if you pick up a vehicle with an empty tank.
The company you hire the vehicle from will usually be able to give you all the information you need about costs and fees, although it’s always worth taking the time to shop around a little bit to get the best deal on car rental available. You may also want to check for any promotional special offers that could save you some money or give you additional benefits, such as free cancellation up to a certain date or bonus mileage.
Check Your Documents
When it comes to actually securing your car hire in Tenerife, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet before you can drive off in the vehicle. Most hire companies will require you to present a valid driving licence, proof of address and a valid credit card.
Your driving licence needs to be valid for the duration of your Tenerife holiday and you’ll need to have held a driving licence for at least one year. When it comes to your credit card, even if you plan to pay for your rental in cash, you’ll still need a credit card in your name to guarantee any security deposits.
Get Familiar with the Landscape
If you plan to venture outside the main resorts of Tenerife then there are a few basic pieces of information that you’ll need to get to grips with. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with the sorts of roads that you’re likely to encounter, including mountain passes and smaller, winding roads. Keeping your wits about you and staying aware of the weather while you’re on the roads is also essential if you want to stay safe and make the most of your car hire.
Have Fun!
Renting a car in Tenerife can give you the freedom you need to see and do everything you’ve been dreaming of during your holiday. Having said that, it’s important to approach car hire responsibly so you can stay safe and make the most of the experience. Taking a few moments to consider the things discussed here before you set out on your journey will ensure a trouble-free, stress-free experience that you can look back on with nothing but fond memories. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the ride!
