Renting a car in Spain opens up a world of adventure, from cruising coastal highways to exploring hidden hilltop villages at your own pace. But before you hit the road, it’s crucial to understand the local driving laws and prepare the right documents. This expert, friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know, with reassuring tips to make your Spanish road trip safe and enjoyable. We’ll cover the legal requirements (licences, insurance, and paperwork), essential road rules, local driving etiquette, and insider advice for UK travellers. By the end, you’ll be ready to drive in Spain with confidence, and we’ll show you how Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance for Spain can add extra peace of mind on your journey. 

Scenic Spanish roads are calling, being prepared with the right documents and knowing the rules will ensure you enjoy the journey. 

Licence Requirements for Driving in Spain (ID, Permits & Age) 

• Valid Driving Licence: To drive in Spain, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. For visitors from the UK, good news, your UK photocard driving licence is fully accepted in Spain, and you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for short tourist visits. (If you only have an older paper UK licence or one issued in Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man, then an IDP might be required.) Drivers from EU or EEA countries can also use their home country licences without issue, as Spain recognises EU/EEA licences as long as they’re valid. 
• Non-EU/UK Licences: If you’re visiting from outside the EU (for example, the USA or Canada), Spanish authorities recommend obtaining an International Driving Permit before your trip. An IDP is basically a translated supplement to your home licence. While many car hire companies may not ask for it at the desk, Spanish police can require it if they stop you, so it’s wise to have one in addition to your passport and home licence. IDPs are inexpensive and valid for one year, providing peace of mind in case of any checks. 
• Always Carry ID: Spanish law requires drivers to **carry their driving licence **on them at all times, as well as a form of identification , for foreign visitors, this means your passport. It’s common for the Guardia Civil (traffic police) to do roadside document checks, especially on motorways and near tourist areas. If you’re driving a UK-registered vehicle in Spain, you should also carry your vehicle’s logbook (V5C) or a VE103 form (if it’s a leased/hired car) to prove you’re allowed to use the vehicle abroad. And if you’ve brought your own car, remember to display a “UK” sticker on the back, Spain requires UK identifiers even if your number plate has the new UK mark (the older “GB” stickers are no longer sufficient post-Brexit). 
• Insurance Documents: By law, every car in Spain must be insured for third-party liability at a minimum. If you’re renting a car, the rental company provides this basic insurance automatically in your contract. If you’re driving your own UK car, you don’t need a “Green Card” anymore to prove you have insurance in Europe, but you do need to carry proof of insurance (your policy certificate) and even the receipt or evidence that it’s valid and up-to-date. Spanish authorities may ask for insurance paperwork to ensure your vehicle is covered. In short, have your driving licence, passport, and insurance details handy whenever you’re on Spanish roads. 

Travel Tip: Keep both physical and digital copies of your important documents. Carry the originals in the car (in a secure place) and save photos of your licence, passport, rental agreement, and insurance on your phone. This way, you’re covered in case you misplace anything, and you can easily produce information if asked by police or rental staff. 

Car Hire in Spain , Rental Company Rules and Insurance Basics 

Renting a Car, What to Know: Spain is a popular place to rent a car, so the process is straightforward. You generally must be 21 or older to rent a car in Spain (18 is the legal driving age, but most rental firms impose a minimum rental age of 21). Drivers under 25 should be aware of “young driver” surcharges, many companies charge extra fees for 21,24 year olds. You’ll need a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit and payment. Also, be sure to bring your passport (for ID) and driving licence when picking up the car. If you have an IDP (for non-UK/EU licence holders), bring that along too as rental agencies often ask to see it. Rental companies usually require that you’ve held your licence for at least one or two years without serious endorsements, check the terms if you’re a relatively new driver. 

When renting, note that additional drivers must be declared on the contract. Only the people listed as drivers are legally allowed to drive the car. It’s usually easy to add extra drivers (they’ll need to show their licences at pickup, and there may be a small fee). Also, don’t be surprised that manual transmission cars are the norm in Spain, automatics are available but often cost more (and may need to be reserved in advance). 

