Daily car rental UK.

What is daily car rental?

Daily car rental is exactly what it sounds like: you hire a car for 24 hours or more, paying for each day you have the vehicle. No weekly minimum, no monthly contract, no long-term commitment. You book, you pick up, you drive, you return.

It is the most flexible way to get behind a wheel when you need one. Whether that is a day trip, a business meeting, picking something up that will not fit in your own car, or getting from an airport to your hotel and back. You pay for the days you use and nothing more.

Why book through Cars 4 Rental?

We are not a rental company with our own fleet. We are a comparison and booking service. That means we search across trusted suppliers like Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz and Budget to find you the best daily rate for the car you actually want.

The benefit is straightforward. Instead of visiting five different rental websites and comparing prices yourself, you enter your pickup location and dates once, and we show you the options side by side.

Every booking comes with the essentials covered, so you should not be surprised at the rental desk:

• 60,000+ pickup locations across the UK and worldwide, including every major UK airport
• Insurance included as standard: collision damage waiver, theft protection and third-party liability. There is typically an excess (the amount you pay if something goes wrong). Check your supplier’s terms for the exact figure.
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your pickup time, without losing your booking fee
• No hidden fees. Local taxes, airport surcharge, road fee and premium location fee are all included in the price you see
• Limited mileage included, typically 300 miles per day. Extra mileage charged at around 10p per mile, payable locally
• Same cars, same suppliers, found at a better price than going direct

Optional extras like sat nav, baby seats or additional drivers can be added during booking. European cover is available if you are planning to take the car abroad.

How daily car rental works

1. Search and compare

Enter your pickup location, dates and times. We search across our supplier network and show you available cars ranked by price. Filter by car type, supplier or size to narrow it down.

2. Book securely

Choose your car and book online. You will get an instant confirmation email with your booking reference. No phone calls needed unless you want to talk something through.

3. Pick up and drive

Bring your driving licence, a credit or debit card and any required ID. Check the vehicle before you drive off, mark any existing damage on the checkout sheet, and sign. Return the car at the agreed time.

For the full checklist on what to bring and what to check at pickup, read our car rental guide. It covers documents, deposits, fuel policy and insurance excess in detail.

How much does it cost to hire a car for a day?

Daily rental prices depend on four things: location, car type, time of year and how far ahead you book. A compact car booked a few weeks in advance at a UK city location typically starts from around £30 to £40 per day. Airport pickups and larger vehicles cost more. Book last minute during peak season and you will pay a premium.

The best way to see current prices is to run a search above. Because we compare live rates across multiple suppliers, the price you see reflects what is actually available right now, not a generic starting price.

Daily car rental FAQ

How old do I need to be to hire a car for a day?

All drivers must be 21 or over. Drivers between 21 and 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge of £15 to £25 plus VAT per day, depending on the supplier. Some suppliers have an upper age limit of 70. Always check the terms when booking.

Can I hire a car for just one day?

Yes. Daily rental is built for exactly this. You book for the number of days you need, starting from one. There is no minimum rental period beyond a single 24-hour cycle.

What documents do I need?

You will need your driving licence (both parts if you have the old-style UK licence), a credit or debit card in the name of the main driver, and a passport if you are renting outside your home country. Overseas hirers in the UK must produce a valid passport. See our FAQ page for the full list.

Is insurance included?

Yes. Every booking includes collision damage waiver, theft protection and third-party liability insurance. There is usually an excess, which is the amount you would pay towards repair or replacement if the car is damaged or stolen. This is typically secured as a deposit on your credit card.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel or amend your booking up to 48 hours before your pickup time without losing your booking fee. After that, cancellation terms depend on the supplier.

Can I book a car for someone else?

Yes, as long as the person collecting the car meets all the rental requirements (age, licence, ID). You will need to provide their details when booking.

Written by Sunny for Cars 4 Rental. Last updated July 2026.