Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your journey

Booking

Our online booking system allows you to select your vehicle, choose your dates, and confirm your reservation in minutes. You can search by airport code or city name, compare different models, and review the exact terms for each option. The system displays pickup locations, office hours, and any included services before you finalise your choice.

How do I make a reservation?

Enter your pickup location, dates, and times on the homepage. Browse the available vehicles, select the one that suits your needs, and follow the checkout process. You will receive a confirmation email with your voucher immediately after completing the booking.

What information do I need when booking?

You need the main driver's full name as it appears on their driving licence, email address, and a valid payment card for the booking advance. Flight numbers or accommodation details are optional but can help if your plans change.

Can I book for someone else?

Yes. You can make the reservation and pay the advance, but the person collecting the vehicle must present their own valid driving licence and meet all requirements listed in the voucher. Their name should be entered as the main driver during checkout.

Payment and Advance

When you book online, you pay a booking advance by card. The remaining balance is settled when you collect the vehicle, using the payment method specified in your voucher. Each vehicle listing shows which payment options are accepted for the balance. More details are available on our payment methods page.

How much do I pay online?

You pay a booking advance when you complete your reservation. The exact amount is shown during checkout before you confirm. The remaining balance is paid when you collect the vehicle, as stated in your voucher.

Can I pay the full amount online?

The online payment covers the booking advance. The balance must be settled at pickup according to the terms for your specific vehicle. This ensures that the local supplier can verify documents and complete the rental agreement in person.

What payment methods are accepted for the balance?

Each vehicle listing and your voucher specify which payment methods the supplier accepts for the remaining balance. Options typically include debit cards and cash. Credit cards may be accepted for some vehicles. Check your voucher for the exact requirements.

Deposit and Credit Card

The deposit is a temporary hold or payment made to the local supplier when you collect the vehicle. It covers potential damage or fines and is separate from the booking advance. The amount and method are shown in your voucher. Some vehicles are available without a deposit requirement, though the excess liability still applies.

What is the deposit for?

The deposit is held by the supplier to cover any damage, traffic fines, or fuel shortages at the end of your rental. It is refunded after the vehicle is returned and inspected, typically within a few days to two weeks depending on the supplier's policy.

Do I need a credit card?

Not for every vehicle. Some options accept debit cards or have no deposit requirement. Your voucher lists the exact payment and deposit rules for your specific booking. If a credit card is required, make sure the card has sufficient available credit and is in the main driver's name.

What if I only have a debit card?

Many vehicles accept debit cards for the balance and deposit. If your chosen vehicle requires a credit card, consider selecting a different model or ensure your debit card has a high enough limit to cover the deposit amount. Requirements vary by vehicle, not by class.

Documents and Age

You must present a valid driving licence, an identity document such as a passport, and the payment card used for the booking advance. Licences issued outside the EU should be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. Age and licence-holding requirements are stated in each vehicle's terms and in your voucher.

What documents do I need at pickup?

Bring your driving licence, a passport or national ID card, the payment card used for the online advance, and your printed or digital voucher. If your licence was issued outside the EU, bring an International Driving Permit as well.

Are there age restrictions?

Minimum age and licence-holding period vary by vehicle. Many suppliers require drivers to be at least 21 or 23 years old and to have held a licence for one or two years. Check your voucher for the exact requirements for your booking.

Can I add an additional driver?

Yes. Additional drivers can be registered at pickup for a fee. Each extra driver must present their own valid licence and meet the same age and document requirements as the main driver. The fee is paid directly to the supplier.

Pickup and Return

Pickup locations include airport desks, city offices, and hotel delivery depending on the supplier. Your voucher contains the exact address, contact details, and office hours. At pickup, you sign the rental agreement and inspect the vehicle. Any existing damage is recorded in the contract to avoid disputes later.

Where do I collect the vehicle?

The pickup location is shown in your voucher. It may be a desk at the airport terminal, an office near the airport, or a city location. Some suppliers offer hotel delivery. Follow the directions in your voucher and contact the supplier if you cannot find the desk.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Contact the supplier using the phone number in your voucher as soon as you know about the delay. Most suppliers will hold your vehicle or adjust the pickup time. If you cannot reach them, email us at [email protected] and we will assist.

Can I return the vehicle outside office hours?

Some suppliers offer key drop boxes for after-hours returns. Check your voucher or ask at pickup. If after-hours return is not available, you must return the vehicle during the office hours stated in your agreement. Late returns may incur extra charges.

Driving in Spain

Spain has right-hand traffic. Urban speed limits are typically 50 km/h, rural roads 90-100 km/h, and motorways 120 km/h. Toll roads with an AP prefix operate in Catalonia and around Madrid, while most autovias with an A prefix are free. Fuel stations from chains such as Repsol, Cepsa, and Galp are widely available. EU licences are valid, and non-EU drivers should carry an International Driving Permit.

Can I drive into Portugal or France?

Cross-border travel to Portugal and France is generally permitted. Check your rental agreement at pickup to confirm. If you plan to take a ferry to Morocco, you must obtain written approval from the supplier in advance, as this is not automatically included.

Are toll roads common in Spain?

Toll motorways with an AP prefix are found mainly in Catalonia and near Madrid. Most of Spain's motorway network consists of free autovias with an A prefix. In Catalonia, you can request a toll transponder at pickup for a fee, which allows automatic payment at toll gates.

What should I do if the vehicle breaks down?

Call the supplier immediately using the emergency contact number in your rental agreement. Most suppliers provide roadside assistance. Do not attempt repairs yourself or arrange third-party recovery without the supplier's approval, as this may void your coverage.

Changes and Cancellation

If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible. Amendments to dates, times, or pickup locations may be possible depending on availability and the supplier's policy. Cancellation terms are outlined in your voucher and vary by supplier. Refunds depend on how far in advance you cancel and the specific conditions of your booking.

Can I change my booking dates?

Contact us via email at [email protected] with your booking reference and new dates. We will check availability and advise if changes are possible. Amendments may be subject to availability and price adjustments based on the new dates.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms depend on the supplier and the timing of your cancellation. Your voucher contains the exact policy for your booking. Generally, earlier cancellations receive better refunds. Email us with your booking reference if you need to cancel.

How do I contact 4Drive Spain?

Email us at [email protected] or visit our contact page. Our office is located at Centro, Malaga, Spain, and we are available Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT+1). We respond to emails within one business day.