Included Insurance: In Spain, rental cars come with basic insurance by law. This typically includes third-party liability (covers damage/injury to others) and a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with theft cover as part of the rental rate. However, and this is crucial, these basic covers almost always come with a hefty excess (aka deductible). It’s common to have an excess of €1,000,€2,000 on the rental agreement. This means if the car is damaged or stolen, you’re liable for the first chunk of costs up to that amount. The rental company will typically block that excess amount on your credit card as a deposit. 

At the rental desk, you’ll likely be offered additional insurance to reduce or eliminate that excess. They might call it “Super CDW”, “excess waiver”, or "zero deductible cover." While convenient, this add-on from the rental company is usually very expensive, often €15-€25 per day, which can double your rental cost. Moreover, even those pricey waivers can have exclusions (many of the rental company policies don’t cover tyres, windscreens, undercarriage, or keys, which are common sources of damage). 

Better Insurance Option, Excess Insurance: You are not obliged to buy the rental company’s insurance. A smart alternative is to use a standalone Car Hire Excess Insurance, like Gigasure’s policy for Spain, which covers that €1,000+ excess for a much lower rate. With an independent excess insurance, you can confidently decline the rental desk upsell. You’ll pay the rental’s damage costs if something happens, but then claim them back from your excess insurer. It often works out far cheaper and more comprehensive: independent policies can cost as little as £2-£5 a day, versus the £15+ per day at the counter. Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance for Spain in particular is designed to fill these gaps, covering damage to tyres, windscreen, roof, and undercarriage that the rental’s own waiver might exclude. It means a minor scrape or chipped windscreen won’t turn into a major expense, and you won’t be out-of-pocket for the rental’s excess charge. 

Gigasure Tip: Planning to rent a car for your Spanish holiday? Consider buying your excess insurance before you travel. Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance for Spain offers high coverage limits and often costs a fraction of what rental companies charge for their waiver. By arranging this in advance, you can confidently decline the costly add-ons at the rental desk and still be fully protected against those €1,000+ excess fees. It’s an easy way to save money and get better cover, giving you total peace of mind as you set off on Spain’s roads. 

Essential Documents to Carry in the Car 

When driving in Spain, make sure you have the following documents in the vehicle at all times, as you may need to show them at police checkpoints or if you’re involved in an incident: 

• Driver’s Licence: Your UK or home licence (and IDP if required). It should be the original physical licence, not just a photocopy. 
• Passport: As a visitor, your passport serves as your official ID and should be carried along with your licence. 
• Car Rental Agreement: If you’re in a hire car, keep a copy of the rental contract in the glovebox. It proves you have permission to use the vehicle and outlines the insurance included. 
• Insurance Info: For rentals, the contract usually suffices to show the car is insured. If you have purchased excess insurance (e.g., Gigasure’s policy), keep a print-out or digital copy of your insurance certificate/policy number handy too. If you’re driving your own car, carry your insurance certificate (and Green Card if your insurer provided one, though UK drivers don’t legally need a Green Card in the EU). Spanish law expects you to be able to demonstrate valid insurance coverage. 
• Vehicle Registration: If it’s your own car, have the V5C logbook or rental agency’s permission form (VE103) as proof of vehicle registration abroad. 
• Breakdown and Safety Equipment: While not a document, it’s worth noting here: Spanish regulations require cars to carry certain safety items. A high-visibility reflective vest is mandatory, if you break down, you must wear it when exiting the vehicle on a road. Warning triangles are also compulsory; Spain traditionally required two warning triangles (one for front and one for behind the car in case of breakdown), though from January 2026 the law is changing to require an electronic flashing V-16 beacon instead. If you’re renting, the car should come equipped with the legally required kit (check the boot for triangles and vests). It’s a good idea to ask the rental agent about these during pick-up, especially if you’ll be driving in remote areas or at night. 

