Planning to Rent a Car in Mallorca? Here’s What to Keep in Mind
Many travelers do the right thing by searching and comparing rental cars from home. Unfortunately, many get stuck on price, book the cheapest option, or fail to read the terms and conditions — and then surprises appear. Most of these problems can be avoided! So, how should you approach it?
- Plan! How many days do you benefit from a car, during the entire stay? If your intention is to first spend a few days in Palma de Mallorca, the car will most likely not be of much use. Decide early whether you want to rent at the airport or elsewhere in Mallorca.
Also think about what type of vehicle suits your trip best. A convertible to enjoy the road to the beach (or the amazing views of Tramuntana mountains for that matter)? A van for the whole family? There are several car rental companies in Mallorca and they all offer different types of vehicles for different needs.
- Use a price comparison site! Very important considering that both prices and conditions differ between the companies. Even if loyalty programs from larger companies attracts with good offers, making a quick search online may help to find better deals. Discovercars.com and Rentalcars.com are two good options.
- Do not choose the first best or the cheapest! Small cars are always the cheapest option but what does the need really look like? Four people in a small Fiat 500 doesn’t make anyone happy if someone sits with the luggage on their lap in the back seat. Keep in mind that a low price also means that certain conditions apply, as example deposit fee.
- Once you have found the perfect car, you should check the rental conditions.
What is included in the insurance? Is there an excess fee? Unlimited mileage? Roadside assistance? Most companies require a €900–€2,000 deposit. Additional charges may apply for multiple drivers, a baby seat, GPS, etc. - Ok, everything looks good, but what do you know about the company that rents out the car?
Check out reviews from other travelers, Trustpilot and Google can tell you a lot. Read, but be objective and form your own opinion.
Can also be good to know where to pick up the vehicle, if the car rental company has office at the airport or just outside (at Palma Airport it is Poligono Son Oms) and if transfer service is included.
- At the airport you will find several car rental companies as soon as you leave the arrivals hall, directly to the left. Don’t be surprised if the queues are long with some of them. In order to facilitate the entire pick-up process, you should have a confirmation of the reservation, passport, driver’s license and credit card at hand.
Also decide whether you want an extra insurance sold over the counter or not. However, not all agents insist, so it can also pass unnoticed. But too many times you are told how expensive it can be if you don’t have full insurance and an accident occurs.
- At the vehicle. You need to check if any external damages (scratches, dents) have been documented in the contract, feel free to take your own pictures or film. This is important when renting a car without extensive coverage. When you return the car, the company may hold you responsible for damages that were not recorded when it was picked up. Also check that the vehicle is fully refueled.
- Of course, the information in the contract also applies when returning the car, place and time. It is usually possible to return it an hour later (this varies between companies) however, fees apply if you choose to return it to another office / other place. It should also be fully refueled unless otherwise agreed.
- Perhaps a matter of course, but if something happens to the car, you must contact the company directly. They should have a phone number that can be reached 24 hours a day. This, no matter if roadside assistance and towing services are included in the contract.
Rent a car in Mallorca – things to keep in mind when booking a car
- Compare prices in advance and don’t book the first option you see. ✅
- Read the terms and conditions carefully, especially regarding insurance and deposits. ✅
- Check what’s included in the price and watch out for extra fees (additional drivers, child seats, GPS).✅
- Choose the right car size for your trip and the roads you plan to drive. ✅
- Decide on pickup and return location and times before booking. ✅
- Book early, especially during high season, to get better prices and availability. ✅
