Frequently Asked Questions.

Cancellation Protection can only be purchased when making a booking. When added to your booking, this entitles you to cancel your booking and receive a full refund, minus the charge for the Cancellation Protection.

The only exception to this is in the event of a no-show, where no money will be refunded.

If you must cancel your booking within 48 hours of the booking being placed, the cost of the cancellation protection will also be refunded.

Cancellation Protection costs £0.50 per rental day with a minimum charge of £2.50 and a maximum charge of £10.00 per booking.

When a booking is placed on our website and the car rental supplier has confirmed that a vehicle is available, the rental cost including fees for top-up insurance and cancellation protection will be debited immediately.

Any fees for additional extras such as child seats or any out of hours fees will be payable to the car rental supplier in local currency upon collection of the vehicle.

As soon as your booking is confirmed by the car rental provider, we will take full payment and issue you with a pre-paid voucher. You must present this to the car rental provider when collecting the vehicle.

When getting a quote on our website, if the car rental provider has a desk in the airport and/or the vehicle is to be collected at the airport, this information is displayed on the search results page next to each vehicle under the heading Collection info.

Once you have made a booking and this has been confirmed, the full details of the collection procedure will be provided on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

If you have any further questions regarding collection information, please contact us.

Nobody can match our prices on a like for like basis.

Our prices always include collision damage waiver with zero excess liability, unlimited mileage, a fair fuel policy and no credit card fees. We also offer lots of deals with a free additional driver included.

If you feel that you have found a more competitive car hire quote elsewhere, please call us on 0333 336 1554 to discuss this with our helpful Reservations Team.

Alternatively, please contact us and we will compare your quote on a like for like basis to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

A call to an 0333 number costs the same as a call to a normal home or business landline.

Unlike 08 numbers, 03 numbers cost the same to call as geographic landline numbers (starting 01 and 02), even from a mobile phone.

When viewing a quotation, the collection information for each vehicle is displayed on the search results page under the heading Collection info.

If the vehicle can be collected at the airport, it will either state: Desk and vehicle at airport or Meet and greet, vehicle at airport.

Full collection instructions will be displayed on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

Due to limited availability we are not able to accept online bookings for this vehicle, please call us on 0333 336 1554 or +44 (0)1362 852288 from outside the UK with your quote reference so we can check availability and book this vehicle.

Unlike many other car hire brokers, we request confirmation for every car hire booking. This makes sure that your booking exists in the car rental provider’s system and prevents any potential problems when you collect the vehicle. Confirmation can take up to 48 hours, but in most cases bookings are confirmed within 1-2 hours. You can login to My Account to check the status of your booking.

We do not offer discounts for booking multiple vehicles.

We do however offer a loyalty discount scheme whereby 2 loyalty points are received for each rental day booked. Once 100 points has been reached, you are entitled to a 5% discount from our standard prices and free cancellation protection on future bookings.

The car rental providers which we operate with require vehicles booked to have their own reference number and rental agreement so each vehicle required must be booked separately.

To ensure that two bookings are placed with the same car rental provider, please check the company logos displayed on the search results pages.

Alternatively, please contact us with your requirements.

We are unable to issue VAT receipts. Your booking voucher is your receipt of purchase.

We offer better service and better value than our competitors and our new name reflects our unique and fresh approach to car hire.

No. Insurance costs and cover will stay the same.

No. We're still the same company and same people. We just have a different name and website.

Our list of suppliers hasn't changed. We still aim to work with those that provide the best level of service.

We've made the booking process easier and the pricing and terms are much easier to understand. Local charges are clearly visible and you get a running total of what's payable locally.

Yes, loyalty points are still valid on the new website.

The cars and service provided by the suppliers we work with aren't affected by the changes we're making here. The suppliers are aware that we've changed our name. If there is any confusion upon collection, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Yes. Your Economy Car Hire voucher will still be accepted by the car rental supplier. However, you can login to My Account and download a new voucher which shows both the Economy Car Hire logo and the Zest Car Rental logo if you wish.