Rules of the Road in Spain: What UK Drivers Need to Know 

Driving in Spain is generally straightforward for UK travellers, but there are key differences and rules to keep in mind. Here’s a rundown of the most important Spanish road regulations: 

• Drive on the Right: In Spain, traffic flows on the right-hand side of the road (opposite to the UK). This means you overtake on the left side. It can take a little adjustment for Brits , remember to think “right-right-right”: drive on the right, give way to the right at roundabouts, and when turning right, you turn into the right-hand lane. If you’re not used to left-hand drive vehicles, your rental will likely have the steering wheel on the left; take a moment to familiarise yourself with the car’s controls before heading out. 
• Seatbelts: Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle, front and back. Ensure everyone is buckled up before you set off. Spain enforces this rule and you can be fined for non-compliance. 
• Speed Limits: Spain has national speed limits which are generally lower than UK limits, and they are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h). The typical limits are: 
  
  • Motorways and Autovías (dual carriageways): 120 km/h maximum. 
  • Conventional roads (single-carriageway highways): 90 km/h (sometimes up to 100 km/h if specified). 
  • Urban areas: Usually 50 km/h in towns/cities, but note that as of recent updates many smaller city streets have a 30 km/h limit. In fact, Spain introduced a blanket 30 km/h limit on most single-lane urban roads (and 20 km/h on narrow streets where pavement and road are at the same level). So don’t assume it’s always 50, if you see residential or central areas with no posted limit, 30 is a safe bet unless signs show otherwise. Always watch for posted speed signs, as limits can vary (some larger boulevards may still allow 50 km/h, and a few major urban arterials can be 70 km/h with signage).  
• Spain takes speed limits seriously. Fixed and mobile speed cameras are common on highways and even in city centers. Fines for speeding can be issued on the spot or sent to the car rental company. So, keep an eye on the speedometer (remember your rental’s will be in km/h) and stick to the limits. 
• Traffic Lights & Signs: Spanish traffic lights follow the usual international pattern. One thing to note: there is no equivalent to “turn left on red” or “turn right on red” as you might find in some countries, in Spain, red means stop completely. Only go when green (or flashing amber, which acts like a yield). Road signs in Spain are mostly pictorial and similar to other European countries. Stop signs read “STOP” in English, yield signs are inverted triangles often labeled “Ceda el paso” (meaning give way). Speed limit signs are round with a red border and show the number in km/h. Priority at intersections is usually indicated by signs (a yellow diamond means you have priority, a yield sign means you don’t). On small unsignposted junctions, the rule is priority to the vehicle coming from the right, so be cautious in older districts where signage might be missing. 
• Overtaking: Only overtake on the left side of the vehicle ahead. You should not overtake on the right on highways except in slow city traffic where lanes of traffic form (as per general EU rules). On two-lane roads, use caution and only pass when you have a clear straight stretch. In the mountains, expect slow vehicles; they often pull over when they can to let others pass.
• Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving in Spain. You cannot text or call without a hands-free system. Even fiddling with your phone (or GPS device) can attract fines if seen by police. If you need to use your phone, park safely before doing so. Spain has recently even banned the use of earpiece headphones while driving. Use fully hands-free setups only. The fine for mobile use while driving is steep (around €200) and may include points on your licence. 
• Drinking and Driving: Don’t do it, Spain has stricter blood alcohol limits than the UK. The legal limit is 0.5 g/L in blood (0.25 mg/L breath) for most drivers, and an even lower 0.3 g/L (0.15 mg/L breath) for commercial drivers or those with less than 2 years of driving experience. In practice, this means even a single pint of beer or glass of wine could put you over the limit. Random breathalyser checkpoints are common, especially in holiday areas at night. Penalties are severe, including heavy fines and potential arrest, so it’s best to completely avoid alcohol if you’ll be driving. 
• Child Safety: If you’re travelling with kids, note that children under 135 cm tall are not allowed in the front seat of a car (unless the vehicle has no rear seats, like a two-seater, or rear seats are already occupied by other small children). Children must use an appropriate child car seat or booster appropriate for their height/weight, just as in the UK. Car rental agencies can provide child seats for an extra fee, be sure to reserve these in advance. (Taxis and public transport are an exception, in taxis, a child can travel without a car seat in urban areas, but it’s still recommended to use one for safety.) Always ensure the little ones are buckled into proper restraints. 
• Lights and Other Rules: By law, you should use dipped headlights in tunnels or when visibility is poor (some modern cars will do this automatically). It’s not mandatory to drive with daytime lights on in clear weather (unlike some European countries), but many drivers do. Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists and their passengers, and for cyclists on fast roads or outside urban areas. While this may not apply to you as a car driver, be mindful of protecting any cycling you might do on your trip. 
• Emergency Corridors: If you get caught in a motorway traffic jam, Spanish law requires drivers to create an emergency corridor (corridor de seguridad) to let ambulances or police through. Essentially, cars on the leftmost lane pull to the far left, and cars on other lanes pull right, creating a path in the middle. This is similar to practice in many EU countries. 

