This Rental Policy page explains the most common terms and rules you may see when booking a car through GoCar Bilbao. GoCar Bilbao is a car rental comparison and booking platform. Vehicles are provided by independent rental partners, and the final rental agreement is always between you and the selected supplier. Exact conditions can vary by supplier, car type, season, and pickup location, so always read the specific terms displayed on the booking page and in your voucher.

1) Booking and Confirmation

When you book on GoCar Bilbao, you select a specific offer from a rental partner and complete the reservation online. After successful booking, you will receive a confirmation/voucher with the main rental details, pickup instructions, and supplier contact information (when provided by the partner).

Check your pickup and drop-off times and locations carefully.
Make sure the driver name matches the driving licence.
Review the payment method, deposit rules, and insurance conditions shown on your voucher.

2) Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods depend on the rental partner and the specific offer. Some offers may allow payment by debit card, while others require a credit card, especially for security deposits or pre-authorisations. Payment rules are shown on the offer details during booking.

Credit card may be required for deposit/pre-authorisation on many offers.
Debit card may be accepted on selected offers, depending on supplier rules.
Cash is not commonly accepted for major airport rentals and usually has strict conditions when available.

3) Deposits and Pre-Authorisation

A deposit is a refundable amount used as a security guarantee. Many suppliers take a pre-authorisation (a temporary hold) on the driver’s payment card. Deposit amounts and methods vary. Some offers may be available with low deposit or no deposit, but availability depends on partners and vehicle groups.

Important notes:

The deposit is separate from the rental price.
Pre-authorisation release time depends on your bank and may take several business days after return.
Deposit rules can differ for premium vehicles, SUVs, automatics, and young drivers.

4) No Credit Card Offers

Some offers may be available without a credit card. These offers can have specific requirements, such as debit card acceptance rules, higher document verification, limited vehicle categories, or different deposit policies. If you need a car without a credit card, always select the appropriate filter (when available) and confirm the requirements listed on the chosen offer.

5) Driver Requirements

Rental partners set driver eligibility rules. These commonly include minimum age, licence validity period, and potential young driver or senior driver fees. Some suppliers restrict certain car categories by age.

Minimum age varies by supplier and car group.
Driving licence must be valid and presented at pickup.
Additional driver may be available for a fee and must meet the same requirements.

6) Required Documents at Pickup

You must present the documents required by the supplier at pickup. In most cases these include:

Valid driving licence (held for the minimum period required by the supplier).
Passport or national ID (depending on your nationality and supplier rules).
Payment method required by the offer (credit card or debit card where accepted).
Booking voucher/confirmation (digital or printed).

Some suppliers may request additional verification, such as proof of address or return travel details, depending on the offer conditions.

7) Insurance and Coverage

Insurance options depend on the supplier and the selected offer. Common terms include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), and additional full coverage products that may reduce the excess/deductible. Always check what is included and what is optional on the offer page.

Excess/deductible is the amount you may be responsible for in case of damage, even with basic coverage.
Full coverage may reduce excess, but exclusions may apply (for example, wheels, glass, roof, underbody, interior, keys, and negligence).
Security deposit can still apply even when additional coverage is purchased, depending on the supplier.

8) Fuel Policy

Fuel rules are shown on the offer. The most common policy is full-to-full, meaning you receive the car with a full tank and return it full. Other policies may be offered by some suppliers. Keep fuel receipts when refuelling close to drop-off in case questions arise.

9) Mileage and Usage

Some rentals include unlimited mileage, while others include a daily/total limit. Mileage rules are listed on the offer page. Always check this if you plan long road trips around the Basque Country or across Northern Spain.

10) Cross-Border Travel and Restrictions

Driving outside Spain may require prior approval and may involve an extra fee, insurance adjustments, or restricted countries. If cross-border travel is important for your trip, select an offer that clearly allows it and follow the supplier process. Unauthorized cross-border driving can void coverage.

11) Pick-Up and Drop-Off Rules

Arrive on time with all required documents. The supplier may have rules about late pickup, no-show situations, or changes to your booking. For drop-off, return the vehicle on time, in the agreed location, and in the condition required by the supplier (including fuel level). Late returns can trigger additional charges.

12) Vehicle Inspection and Damage

Before leaving the pickup location, inspect the vehicle and ensure all existing scratches or damage are recorded. Take photos or video for your records. At drop-off, follow the supplier procedure for return inspection. You may be charged for new damage, missing items, excessive dirt, smoking violations, or lost keys depending on the supplier terms.

13) Fines, Tolls, and Traffic Violations

Drivers are responsible for traffic fines, tolls, parking tickets, and related administrative fees. Some suppliers may charge an administration fee for processing fines. Use paid parking where required and follow local road rules to avoid penalties.

14) Amendments, Cancellations, and Refunds

Cancellation and modification policies depend on the booking conditions of the selected offer. Always check your confirmation for the exact rules. If free cancellation is included, it will be stated clearly on the booking page and in your voucher, including the deadline and any exceptions.

15) Customer Support

Before booking, GoCar Bilbao support can help you understand the offer conditions displayed on the website. After booking, the rental partner is responsible for vehicle delivery and pickup procedures. Supplier contact details are provided in your booking confirmation so you can coordinate directly about meeting points, arrival time, and car handover.

Final Note

This Rental Policy is a general guide. The final and legally binding terms are the supplier’s rental agreement and the conditions shown on your chosen offer and voucher. If you have any questions, review the offer details carefully before booking to ensure the car and conditions match your needs.