Rental cars as part of shared costs

We recommend that rental cars (and any other type of transportation) are included in the joint accounts and charged to the trip’s budget. This is in line with current rules and provides a fair distribution of costs. Even if the price of the rental cars varies, the costs can be distributed among all participants according to a chosen model.

Drivers

Clarify early on who can be drivers. It’s recommended to have at least one additional driver per car. This increases flexibility and reduces the strain on the main driver.

Payment options

The main driver is the lessee and pays for the rental with their credit card. It should be agreed in advance how and when the cost is reimbursed.

Fuel and tolls

The driver can charge for fuel and tolls and settle this with the travel fund after the trip. If needed, an advance can be given based on estimated costs.

Distinction between private holiday and group trip

If any participants use a rental car in connection with an extended vacation before or after the joint trip, a proportional allowance must be calculated. It must be documented in the settlement how this is calculated.

Airport office or shuttle bus

Airport carriers are popular, but for long queues, shuttle solutions can be both faster and more affordable

Insurances

Order with full insurance coverage included. This saves time on delivery and provides a safer experience

Priority queue

Consider paying extra for priority queuing if offered

Key box, Key & Go / self-service delivery

Key box solutions provide very fast delivery. This requires some preparation, but can save a lot of time. Prices vary, so research this carefully

For those who want the lowest possible price

On group trips organized by the church, we recommend renting cars with full insurance coverage

If you still want to rent as cheaply as possible, it is important to be aware of the following:

• All rental cars have statutory liability insurance and comprehensive insurance included
• Comprehensive insurance usually has a high deductible, often between 1000 and 2000 euros

Rental companies with low prices will usually try to sell additional services at delivery, especially:

• Reduction or removal of deductible
• Extended roadside assistance

What does your travel insurance cover?

Many travel insurance policies cover deductibles in the event of damage to a rental car. It is therefore important to check what your travel insurance covers before booking.

• Roadside assistance (e.g. engine breakdown or puncture) is often not included
• Membership of e.g. NAF can cover the need for roadside assistance

If you have good coverage through insurance or a credit card, you can usually decline the rental company’s additional offer.

Please note:

• A deposit is reserved on the credit card as security for the deductible
• The deposit is released after approved delivery
• In the event of damage, the amount will be deducted from the deposit or invoiced afterwards.

Purchase of additional insurance

If you choose extra insurance to be fully covered:

• Order this in advance – it is usually significantly cheaper than at the counter
• This also results in faster delivery and fewer discussions both at pick-up and on arrival.

Choice of rental company

• Companies with offices at the airport are convenient, but can have long queues
• Shuttle transport companies are often more affordable
• Experience shows that total time spent can often be as short (or shorter) with shuttle

Vehicle mileage

Check if there are any restrictions on mileage and if this covers your needs (e.g. round trip Malaga airport – Finca Alamo is approx. 180 km)

Documentation

• In case of mileage limitation:
  • Check that what is stated in the rental contract as the car’s mileage matches the odometer when you pick up the car.
  • Take a picture of the odometer at both pickup and delivery
• If you have not insured the deductible:
  • Check the car thoroughly and take pictures of all damage

Age of driver

• Check age limits with the rental company
• The usual lower limit is around 23 years
• Upper limit may vary (67-72 years)
• If you fall outside these limits, you can usually still rent, but there may be extra costs.

Fuel

• Normally choose “full to full” scheme
• Check if your car uses petrol or diesel

Electric car and hybrid

• Some companies offer electric cars and plug-in hybrids
• Charging access in Spain may be limited compared to what we are used to in Norway
• At Finca Alamo, there is currently no provision for charging electric cars

Geographical restrictions

• Check where you are allowed to drive
• Most do not allow driving abroad without special agreement (e.g. into Gibraltar)
• Some also restrict driving within specific regions (e.g. Andalusia)
• In some leases, there is a clause about only driving on roads with solid surfaces.

Drivers

• Only registered drivers are allowed to drive the car
• Additional driver(s) must be agreed (preferably in advance)
• Both the main driver and the additional driver must normally be present when picking up the car.

When picking up the car

Remember to bring:

• Rental confirmation
• Passport
• Valid physical driver’s license (electronic does not apply in other countries)
• Credit card in the driver’s name
• NB! If you have agreed to pick up a key in a key box, separate rules apply for this. Usually you only need a credit card for identification and a code for the key box you have received in advance.

Tip:
Pay with the credit card that has associated travel insurance if you want the insurance to work.
Any deposit can be reserved on another card if necessary.