Car Hire at Murcia-San Javier airport - Page 2

steer clear of Goldcar - the extras you don't get told of pay for the advertising !

We use Lara cars.  At first they might seem expensive, but quotation is for fully comprehensive insurance, baby  seat and extra driver included.

It's interesting hearing of other peoples experience with car hire. I find it very hit and miss, with Dickmans being by far the worst. I didn't select an old banger with high mileage and diesel engine (which they charged an extra 34€), but that's what I got.

Firefly have been good so far, and I'm using them again on Monday. If you are a regular hirer I find it pays to take out an annual excess policy in England before you go. You may well still experience pressure to purchase additional cover at the desk, but resist it. I had an incident with a Firefly car, paid the excess when I handed back the car, and claimed when I got back to England. Claim settled within days!

I haven't yet found a way round the fuel rip off in Spain, would like to hear if anyone has!

We rent 4 times a year,I have mentioned before that we always use economy car hire,well they have now changed their name to zest car hire,they have been recommended a few years running by the 'which ' consumer group,no need to take the extra insurance out as it is free.also they operate a fair fuel policy full tank supplied,and you return with a full tank.The cars are available to pick up at San Javier airport,and likewise return.they deal with most of the car companies,although centauro,who we use regularly have just moved off the airport.they have a courtesy bus to shuttle customers back and forth and are only 2_3. Minutes from the airport.check their prices out online.

Doyouspain will send you to solmar who will make you take out extra insurance at exhortinate costs, our friends were quoted 14 euros for car hire and had to pay nearly 160 euros for insurance. Also if you take your own insurance in uk they will not recognise it. Just a warning

I have used the DoYouSpain website for many year's and they always give a choice of suppliers starting at the lowest price. As I have mentioned before, I have had some bad deals, but that doesn't stop me from using this agency. You can easily remove any company by unticking the box and continue your search

I use my annual excess insurance all the time (up to 60 days a year), and although they don't like it (because they are losing money), it has never been refused. ALWAYS read the terms of hire before booking and if you don't agree with it, simply go to another company. As far as I know all companies will block your credit card for about 1000€, but this is released if the car is returned undamaged. I always check the car thoroughly and take photos before I drive it away. Don't be intimidated by them because there is a long queue behind you!

I hope this has helped anyone who is new to hiring.

This summer all I have heard is bad reports from do you spain and solmar. If you arrive at Alicante in the evening and are then bused to solmar office it is not easy to say oh I won't use solmar as you have to then make your own way back to the airport to sort another car hire company. Just so people are aware this can happen. As we spend a great many months there we found it much better to buy a car.

I think Neda28 has misunderstood my post.

DoYouSpain are merely an agency, probably operating from home, and you make your choice of car on their site from your computer prior to travelling.  When you book, your contract is with the hire company, not the agency. From memory, most car hire companies offer free cancellation up to the day booked, so you have ample time to cancel and change if you want. I've done this several times and it works. Once you have turned up to collect the car, it's too late to cancel and get a refund, although that's an option, you can always walk away but you have to start over and who wants that hassle.

This forum is very useful when experiences good or bad are posted. I will certainly add Solmar to my list of companies not to use in future, and thanks for the info. I have no connection with DoYouSpain, and they didn't help much with my dispute with Dickmans, but it hasn't stopped me from using their agency.

Like Neda28, I always use my own car for long periods in Spain.