Lastly, if you do happen to get a traffic fine (multa) in Spain, paying it promptly can save you money. Spain offers a 50% discount for fines paid within 20 days of issuance. If you’re notified on the spot by police, you may be able to pay by card immediately to take advantage of the reduction. Unpaid fines can be chased via the rental company, who might charge your credit card later, often with an added admin fee, so it’s best to avoid fines or deal with them quickly. 

Road Conditions and Driving Etiquette in Spain 

One of the first things you’ll notice is that Spain, in general, has good road infrastructure. Major roads are well-paved and signage is clear. Outside the big cities, driving can be a pleasure, many highways are wide open with less traffic than you might expect, offering smooth journeys through beautiful landscapes. But there are also some local quirks and challenges to be aware of: 

Autopistas vs Autovías: Spain’s high-speed roads come in two varieties. Autovías (marked with an “A” prefix) are dual carriageways or motorways that are free to use, while Autopistas (“AP” prefix) are broadly similar but often toll roads. In practice, both types have a 120 km/h speed limit and look/feel like motorways. The difference is simply payment, autopistas may have toll booths. For example, AP-7 along parts of the coast has toll sections, whereas A-7 (which runs parallel in some stretches) is toll-free. Many previously toll roads have become free in recent years, but a few remain, including some radial routes around Madrid and certain stretches through mountainous regions. Toll costs vary but typically range from a few euros up to ~€30 for long distances. You can pay tolls in cash or by credit card at the booths. Some locals use an electronic device called Via-T for automatic toll payment, but it’s usually not necessary for tourists unless you’re doing a lot of driving, and rental cars might not come with one by default. If you prefer to avoid tolls entirely, set your GPS or Google Maps to “avoid tolls” and it will usually find an alternate route (often taking a little longer). In many cases, the free autovía runs parallel to the autopista with just a minor time difference. However, now and then paying a toll can be worth it for a faster or more scenic route (for instance, some toll roads cut through mountains via tunnels or viaducts, saving time and offering great views). 

City Traffic and Siesta Times: In major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, etc., be prepared for heavy traffic at peak times. Uniquely, Spain can have four “rush hours” in a day: morning (around 8-10am), lunchtime (around 1-2pm when people head home for comida), late afternoon (3-5pm when they return to work), and evening (7-9pm). Due to the extended lunch break in Spanish work culture, traffic flows aren’t just the standard 9-5 pattern. Many locals take a long lunch and then work later, so the roads can be unexpectedly busy at 3 or 4pm when everyone’s going back to work, and then again around 8pm when the workday ends. Avoid driving in city centres during these peak slots if you can, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress. 

Additionally, note that some city centres have restrictions on vehicle entry. For example, Madrid has a low-emission zone in its central district, only residents or low-emission vehicles can enter freely, others need special permits or risk fines. Barcelona also has an environmental zone (older high-polluting vehicles are not allowed on weekdays). As a tourist in a rental car, this might not affect you (rental cars are usually new enough to qualify, or local authorities often make exceptions for foreign vehicles in practice), but it’s worth being aware. Check signs, if you see a sign indicating “Área de Prioridad Residencial” or low-emissions zone entry, best to stay out unless you know you’re allowed. Parking on the outskirts and using public transport is often the best plan when visiting big cities. Park-and-ride facilities or simply a safe garage in a suburban area can save you from city driving headaches and steep parking charges (plus, Spanish public transit is very efficient). 

