Hiring a car in the UK should be straightforward, but the small print catches people out. Deposit holds, insurance excesses, fuel policies, mileage limits. This guide covers every part of the process so you know exactly what to expect before, during and after your rental.

Use the booking search to compare live rates across trusted suppliers, or read on to understand what is included, what costs extra, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

1. Documents

Make sure you carry all of your documents with you when collecting or having your car delivered. You will need to provide:

Your driving licence (both the photocard and the paper counterpart, if you still have one)
A passport if you are travelling abroad or into the UK
A credit card in the name of the main hirer. Many rental suppliers will accept a debit card, but do check your chosen supplier’s terms.

If you have a licence issued outside the UK, bring it with you. Most suppliers accept EU and international licences, but some may require an International Driving Permit. Check before you travel.

2. Deposits

When you collect your car, the supplier places a hold on your card for the deposit. This is not a charge. It is a pre-authorisation that reduces your available balance temporarily. The deposit covers the insurance excess and any potential extras like fuel, tolls or late return fees.

Make sure you remain aware of the deposit amount before you travel. You will need sufficient funds on your credit card or debit card to cover both the deposit and the rental cost. Deposits typically range from £200 to £1,500 depending on the supplier and the vehicle. If you have purchased excess protection, the deposit may be reduced or waived.

3. Age requirements

All hirers must be over 21 years of age. Drivers aged 21 to 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge of £15 to £25 plus VAT per day, depending on the supplier. Most hire companies accept ages 21 to 70, but if you are under 25 or over 70 you might pay an additional fee. Always double check the terms and conditions before booking.

4. Collection and delivery

When you collect or have your car delivered, you will be asked to sign the rental agreement. Make sure you check the amount is correct and as previously agreed. Once you have signed, you have agreed to that price.

Some airport suppliers operate off-site with a shuttle bus or meet-and-greet service. Check your rental voucher for the exact pickup location and instructions before you travel.

5. Vehicle checks

Before driving your vehicle away, make sure you check around the vehicle for any visual damage. Look for marks, scuffs, scrapes and scratches on both the interior and exterior. If you notice anything, ask the handover agent to mark it on the vehicle damage check-out sheet and sign before you drive off.

Take photos of the car from every angle, including the wheels, bumpers and roof. These are your evidence if there is a dispute about damage when you return the car. If you do not check the vehicle before you drive away, you will be responsible for any extra damage found when you return it.

6. Fuel policy

Most suppliers in the UK operate a full-to-full fuel policy. The car is supplied with a full tank and must be returned with a full tank. If you do not refuel before return, the supplier will charge you for the fuel plus an admin fee, which is always more expensive than filling up yourself.

Fuel policy can differ from supplier to supplier. Some offer a pre-purchase option where you buy the first tank of fuel and return the car empty. This sounds convenient but rarely works in your favour unless you genuinely plan to use a full tank. Always check which policy applies before you sign the agreement.

7. Returning your car

On returning the car, make sure it is fully checked over by the hand-back agent, and that they confirm there is no additional damage. Otherwise you may find your card is debited at a future date after the rental has been completed.

If you use an out-of-hours drop-off facility without an agent check, take photos of the vehicle before you leave it. Note the mileage and fuel level. Some locations charge a fee for out-of-hours return, so check your agreement.

8. Insurance and what it covers

Insurance is included in the rental price of a hired car. It provides cover for damage that occurs to the vehicle itself. This means that the car you are driving is insured. Your rental includes three key cover types as standard:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car itself in an accident
Theft Protection covers the vehicle if it is stolen
Third-party liability covers damage you cause to other people, vehicles or property

However, there is almost always an excess, which is the first part of any repair or replacement cost that you are liable for. See the next section for details.

9. Your excess explained

When you hire a car you are typically liable to pay an amount towards the repair or replacement of the car if there is an accident, any damage, or the vehicle is stolen. This is called an excess. The excess amount is often secured on a credit card or requested from you as a deposit before leaving the rental location.

Your excess is the first part of any repair amount that you will be expected to pay yourself. It is not unusual to see this in the range of £500 to £1,500, ultimately depending on the value of the vehicle.

10. Protecting yourself against the excess

You can reduce or remove your excess liability. Excess protection can be added at the time of booking, and in many cases brings your excess down to zero. This means if the car is damaged or stolen, you do not pay anything towards the repair or replacement.

Our Damage Excess Refund product offers full reimbursement for the damage excess portion of any charges paid. We can offer excess protection with most of our suppliers. Exceptions apply, and full details are in the terms and conditions on your rental voucher.

11. Mileage limits

Most UK rentals include limited mileage of 300 miles per day. Extra mileage is charged at approximately 10p per mile plus tax, payable locally. If you are planning a long road trip, unlimited mileage may be available with certain suppliers. Check the terms for your specific booking.

12. Additional drivers

Additional drivers who meet the rental terms and conditions are accepted. Every additional driver must present their driving licence and ID at pickup. Charges vary from supplier to supplier, typically starting from £10 per day. Some suppliers offer a free additional driver for a spouse or partner, so it is worth checking.

13. One-way rentals

Picking up a car in one location and dropping it off in another is possible with most suppliers. For example, you could pick up at Heathrow and drop off at Manchester Airport. One-way rentals usually incur a fee, typically £20 to £50 depending on the distance and supplier. Tick the “Return to a different location” box in the search form to compare one-way options and pricing.

14. Driving abroad

If you plan to take your rental car outside the UK, European cover can be added during booking for an additional charge. Our European cover starts from £58.33 plus VAT for 1 to 7 days. For longer periods, speak to one of our agents. Always confirm that the country you plan to visit is covered by the policy.

How to get the best UK car hire price

Booking ahead is the single biggest factor in getting a good rate. Last-minute bookings during school holidays, bank holidays and peak summer months are significantly more expensive. Compare rates across suppliers using the search above, and book as early as you can.

City branches are often cheaper than airport locations because airports add a premium location fee. If you are staying in a city centre, picking up from a local branch can save you money. See our London car rental guide for specific advice on London pickup locations and driving charges.

Just need a car for a single day? Check our daily car rental page for short-term hire options.

Popular searches: Daily car rental · Car rental in London

Everything you need to know about hiring a car in the UK.