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Check out these handy hints for getting the most out of your holiday car rental*

Driving a car that is not your own can be an unnerving experience, especially if you are abroad. While specific terms and conditions differ between car hire companies and different laws apply to each country, here is some generic advice that is likely to be useful wherever you go.

If you wish to speak to an advisor, you can contact our dedicated car hire team on 0800 804 7362. Alternatively you can contact us online here with any queries you may have.

Driving licences

Important Information - Changes to the UK Driving Licence

On the 8th June 2015, the DVLA implemented changes to the UK driver's licence, rendering the counterpart licence obsolete. This means you will no longer need this counterpart when taking out car hire.

International Driving Permits - IDP

If you are driving within the UK, the European Union or the European Economic Area you can use your UK driving licence. However, if you are driving outside of these countries, you may need to apply for an International Driving Permit.

Before buying car hire, check to see if the country you're visiting requires you to buy an IDP.

Policy Documents

As soon as you have made your booking you will receive a confirmation email with all the details for your car hire including, the reservation number, the pick-up and drop-off locations and important phone numbers.

Car Hire Excess Insurance

If you have taken out car hire excess waiver insurance with a third party company it is worth taking a copy of this as proof in case your car hire company needs to see it.

Credit Card

When you arrive at the your pick-up location it highly likely that you will need to provide the card with which you booked the car hire.

Credit Card Deposits

If you have decided not to take your chosen car hire firm's excess insurance or bought from another provider, it is likely that you will be asked for a holding deposit. If this is the case it is likely you will need to provide a credit card with a limit of around £300 - £500 that will be used if there is any damage to your car when you return it to the hire firm. Debit cards and cash are unlikely to be accepted as a holding deposit.

Check the deposit required before you arrive at the pick-up location otherwise you could be left with no choice but to pay the premium upon arrival.


*This information should be considered as a broad overview of things to remember when hiring a car. It is therefore very important that you read the rental terms and conditions and associated policies for your own specific policy as well as doing your own research into the motoring laws of the country in which you will be driving.

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