Renting a Car in Menorca: A First-Timer’s Guide
If you’re heading to Menorca and thinking about renting a car, we have put together our decades long car hire experiences - including avoiding the potential 'Gotchas' (tricks). Wise booking tips and avoiding a nasty surprise in the first hours is the BEST way to start any Menorca Holiday.
Menorca is DIFFERENT
Just like the island itself things don't always follow what you are maybe used to else where in Spain. So, if you are a Pro cheapest price chaser, first time hiring a car , had a previous bad experience? we've have you covered with this non nonsense guide based on Menorca's realities and what really matters when researching, booking, pick up/dropping off a rental car in Menorca.
Why Renting a Car in Menorca Is Worth It
Menorca may be small, but it's treasures are scattered, often not on bus routes, and accessed along small rural roads. Public buses reach only a handful of all Menorca's sights and interesting places and your holiday is short! With a car, you’re free to stay late in towns ( best experience in summer ), to chase sunsets ( even total eclipses ), pull over for photo stops, or take spontaneous detours to explore old villages, lighthouses and hilltop viewpoints - plus there are those amazing countryside restaurants.
Bus Service is no match
Aside from the obvious lack of services all year round to/from beach resorts, the crowded buses at peak time the absolute PLUS of a hire car is not missing out on Menorca's sunsets and the vibrancy of local life in the City and towns ( summer evening markets, harbourside nights).
Rough Track Roads to Beaches
Good to know
Some of Menorca’s best beaches and coves are down unpaved rural tracks. They’re drivable, but :
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Expect stoney & dusty tracks, small rocks and potholes.
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Standard cars are fine as long as you take it gently. SUVs and off roaders come at a premium price!
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Insurance often doesn’t cover damage from driving on non ashphalt ( paved ) roads — so drive with care.
Parking in Menorca - Relax, it’s not Majorca
Good news: Off road Public parking spaces in Menorca are often free, generally inexpensive especially if you follow our 'know how'- Parking. However street parking needs caution ( high kerbs, scratches/dents, Wing Mirror damage).
If you’re exploring during July–August, arrive at beaches early — by late morning, many official car parks fill up.
Other Menorca factors
Manual vs Automatic
Manual cars are the default in Menorca and they’re usually cheaper. However:
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Automatics are available but very limited in number - more expensive
They sell out early, especially in July and August - Book early!
Limited Supply
There is a proposed limit (120k to include residents cars) to be in place before the 2026 season reducing no. of rentals vehicles on the island - larger supplier fleets are imported in for summer, exported out for winter. Expect political fireworks and 'low cost' suppliers not having enough vehicles?
Cars must stay on Menorca
Rental cars are rarely allowed to leave the island so no ferry trips to Majorca. Equally renting in Majorca for Menorca is an unlikely option.
Menorca and best cars?
Oversized vehicles will struggle on Menorca's many narrow roads and tight shaded parking spots. There are no mountain roads on Menorca. Small engined cars with A/C full on in 30+ Degrees heat will labour on longer hills.
Can I rent an electric car? Very few agencies have electric cars, but it's a viable option, as the island is small and you'll find charging stations.
Finally, many suppliers operate a min age of 25 for drivers - additional costs may apply for exceptions.
Understand the Basics of Rentals - Insurance etc
30 Secs MUST read
Buying some insurance to reduce your excess is called CDW when purchased from the car hire company and Excess Reimbursement Insurance (ERI) when you buy from a 3rd party.
Keyword is Reimbursement! and naturally any ERI policy is a reliable payer of claims, ideally covering everything missing from the car supplier's CDW/Comprehensive policy like underside damage, key loss, faulty refuelling.
Car Hire Insurance language - 3rd-Party, CDW, Comprehensive, Excess
What you must know and what you really need
Here’s where car hire can go from simple to confusing. In Spain ( Menorca ) , third-party liability insurance is always included by law so it's in the price! — but this only covers damage you cause to other people, another car or property. It does not protect the rental car itself. To insure against damage to, or theft of, the car you need ADDITIONAL insurance.
This is why rental companies offer :
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CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) - limits your financial liability if the hire car is damaged.
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Theft protection (TP) - limits your financial liability if the rental car is stolen
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zero-excess or full-coverage packages
Why CDW / TP alone may not be enough
Even when CDW is included/purchased, rentals often carry a high excess (the amount YOU must pay if the car is damaged/stolen). This amount varies widely and can be €500–€2,500. ... and much more for a higher end car!. Also damage to certain items might not be covered eg Damage to underside of car ,to wheels or rims,loss or damage to car keys,filling with wrong fuel
Reducing your Excess
- Have a Comprensive policy with no excess - can add significantly to daily rate!
- Purchase Excess Insurance Policy ERI
Comprehensive insurance - once is enough!
You may already be insured through your credit card or membership of an automobile club. Find out in advance so that you are not unnecessarily insured twice.
Savy frequent Hire Car renters AVOID purchasing fully comprehensive insurance with no excess directly from the car rental broker - its usually well overpriced! Car rental companies don't earn anything from the insurance through a third-party provider and try to force their own fully comprehensive policy on you. Refuse if you already have insurance!
Excess Insurance Policies ERI - how it works
IMPORTANT the correct name is Excess Reimbursement Insurance (ERI) - the often left off Reimbursement is the key - you may still pay excess immediately and then claim back!
✔ Tip: Use Your Own 3rd-Party Excess Reimbursement Policy
Many travellers buy a independent excess insurance policy online before travelling. These policies cover the excess portion if anything happens — often saving money compared to rental-company rates. Just note:
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If there’s damage, the Car rental company may still charge your card first and you claim it back from your independent insurer - Claim may not be covered / take a while before monies transfered / leave you short of head room on cards.