Parking Etiquette and Tips: Speaking of parking, in Spain, as in much of Europe, parking in towns is usually a paid affair on weekdays. Look for painted lines on the street: blue lines denote pay-and-display zones for the public, and you must buy a ticket from a nearby machine (feeding it coins/card and placing the printed ticket on your dashboard). The machines usually have instructions in English as well. The hours of enforcement (and max parking duration) will be indicated on signs or on the machine. Typically, parking is metered during business hours (for example, 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm on weekdays, and Saturday mornings), and often free on Sundays or public holidays and overnight, but always check local signs, as times can vary by city or zone. Green lines (or sometimes white-on-black 'P' signs) often indicate residents’ parking only or special permit zones. Avoid parking in these if you’re not a permit holder, or you could be fined or towed. Yellow-painted kerb or zigzag lines mean no parking/stopping. 

One quirky thing you may encounter, especially in southern Spain, is the presence of unofficial “parking assistants.” These are people who hang around popular parking areas or street parking spots and will gesture to help you park or watch over your car. They’re not city employees, they’re opportunists who then expect a small tip (1,2€) for their “service”. While you’re not legally obliged to pay them, many locals do give a euro or two, because it’s believed that if you don’t, you might return to find an unexplained scratch on your car. Essentially, it can feel like mild extortion, but it’s often easier to pay them a coin and have peace of mind. If someone guides you into a spot and hangs around, a simple “Gracias” and a euro coin will make them go away happy. 

When parking, always lock your car and don’t leave valuables in sight. Petty theft from cars isn’t rampant, but rental cars can be targeted in tourist spots. Some rental cars have a sticker or licence plate code identifying them as rentals, if you spot one, you might want to remove or cover any rental company stickers on the vehicle to make it less obvious. Never leave passports, cash, or electronics visible. If you have luggage, try to put it in the boot before you arrive at your parking location (so no one sees you stashing it). Use secure car parks (underground garages or attended lots) when possible in big cities. 

Also, be mindful that parking spaces in older towns can be tiny. Those narrow cobbled streets were designed for horse carriages, not SUVs! It’s common to see cars parked millimetres apart, with slight bumper dings considered no big deal. In fact, local drivers sometimes nudge cars when parallel parking , a gentle tap to the car behind or in front to inch into a tight spot is not unheard of. As a visitor, you’ll want to avoid participating in the bumper-car routine. Choose a spot with a comfortable gap, even if it means walking a bit further. If you return to find a new scratch or ding on your rental, it might be from an enthusiastic parker who squeezed out, another reason why having that excess insurance is a good idea. 

Driving Tip: Opt for a smaller car when renting, if possible. Not only is a compact car usually cheaper, it’s better suited for Spain’s narrow streets and snug parking spaces. A smaller car will be easier to manoeuvre through medieval village lanes and easier to parallel park on a busy city street. Plus, fuel is expensive in Europe (around €1.70,€2.00 per litre), so a fuel-efficient compact will save you money on petrol too. Unless you absolutely need a large vehicle, go small and enjoy a smoother driving experience. 

Local Driving Etiquette: Spanish drivers are generally competent and used to tourists on the road. In resort areas especially, they tend to be patient with foreign drivers. However, driving culture does have some quirks: 

• Expect quicker lane-changing and overtaking on highways , Spanish drivers often keep less distance than Brits might be used to (tailgating can happen, but don’t take it personally; just keep calm and let faster cars pass when they can). 
• The use of the horn: legally, the horn should only be used to warn of danger or to alert another driver of your presence. In practice, you might hear the occasional frustrated honk in city traffic, but it’s not constant. If someone behind you hoots, it might be a gentle prod if you’re stationary too long after a light turns green, for example. 
• Flashing headlights from someone behind you usually means they intend to overtake, common on highways if you’re in the left lane. Safely move to the right to let them by. 
• On roundabouts, the rules are similar to the UK (vehicles already on the roundabout have priority over those entering). One difference: on multi-lane roundabouts, Spanish drivers sometimes take a less orthodox approach to lanes (cutting across to exit). Always signal your exits and be extra cautious if you’re in the inner lane that you don’t miss your exit. 
• “Gracias” wave: If you let someone in or yield, many Spanish drivers will give a quick thank-you flash of the hazard lights, or a wave over the shoulder. Feel free to do the same to show courtesy, it’s appreciated but not as universally expected as in the UK. 

