Car Hire in Southampton, United Kingdom

Always keep your rental agreement, identification, and insurance information easily accessible during your rental period. This can help resolve any issues quickly.

Ensure that you have a valid driving licence with at least one year of driving experience. If you are a foreign driver travelling to Southampton, an international driving permit may be required. Remember, hire rates can be higher for drivers under 25 or over 70

When renting a car from Southampton, choose a car hire deal with a “Full-to-Full” or “Same-to-Same” fuel policy from suppliers like National, Europcar, AVIS,Alamo, These policies ensure you only pay for the fuel you use, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. While a “Full-to-Empty” policy might seem convenient, it can often be more expensive if you don’t use all the fuel.

Before leaving the rental location, inspect the car for any existing damage and ensure it’s documented. Take photos if necessary to avoid disputes when returning the vehicle.

Renting outside busy areas can reduce costs and parking challenges.

Some rental companies offer a free tank of fuel with your rental. Be sure to understand the terms, including how much fuel you need to return the car with and any potential fees for not meeting these conditions.

To secure the best rates, book your car hire at least 2 weeks in advance. Generally, December offers the lowest prices for car hires in Southampton.

Research fuel prices in the area where you'll return the vehicle. Filling up at a local station may be cheaper than paying for fuel through the rental company, especially if they charge higher rates.