Spain car‑rental sector warns tourists of hidden fees this summer

Spain’s car‑hire market expects a busy summer, with the national vehicle‑rental federation (FENEVAL) forecasting around 92,800 vehicle registrations between May and September 2026 – a 5.5% increase over the previous year. In May 2026 the country received 11.1 million international air passengers, the United Kingdom providing the largest share at roughly 2.7 million.

Consumer organisations caution that the advertised rental price often omits compulsory charges. Travelers are urged to verify payment methods, security deposits, fuel policies, optional extras and insurance coverage before signing. The Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission found that about one‑third of Irish holiday‑makers paid more than expected, with hidden toll and fuel fees a common cause. Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the consumer group OCU have highlighted a lack of transparency in contract clauses, premium‑insurance terms, deposit refunds and airport surcharges.

The advice aims to prevent disputes over credit‑card deposits, damage assessments and unexpected excess fees that can turn a low headline price into a costly final bill for tourists arriving at airports such as Málaga, Alicante, Palma, Madrid or Barcelona.