Rural Roads & Special Challenges: If your travels take you into the countryside, be prepared for different driving conditions. Mountain roads, especially in areas like the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada, can be steep and winding with sharp hairpin bends. Always use lower gears to control your speed on descents and don’t ride the brakes too hard to avoid overheating. In winter, high elevations can get snow , if you’re headed to ski areas or mountain villages between November and March, ask the rental company for snow chains (cadenas para nieve) or winter tyres. Some mountain passes require chains in winter weather, and police can stop you from proceeding if you don’t have them when needed. 

In rural regions, you might encounter slow-moving farm vehicles (tractors) or even livestock on the road. It’s common in some agricultural areas for goats or sheep to cross , there will usually be warning signs with a cow or sheep icon where this is frequent. Take it slow around blind corners in these areas. Cyclists are another common sight, especially on scenic routes. Spanish law requires giving cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking. If the road is too narrow to pass safely, be patient and wait until it widens; do not squeeze by too closely, as this is both dangerous and heavily fined if caught. Often cyclists ride in groups , once the group passes, normal traffic resumes. 

Many villages have raised pedestrian crossings or speed bumps (sometimes locally referred to as “topes” or “badenes”) to slow down traffic. These can be quite high. Pay attention to warning signs (a triangular bump symbol or “Paso de peatones” for a zebra crossing) and slow right down, or you might scrape the bottom of your car. Topes are common at the entrance to towns, near schools, and in residential streets , they’re not always painted vividly, so keep an eye out. 

Spain’s driving environment can present an interesting mix: one moment you’re on a modern highway, the next on a cobbled lane barely wide enough for a Fiat 500. Embrace it as part of the adventure. A bit of caution and adaptability goes a long way. As one travel writer put it, from the narrow streets of historic centres to rough rural tracks in the countryside, driving in Spain can be challenging , it’s easy to scrape a wheel on a tight village lane or bottom-out on an uneven track. But with the right mindset, you’ll handle these challenges just fine. Go slow in old town streets, use your mirrors and maybe have your passenger help watch the sides. If a street truly looks too tight , it might be! Don’t be afraid to park and explore on foot if roads get ridiculously narrow. 

Tips for UK Travellers Driving in Spain 

For Brits taking on Spanish roads, here’s a quick recap of UK-specific tips and reminders to ensure a smooth experience: 