We've listened to feedback from our customers and have made improvements. The site reflects our change of brand and has a simpler, clearer layout. The new website is also much easier to use on tablets and smartphones.

Yes. Your existing email address and password can be used on the new website, and your existing bookings are still visible in My Account on the Zest Car Rental website.

If you have a UK driving licence and are renting a car in a location outside of the UK and Ireland, you do not need to obtain a DVLA code.

When hiring outside of the UK and Ireland, you need either the photocard part of your UK licence or the older style UK paper licence. More information regarding this can be found throughout the booking process by viewing the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements.

If you are hiring a car in the UK or Ireland, you will need to obtain a code to share your driving licence details which is available from the DVLA website. To obtain this, you will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode on your driving licence. The code is valid for 21 days.

When collecting a car in the UK or Ireland, car rental providers usually require your passport and additional proof of address. Please check the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements during the booking process or the pre-paid car hire voucher for more information before collecting your hire car.

The UK paper counterpart driving licence has been scrapped and is no longer issued by the DVLA. This has been replaced by a unique code which is valid for 21 days. This is available from the DVLA website.

You only need to obtain this code if you have a UK driving licence (excluding Northern Ireland) and are collecting a vehicle within the UK or Ireland. When renting a car in the UK or Ireland, you will also need your passport and additional proof of address. More information regarding this can be found throughout the booking process by clicking on the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements. Full details are also displayed on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

If you are hiring a car abroad, you just need the photocard part of the UK licence or the older style UK paper licence to collect the vehicle.

Many car rental providers in Europe will only accept licences that have been issued within the European Union. All other licences must be presented alongside an International Driver's Permit. Other car rental providers outside of Europe generally accept licences that are displayed in English or in the Roman alphabet.

However, you can check a car rental providers exact driving licence requirements throughout the booking process by viewing the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements.

Yes. The old-style UK paper driving licence is still accepted within the European Community; however, this must be presented along with photographic ID such as a passport or an International Driving Permit.

If you have a UK driving licence and are renting a car in the UK or Ireland, you must obtain a DVLA code to share your driving licence details.

To obtain this from the DVLA website, you will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode on your driving licence. The code is valid for 21 days.

When collecting a car in the UK or Ireland, car rental providers usually require your passport and additional proof of address. Please check the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements during the booking process or the pre-paid car hire voucher for more information before collecting your hire car.

The main driver must present their full original driving licence including all counterparts upon collection of the vehicle. If you do not have your original driving licence, some car rental providers may accept a DVLA Certificate of Entitlement for licences issued within the UK, which must be faxed directly from the DVLA to the supplier's office. Please contact us and a member of the Reservations Team can check which companies will accept the DVLA certificate.

Many car rental providers may also accept a faxed copy of your UK driving licence from the DVLA. You will need to check with us first if this is acceptable. The DVLA will need the fax number of the car rental provider. The DVLA charge £5 for this service and can be contacted on 0300 790 6801 or from outside the UK on +44 1792 782341.

No. None of the car rental providers that we operate with will accept a provisional driving licence. You must have held a full driving licence for the car rental providers minimum required years.

You are able to view this information during the booking process by viewing the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements.

Yes. The majority of the car rental providers with which we operate with will accept a US/Canadian driving licence.

However, many car rental providers in Europe will only accept the licence if it is presented alongside an International Driver's Permit. This can be obtained from the automotive association in the country the licence was issued. Please note that anyone holding a US/ Canadian driving licence is not eligible to hire a vehicle in the USA or Canada.

Our cancellation charges are as follows:

Within 48 hours of placing the booking there is no charge (unless within 48 hours of the rental taking place).

When cancelling after 48 hours of making the booking and up to 48 hours before the rental takes place a £15 charge is applied.

When cancelling within 48 hours of the rental taking place, the charge is 50% of the rental price, subject to a minimum £15 charge.

Credit card fees are non-refundable.

The 50% fee overrides the other cancellation terms should a new booking be made with a collection time within 48 hours’ time.

If you need to cancel your booking you will need to contact us via telephone or email and a member of the Reservations Team will explain the cancellation procedure with you and any charges incurred as a result.

