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Why Compare Car Hire & Rental Deals?

Whether it’s an SUV for a family holiday, a compact for a business trip, or a luxury car for that romantic getaway, you can find it here. We work with trusted global rental brands to help you find the right vehicle at the best price. Simply enter your location and dates to view live offers from top providers, all in one place.

Let us do the shopping around for you. We are free to use and do not charge extras on top of your quoted rate. Booking a car rental has never been so easy. Our comparison tool quickly checks prices from leading rental companies and ranks results by vehicle type, brand and lowest price, saving you time and effort. Review our special offers for business and leisure trips today and start saving. Planning a trip abroad? Don’t forget to compare travel insurance options too.

How To Get Cheap Car Rentals

couple on holidays holding a car key

Looking for affordable car rental in Europe or abroad? Booking your holiday is the easy part; it’s the extras like insurance and vehicle hire that can trip people up. Make sure you know what your rental includes before buying online. Here are a few key things to consider when booking a car rental.

Size Matters

Take a look at both large and small rentals. You may be surprised at what you find. Small and compact cars are not generally the cheapest, as they are always in high demand.

Book in Advance

It would help to compare car rentals and book in advance to get a good deal. Consider searching for deals a few months before your arrival date. Rates can be expensive the closer you get to peak season.

Car Hire Excess

Car hire excess is the excess amount you must pay towards accidental damage to the car. This type of cover can be expensive to buy at the airport. Shop around and compare prices before you travel.

Rental Extras

Again, savvy customers should avoid expensive car hire extras such as roof racks or child seats by bringing their own. These extras may include child booster seats, snow chains, etc.

Sat Nav

Adding a sat nav feature to your car rental may be expensive. Consider using a phone app or buying a new Sat Nav to take with you on your trip. You may be surprised at how much you can save.

Fuel Policy

Choose the fuel policy that suits you; there are two main types: full tank and empty tank. There is no point in choosing the full tank if you will not use it. See our FAQs below for further details.

Popular destinations include major cities across Ireland and Europe, such as Dublin, Cork, Lisbon, and Malaga. We have teamed up with CarTrawler for car rentals. Terms and conditions apply. Please note CarTrawler collects all payments. Renting a car has never been simpler. As an Irish-owned site, we partner with trusted global brands to bring you the best deals at home and abroad.

Why Book with CompareTravel.ie?

Checking prices across multiple rental providers helps you find the best value and vehicle for your trip, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or a spacious SUV for a family trip!

car hire agent assisting customer with rental car

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to pick up the car?

To pick up your car, here’s what you’ll likely need to have ready at the rental desk:

The required documentation may vary depending on your location and supplier. It’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions to ensure you have everything covered. And remember, all documents must be in the main driver’s name.

How do I cancel my booking?

No worries, cancelling your booking is simple. You can cancel online through the Manage Booking section. Depending on your booking, you can cancel up to 24 or 48 hours before your pick-up time. If it’s less than that, an additional fee may apply as outlined in your policy. For all the details, check the Booking Terms and Conditions.

Can I edit my booking?

You can easily make changes to your booking through the Manage Booking section on our website. Once logged in, use the Jump to section to quickly navigate to the specific area you want. Here, you can:

Keep in mind that changes depend on availability, and once you’ve picked up the vehicle, further edits won’t be possible.

If you make changes at least 48 or 24 hours before your pick-up (depending on your amendment policy), there won’t be any extra charges for adjustments. However, please note that pricing is dynamic, so costs might vary.

Can I change the dates or times of my booking?

Yes, you can. Simply visit the Manage Booking section. Use the Jump to section, select Pick-up Location and choose the Edit option to adjust your dates or times.

Changes can be made anytime up to your scheduled pick-up, but they’re subject to availability. Just a heads-up: since pricing is live and based on availability, rates may increase as your pick-up date gets closer.

What is the excess on the policy?

The excess is the amount you pay if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. Most car hire packages include basic cover but still leave an excess. Some policies offer optional excess protection for extra peace of mind.

Does the condition of the rental vehicle matter?

Yes, always ask your agent to look at the vehicle when you return the keys to confirm that it is in good condition. Please note that if you have caused any damage, take a few photos for your records.

What type of car hire fuel policies are available?

Fuel policy is one of the most important (and sometimes costliest) parts of any car rental agreement:

1. You collect the car with a full tank and return it full:

This option lets you control the fuel cost by allowing you to refill the tank at a garage before returning the vehicle. This option may be cheaper than buying a full fuel tank from the rental desk, especially if you do not need it. Plus, the rental company may not offer a reasonable price per litre.

Please note: if the car hire firm gives you the option of picking up the rental with a half or quarter tank of fuel, you must return the rental with the same fuel level.

2. You collect the rental with a full tank but return it empty:

This option may be expensive as you pay the rental company for a full fuel tank. However, this option may suit the busy business executive who wants to avoid the hassle of driving around looking for a garage. Another downside of this fuel policy is that you do not get credit for fuel left in the tank.

Flying soon? Check out our Airport Car Hire page to compare rental deals and pick-up options at airports across Europe and worldwide.

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Start comparing cheap car hire deals today and see how much you can save.