• Remember to Drive on the Right: It sounds obvious, but it’s the number one habit change. Many UK drivers mentally remind themselves each morning or after each stop. A common trick is sticking a Post-it note on the dashboard with an arrow or “Right!” as a gentle reminder, especially useful at roundabouts or turns onto empty roads where there are no other cars to cue you. 
• KM/H, Not MPH: All speeds in Spain are in kilometres per hour. 120 km/h is about 75 mph. Your rental car’s speedometer will likely have km/h as the primary reading. If you drive your own UK car, the mph markings are prominent, so use the inner km/h scale. Be extra careful in understanding the speed limits and converting in your head if needed. 
• UK “GB” Sticker vs Euro Plates: As mentioned, display a UK sticker on your car if you’ve driven over from the UK (or ensure your number plate has the UK country code with the Union Jack). Spanish authorities require the country identifier on the vehicle. If you rent a car in Spain, it will have Spanish plates so you don’t need any stickers. 
• Headlight Converters: If you brought your UK-right-hand-drive car, your headlights will dip to the left , into oncoming traffic. You’ll need those beam deflector stickers on your headlights when driving at night to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. Rentals in Spain will have no issue since they’re left-hand-drive cars designed for right-side driving. 
• Sat-Nav & Apps: Use a reliable navigation app (Google Maps, Waze, etc.) to help with directions and real-time traffic. If your mobile plan doesn’t include EU roaming, download offline maps of Spain in Google Maps or use a sat-nav device. Roads are well-marked, but a GPS will greatly ease the stress of navigation, especially in cities with complex one-way systems. Just remember, if using your phone for navigation, mount it on a holder , handling the phone while driving is illegal. 
• Fuel: Unleaded petrol is called “Gasolina 95” (for 95 octane, which is standard) or 98 for premium. Diesel is “Gasóleo” or sometimes just labeled “Diesel”. They are clearly differentiated by nozzle size and typically a green handle for gasoline and black for diesel (opposite of the UK convention!). Double-check you’re using the right fuel, if you rent a diesel car, it may have a sticker saying “Diesel” on the fuel flap or key fob. Fuel is priced per litre and you’ll often fill your own tank then pay inside the station kiosk. Note: some stations, especially in rural areas or during siesta hours, might be fully automatic , you’ll need to use a bank card at the pump. These usually have instructions in multiple languages. 
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC): Don’t forget to pack your EHIC/GHIC card (the little blue health card). If you have an accident or fall ill, this card entitles UK travellers to Spanish state healthcare on the same terms as locals. It’s not a replacement for travel insurance, but it’s an important safety net for emergencies. Ensure your card is still in date (many older EHICs expired around 2025, but you can replace it with the new GHIC easily). And of course, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended whenever you’re abroad , it will cover things EHIC/GHIC doesn’t, like medical evacuation or private treatment if needed. 
• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 in Spain for any emergency (police, fire, ambulance , it’s the general EU emergency number, like 999 in the UK). Operators should speak English if you request it. It’s a good idea to save the number in your phone, just in case. 

With these pointers in mind, UK drivers usually find that after the first day or two, driving in Spain becomes second nature. The roads are familiar enough, and you’ll start enjoying the differences, perhaps appreciating the more relaxed motorway pace (120 km/h feels leisurely) or the novelty of cruising in the sunshine on the “wrong” side of the road. Give yourself time to adapt, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you instinctively head to the wrong side of the car when getting in, we’ve all done it! 

Enjoy the Journey , and Final Preparations 

Driving a rental in Spain is one of the best ways to explore this diverse country. In a single road trip you can go from sunny beaches to snowy mountains, from vibrant cities to tranquil villages. The freedom to set your own schedule is unbeatable. By understanding the local laws and customs, and preparing the right documents, you’ve already set yourself up for success. So when you’re out there on a Spanish autopista with the open road ahead, you can relax and enjoy the experience. 

Before you set off, let’s do a quick recap of what to double-check: valid licence (and IDP if needed), passport, rental contract, and any insurance papers, got ’em? Program your sat-nav or maps for your next destination. Adjust your mirrors, remember it’s right-hand traffic, and you’re good to go. Spain awaits, with its winding coastal roads, charming pueblos, and scenic sierras. 

One more pro-tip: secure your car rental excess insurance in advance. Unexpected bumps or scrapes can happen to even the most careful drivers, a tight parking spot in Barcelona or a stray rock on a mountain road could leave you facing a €500 bill. With an excess policy in place, you won’t have to worry. Gigasure’s Spain Car Hire Excess Insurance is designed for travellers like you, to take the financial stress out of any mishaps. It covers those big excess charges that Spanish rental agreements carry, and it does so at a low cost compared to the rental company’s options. In other words, it lets you focus on the fun of driving in Spain, not the “what if” fears. 

So, as you pack your bags and plan your itinerary, grab a quote for Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance for Spain, it’s quick and could save you a lot of money and hassle. Then, with that sorted, you can drive off into the Spanish sunset with total peace of mind, knowing you’re protected. 

¡Buen viaje! Safe travels, and enjoy every moment on the Spanish roads. With the right prep and the coverage you need, you’ll have a fantastic and worry-free driving adventure.