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Always photograph the car at pick-up and drop-off to avoid disputes.
In Summary buying some insurance to reduce your excess is called CDW when purchased from the car hire company and Excess Reimbursement Insurance (ERI) when you buy from a 3rd party - keyword is Reimbursement! and naturally that ERI policy is a reliable payer of claims and ideally covers everything missing from the car supplier's CDW/Comprehensive policy like underside damage,key loss,faulty refuelling
Deposits, Debit Cards and Credit Cards
What’s the Deal?
This is one area that catches Menorca Holiday makers out.
Credit card preferred
Most Menorca Car Rental companies require a credit card ( but not all!) in the main driver’s name. They use it to block a security deposit (often €300–€2,000+) until you return the car. Note this has an impact of your 'available to spend' balance until the block is released. Poor customer service may mean the release is held for 2 weeks.
Debit cards? - accepted sometimes…
If the Rental company requires a security deposit this can be a significant sum that is taken immediately and unlike a Credit Card there is no Block/Reserved sum facility - money you might need in an emergency!
Some companies accept debit cards, but may:
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Require you to buy their full insurance package in case of Damages,
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Or they may limit the types of cars you can rent.
In summary : If you only have a debit card, check the rental company’s policy before booking to avoid last-minute surprises eg booking online goes through with a debit card but when you arrive they insist on a Credit Card and will not release the car to you without forcing an expensive insurance policy on you .
Finding a Trustworthy Car Rental Company on Menorca
Big isn't always best
It's only relatively recently that big brand spanish rental companies (Goldcar,Record Go,Centauro and OK Mobility) have been operating on Menorca. Before that a few of the global brands (Hertz,Avis/Budget). But much of the Rentals cars were supplied by a few small ( often Ex Pat ) local Hire Car companies and they built up solid, decades long trustworthy businesses. Menorca is very small and bad behaviour travels fast!! - especially amongst the regular and passionate visitors to Menorca.
Above you will have read about all Insurances ( and gotchas )...The good news is many of the local smaller car hire companies prices INCLUDE COMPREHENSIVE WITH NO EXCESS as standard - plus other benefits too like NO DEPOSIT reservations , Pay on Arrival , Free additional drivers, Pick Up & Drop off a few yards from the Airport Terminal - No offsite shuttle.
Rentals cars from The Tour Operator?
Word of Caution Operators will only every partner with big hire car suppliers ( and those offering great commissions) - use extreme diligence! never book without knowing the company name of the actual vehicle supplier!!!. Forums/Socials are full of people saying we've booked with Operator X No! you have entered a contract VIA Operator X the legal contact is with the end supplier.
Rental Car Comparison Sites Pros and Cons
Car rental comparison sites can be money and time savers. Word of caution - booking based on attractive 'Headline prices' you may risk ending up with unexpected costs, pressure to buy expensive extras or complications if the provider is unreliable. Menorca is a different case as many of the good local companies are simply NEVER listed - ...more Pros and Cons
We recommend Zest Car Rental - Which? Recommended Provider.
Finally check out Menorca facebook groups for reassurance.
Damage Claims: How to Protect Yourself
Most companies are fair, The rogue companies will try it on even trying to claim 'as new damges' for existing underside scratches ( GOLDCAR ) so to avoid any arguments:
Good to Know about Car Hire on Menorca
Get into good habits when dealing with car rentals
Smaller locally owned rental companies may buy their vehicles and because they are not locked into a strict lease contract where the return condition of the car can be critical they are less stringent on small scratches, small dents etc.
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Film a slow walk-around video when collecting the car
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Check wheels, mirrors, bumpers, and the windscreen. MOST IMPORTANTLY the front * rear underside as curbs on Menorca can be very high
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When returning it, hand it over to staff if you can rather than leaving it unattended
Five minutes of photos can save stress later.
Good Practices : If the company blocked amounts on a credit card ensure there is a written dated protocol signed by you and company representative that states fuel level and car has been returned in accordance with the terms and that the card amount will be returned within a confirmed period.
Driving off - Stress-Free Exploring Awaits
Renting a car in Menorca gives you freedom few islands can match. Once you’ve sorted the essentials — insurance, deposits, car type the rest is pure Mediterranean bliss: turquoise waters, pine-covered coves, cliffside sunsets and scenic countryside roads.
Take it slow, enjoy every detour and remember that Menorca is an island best enjoyed by discovery with a light itinerary :-)
Go slow, enjoy the scenery, and don’t feel pressured by any impatient drivers behind you. Locals are used to 'leisurely' tourists.
Traffic police may well stop you if they see a child not in the correct seating!
What to check when collecting/returning a Hire Car
Don't skip a photo/video of vehicle for existing damage/condition ( make sure it's reported if missing from known defects) - extended list of checks
Driving Abroad for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect
If you’ve never rented a car, drive abroad before, Menorca is actually an easy paced practice ground. Traffic is generally light outside the main towns and paved roads are well-maintained.
A few tips for first-time in Menorca drivers
Once you start exploring, you’ll realise that Menorca rewards slow, easy driving. And that’s perfect for anyone still finding their confidence behind the wheel.
Save for Later
Who is responsible for paying fines?
Speeding Fines and Parking Tickets
Myths - Brexit means you can leave Menorca with unpaid parking tickets and traffic fines. FALSE! Police can issue on the spot fines including for incorrect child seating in rentak cars (Taxis). Hire car companies will simply pass on your details to the police and you will eventually receive a notification. UK authorities are ramping up sharing DVLA's database of names and addresses.
Related Guides ...
The European Consumer Center (ECC) advice on 'tricks' used by some car rental companies
The European Consumer Center (ECC) - Car Rental companies to take extra care with