Renting a Car and Driving in Spain

Hi Brent.
0. In general, it's good to plan ahead and be aware, but in my experience, most of these cautions are overblown. I've rented at least seven times in Europe, driven in eight countries and never had any problems.
1. No bogus charges. I've used Hertz, Avis, and Sixt in Europe; can't remember which one in Spain.
2. Always declined all insurance, never had a significant hold placed on my card.
3. That's a good idea just in case, but I've never had a rental company ask for that or any 'proof of insurance'.
4. My experience in Europe has been same as in US. When returning, rarely has a car rental place looked closely for minor scratches; they usually do only a cursory look for obvious things. I do always look closely myself for scratches when I pick up the car, and if I find anything, I have them note it on the rental agreement before I leave the lot.
5. Small towns will still be accessible - it will just be trickier on narrow roads and parking spots.
6. I stay under the speed limit; have never gotten a ticket in Europe; my only encounter with police was when they stopped once to ask me if I needed any help.
7. In general, your American card will probably will not work at pump, but it will work fine anywhere there is an attendant. Just go inside the station, or sometimes there is an attendant standing outside by the pump who can do it there. I've always been charged in local currency at gas stations; sometimes at hotels I will be asked if I want to pay in $, and I say no. Also, sometimes on the rental car form when you pick up the car there will be a box saying if you want to pay in $ or local currency.
X. Like always when renting a car, take your time reading the rental agreement before signing / initialing. Almost certainly they will provide an English version. If not, ask them to explain and make your own notes on the agreement where you sign and initial.
Enjoy your trip!

Let's start with #6. It's very common in Europe for car speeds to be monitored by cameras. There's very little leeway, and the expectation is that you know the limits for various types of roads. So, for example, you need to know that when you pass within the town limits, you should slow to 50 kph, even though there's no sign saying that. If you do a search on this site, you'll find a number of posts moaning about being ticketed "when I was going only a few miles over the limit." The cc company also charges you a fee for ratting you out to the authorities. Don't speed.

I don't know when RS wrote the advice you refer to, but I'm pretty sure that in Spain as in other European countries traffic control is now mechanized.

7) Be prepared for your cc not to work at automated pumps and toll plazas; i.e., carry plenty of cash. People's experiences are mixed, but I'd be prepared for non-acceptance.

On DCC, be extra careful in all situations. In my experience, Spanish banks, shops, hotels, etc. have gone farther in slipping over DCC on the unsuspecting than have those in other countries. You may receive a bill in USD and have to insist on having it redone.

We use our Amex Premium Rental insurance, outside of Italy. If you have an Amex card, check it out. We did once make a claim on it in Spain, and it was handled with dispatch. We also used our Chase Visa for a claim in Italy and had no problem. Do be prepared to have the car scrutinized very carefully when you return it. Photograph any marks on delivery, and photograph the entire vehicle upon return.

Regarding 5 - Some places, especially the hill towns (pueblos blancos), have narrow streets, sometimes steep, sometimes with cars parked badly, with sharp, blind corners that are a challenge no matter what car you have. If you have doubts, just park the car at/near the bottom and wander on foot.

I've only driven in Andalucia, no problems except for those narrow streets. I think when I relied on my credit card insurance, there was a hold of several hundred dollars - nothing major.

I used my credit card for a small souvenir purchase and the DCC was automatic. After that, I used cash for all daily spending. . . I have a no-fee ATM card.

Last November I booked in the US with Thrifty (operated by Hertz in Spain). Picked up in Seville and dropped off at Malaga. At a rate ~30% lower than Europcar, AutoEurope and Gemut (they need your info just for a quote and the most expensive). Smooth transaction without upsell and extra charge.

Got my International Driver's License. Brought my own GPS and bought the AMEX insurance.

https://feeservices.americanexpress.com/premium/car-rental-insurance-coverage/home.do

I took bus and train between the big cities, and did not drive or park there. I only drove through the Pueblos Blancos. The roads could be winding but were very well maintained. I parked as soon as I reached one, and toured on foot. I had to drive through Ronda to reach my hotel. A nightmare of numerous roundabouts, very narrow streets, and had to park five minutes away from the hotel. I was glad that my car was a compact.

No problem using my credit cards at the gas stations, and did not get any traffic tickets.

@Bob - You are so very reassuring. I tend to worry about all that can happen - which can lead me to overprepare. I'm thankful that stressful situations are the exception! Thanks to for the rest of your advice, and I'll definitely be reading the rental agreement closely.

@Rosalyn - Excellent reminder about car speeds being monitored by cameras. My wife and in-laws are from Brazil, where this is common, but it's not common for me; I need to remember! Thanks too for your reassurance about cc companies handling claims. I'll definitely be taking lots of photographs as you've suggested.

@Chani - we plan on driving through those pueblos blancos, so thanks for the advice.

@staynsavor - Good word about Thrifty. We have our IDLs, so that's something checked off. And thanks for the word about car size and narrow streets. After reading all the helpful posts here, that's about the only decision I still haven't made. I suspect it's simply a sacrifice no matter what we pick - comfort versus maneuverability. Maybe we'll toss a coin!

2) Even if the hold placed on your card is usually smaller, such as $2000, it's still a good reason to carry more than one credit card.

The main problem some visitors can find is that some of you, for whatever reason, DON'T read the small-print. Terms might or might not be similar to those you might be used to. Most of the complaints I've seen on this and other forums are related to clauses being enforced by the renting company. This is not to say there can't be a rotten company out there, but the vast majority are not. If anything, in some, their business practices are "questionable" at best -and that includes some global brands.

Quotes from Thrifty and Dollar were about the same, and both are operated by Hertz in Spain. Can't recall why I picked Thrifty over Dollar. Quotes from Hertz and Avis were much higher, similar to those from Europcar, etc.

I always rent cars in Europe and I always rent through Avis and have never had a bogus charge. It used to be that when returning a car it was scrutinized for any little ding, but the past few years they sometimes don't even look. When a stone cracked the windshield I was charged, but when somebody back into the front fender and left a decent sized dent, I never heard a word. I get my insurance through Allianz for $9 a day and use my CC as secondary insurance. You may want to check with you CC company to ensure its would be primary insurance. I've never been asked for proof of insurance.

When buying gas I use cash or pay inside. Now that U.S. cards have chips, some may work at the pump, but I haven't tried. If using a CC you'll be charged in Euros. Your CC company will convert the currency. Use a CC with no foreign transaction fees. I've never seen a gas station use DCC.

Many small towns have narrow roads that could be problematic with a large car. Some are problematic with small cars. Also, larger cars may not fit into many older parking garages. Remember that trunks in most European cars are much smaller than those in the U.S. so use small suitcases. Also remember that the vehicle you reserve may not be what you get. You'll get whatever they have and it will be manual shift, not automatic.

I've never had an issue with corruption or speed traps in Spain. My only tickets were in Germany and I'm certain they were from cameras. Stay as close to the speed limit as possible.