If you’re planning to rent a car while traveling in a Spanish-speaking country, knowing a few key phrases in Spanish can make the process smoother and help you avoid unexpected costs or misunderstandings.
In this post, you’ll learn essential vocabulary and questions to ask at a car rental agency—covering requirements, insurance, extra charges, and more.
✅ First Things First: General Questions at the Rental Office
These are some common and polite ways to ask for help or begin your conversation:
- ¿Qué necesito para rentar un carro / coche?
What do I need to rent a car?
(Note: “carro” is more common in Latin America, “coche” in Spain.) - ¿Cuáles son los requisitos?
What are the requirements? - ¿Necesito una licencia de conducir internacional?
Do I need an international driver’s license?
💰 Asking About Price and Hidden Charges
Make sure you know what’s included in the price—and what’s not:
- ¿Cuánto cuesta por día?
How much is it per day? - ¿Hay cargos adicionales?
Are there additional charges? - ¿Está incluido el seguro?
Is insurance included? - ¿Qué cubre el seguro?
What does the insurance cover? - ¿Cuánto es el depósito?
How much is the deposit? - ¿Tienen tarifas especiales para una semana o más?
Do you have special rates for a week or more?
🛡 Insurance and Coverage Vocabulary
Understanding car rental insurance is crucial when renting abroad:
- Seguro contra todo riesgo – Full coverage insurance
- Seguro a terceros – Liability insurance
- Seguro con deducible – Insurance with deductible
- Sin deducible – Zero-deductible insurance
- Daños al vehículo – Damage to the vehicle
- Robo – Theft
- Asistencia en carretera – Roadside assistance
📌 Example question:
¿El seguro incluye asistencia en carretera?
Does the insurance include roadside assistance?
⛽️ Other Important Questions You Might Need
- ¿Qué tipo de combustible usa el coche?
What type of fuel does the car use? - ¿Tengo que devolver el tanque lleno?
Do I need to return the tank full? - ¿Cuántos kilómetros están incluidos?
How many kilometers are included? - ¿Puedo cruzar la frontera con el coche?
Can I cross the border with the car? - ¿Hay cargos por entregar el coche en otra ciudad?
Are there fees for returning the car in a different city?
📝 Final Tips for Renting a Car Abroad
- Double-check the insurance coverage. Some countries require extra local insurance even if you booked online.
- Ask for all charges in writing. Get a copy of the contract in English or have someone explain it to you.
- Know the traffic rules. Speed limits, parking regulations, and fines can vary greatly by country.
- Inspect the car before driving off. Note any scratches or damage and take pictures.
- Use one of the phrases above to clarify anything you don’t understand!
🧳 Quick Reference: Car Rental Vocabulary in Spanish
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Car rental | Alquiler de coches / renta de carros |
| Rental agency | Agencia de alquiler |
| Insurance | Seguro |
| Driver’s license | Licencia de conducir |
| Additional driver | Conductor adicional |
| Deposit | Depósito |
| Gasoline | Gasolina |
| Tank | Tanque |
| Key | Llave |
| Contract | Contrato |
Learning just a few useful phrases in Spanish will make your car rental experience easier and stress-free. Whether you’re exploring volcanoes in Costa Rica or road-tripping through Mexico, a little Spanish goes a long way 🚗🌎
Want to travel with confidence in Latin America? Join one of our Spanish Immersion Programs and explore while learning real-world Spanish!