To amend your booking you must contact us directly by email or telephone. We do not charge an administration fee for amendments. All changes require confirmation from the supplier before we can issue a new pre-paid voucher.

No. Should you return the hire vehicle earlier than originally arranged, as per our terms and conditions we are unable to provide a refund for the unused days.

It is your responsibility to ensure that we have the correct flight information. The car rental provider uses this information to check incoming flights and can tell if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

If your flight number has changed, or you have given us the incorrect flight information, please contact us as soon as possible.

Please contact us to discuss further options on 0333 336 1554 or +44 1362 852288 from outside the UK.

Our Reservations Team will advise you about alternative vehicles and can check availability of specialist vehicles by telephone. If you are not happy with the alternative choices, you have the option to cancel your request. Payment will have been pre-authorised at this stage, but no payment will have been taken from your account.

If you wish to keep your hire car for a longer period than you have originally booked, once you have collected the vehicle, contact us and we can liaise with the car rental provider to find out if this is possible.

It may be necessary to return to the car rental provider’s local office to sign a new rental agreement should this be agreed by them.

Additional charges may be applied when collecting the vehicle for delivery to accommodation, out-of-hours collection/return, cross border requests and one-way rental surcharges. Any additional charges are paid directly to the supplier in local currency when collecting the vehicle and are clearly stated at the time of booking.

All mandatory locally payable fees are displayed next to Additional Local Charges on the search results pages and throughout the booking process. A full breakdown of fees can be viewed by clicking on the information icon (i).

Many of the car rental providers we operate with in Portugal now offer the use of a toll transponder. This is a device which monitors the use and total charge of the toll fees. These are either pre-loaded with an amount of Euros or they monitor the amount used and you are charged at the end of the rental.

We also work with car rental suppliers that do not provide the use of a transponder. When booking with these companies, you will have to proceed to a local post office 48 hours after using the toll road. On your return to the airport you will be unable to pay the outstanding toll fees, so the local authority will send these to you in the post.

To check if a car rental supplier provides the use of the transponder, click Book this car on the search results, and navigate to the Local Charges page. Look under the heading Optional Extras, and if a transponder is available the price and information will be displayed here.

Some of the car rental providers we operate with offer an out-of-hours service, where they can provide a vehicle after their office has closed. The charge varies between companies and also upon the time of collection outside of the operating hours. If an out of hours fee is applicable, this will be displayed next to Additional Local Charges on the search results page and throughout the booking process.

REMEMBER: As we work with a number of suppliers at each location, office hours and out of hours charges can vary for each vehicle. It is advisable to check more than one vehicle to find the most favourable option for you, or contact us to find the most suitable.

It is common for car rental providers to apply an additional charge for one-way rentals. Some companies offer one-way rentals with no additional charge when the rental duration is over a certain amount of days. It is always stated at the time of booking if an additional one-way charge will be applied.

If you have requested a one-way rental, the fee for this will be displayed beside Additional Local Charges on the search results page and throughout the booking process. A full breakdown of fees can be viewed by clicking on the information icon (i).

The one way charge must be paid directly to the car rental provider in local currency.

As a UK based car hire broker, we operate with a number of car rental providers at each location, each with their own terms and conditions and charges in place for additional extras and fees. On the search results page, the vehicles displayed as available will be with different car rental providers.

The total mandatory local charges are displayed on the search results page next to the heading Additional Local Charges. A full breakdown of fees can be viewed by clicking on the information icon (i). This information is also displayed throughout the booking process and on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

Payment for all additional extras will be debited upon collection of the vehicle in local currency.

Some card issuers charge for international transactions, so it is advisable to check the terms and conditions of your credit card before travelling.

Yes. We accept payment for bookings with a debit or credit card. There is no charge for paying with a debit or credit card.

If you make a payment on a debit card for the booking, the main driver must present a credit card in their name upon collection of the vehicle.

Yes. All of the car rental providers that we operate with require the main driver to be in possession of a valid credit card to collect the vehicle. This cannot be a pre-paid credit card, debit card or AMEX.

A credit card is required to authorise a security deposit which covers parking or speeding fines, uninsured parts of the vehicle, if a claim is made when the insurance has been invalidated and to ensure the safe return of the vehicle. Failure to present a credit card upon collection may result in the car rental provider refusing to provide you with a vehicle.

When viewing a quotation, the amount of the security deposit will be displayed on each vehicle beside the heading, Security Deposit. This information is also displayed throughout the booking process.

You need to be in possession of a valid credit card to collect the vehicle. This MUST be in the name of the main driver and CANNOT be a pre-paid credit card or a debit card and must have sufficient funds available.

This enables the car rental provider to authorise a security deposit, which covers any parking or speeding fines, uninsured parts of the vehicle, fuel charges if applicable, and in the unlikely event that a claim is made when the insurance has been invalidated.

Sometimes. Not all vehicles have spare wheels. This will depend upon the manufacturer of the vehicle. If a spare tyre has not been provided, a tyre repair kit will be supplied for use in the event of a puncture.

Yes. Where available we indicate which vehicles are diesel. Where we do not state that a vehicle is diesel, a petrol or diesel vehicle could be provided. If a diesel vehicle is selected, a diesel vehicle will be provided.

Holders of UK "automatic only" driving licenses are allowed to drive any vehicle which does not have a clutch pedal. This includes vehicles with tiptronic transmission or up/down gear selection paddles.

If you wish to book a vehicle with automatic transmission, look for A for Automatic displayed next to the vehicle. You can also use Refine Results to filter the search results page to only show vehicles with automatic transmission.

Our luggage capacities are worked out using a medium-sized suitcase which has an average size of 68x44x27cm. The baggage capacity of each vehicle varies. This information can be found on the search results page of the website beside each vehicle. This information is for guidance purposes only.

If you wish to book a vehicle with automatic transmission, look for A for Automatic displayed next to the vehicle. You can also use Refine Results to filter the search results page to only show vehicles with automatic transmission.

You can also contact us and a member of the Reservations Team can generate a quotation which shows automatic vehicles only.

In most locations worldwide, we operate with car rental providers that will allow someone over the age of 70 to hire a vehicle without any additional cost.

When entering the dates and times of your hire, simply untick the box which states Driver aged between 25 & 70. A box will then appear where you can enter your age.

We will only show you available options where an older driver surcharge is NOT applicable.

In some locations we operate with car rental providers that will allow someone under the age of 25 to hire a vehicle without any additional cost.

Many car rental providers have a minimum age limit of 23 or 25 years. When entering the dates and times of your hire, simply untick the box which states Driver aged between 25 & 70. A box will then appear where you can enter your age.

We will only show you available options where a young driver surcharge is NOT applicable.

We do not require you to provide the details of any additional drivers during the booking process. For this reason, the additional driver's details will not be displayed on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

Upon collection of the vehicle, any additional drivers must bring a valid driving licence, or International Driving Permit. They will be then be added to the rental agreement.

Please see the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements shown throughout the booking process for more information.

You should receive a confirmation email your pre-paid car hire voucher attached within 48 hours of making a booking.

If you have not received any correspondence from us within 48 hours, please check the junk/spam folder in your email account. For further assistance please contact us.

Alternatively, login to My Account where you can you check on the status of your booking and download your pre-paid car hire voucher.

Please check if you have the 'Adobe Reader' software installed on your computer, if not, this can be downloaded from the Adobe website. If Adobe Reader is already installed, "save" the file to a location on your hard drive then open it using Adobe Reader.

If this issue persists please contact us.

Some car rental providers will allow you to take the vehicle across the border into a different country. However, some countries are restricted and some companies do not allow their vehicles across any borders. You can check if a car rental provider allows a vehicle into a particular country and if there is a charge for this on step one of the booking process.

REMEMBER: As we work with a number of car rental providers at each location, cross border charges and countries in which you are permitted to travel can vary for each vehicle. It is advisable to check more than one vehicle to find the most favourable option for you, or contact us to find the most suitable.