I have annual insurance and it used to be a problem but since the broking companies started selling insurances as their own add on the rental companies are used to renters not requiring it.

Sorry for not knowing the answer to your question, but Goldcar (Mallorca) took me for ride too regarding insurance. My own fault for being a little naive I guess, but I wouldn't ue them again.

I started using Zitauto for the last two years. Cash paid on the day. Flat insurance. No charge crossing borders to Spain from FAro. All good !

Ive booked through Atlaschoice , the car hirer is Marbenjo Rent A Car ,(Malaga) anyone have any experiences with them? I`d normally use a big name but they are the only ones I could find who offer 4x4s.

Found these reviews on trip advisor from these they sound ok? http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop...Andalucia.html

Thanks for that , they do seem to be a good Spanish company

I`ll report my experiences in a couple of weeks.

If you are in the UK you could get an annual policy to cover all the excess through Insurance 4 Carhire.com. Goldcar are very expensive and usually have the longest queues to check in of any of the rental companies as so many people argue about their charges. Beware their charge for fuel and return empty policy which is an immense ripoff!

That is a problem the queues and why to be honest I prefer the ones where picked up and taken off airport you get quicker service.

Agree, many years ago I gave up all that at Málaga after having a couple of 45-60 minute waits, life's too short to spend it in queues! Especially when you're on holiday! Certainly in Málaga there are companies a 2 minute minibus ride away that don't operate the fuel rip off policy and are quick and pleasant to deal with.

Firefly (via doyouspain) currently have some full to full deals from Valencia airport for those that may be interested.

Well, the queue was for about 15 minutes, i was charged around 80 euro for a full tank for a focus, and although they accepted my insurance they still took 800 deposit against my credit card

Yes, but you will get your 800 euros back and if there is a problem "insurance4carhire" will do battle with the hire company, on your behalf, and you are quids in!

I have never had any real problem with having my own insurance other than I say Record who were persitant and ignorant when I didn't want theirs. The girl who spoke fluent English suddenly lost this ability and indicated I had to point to the no part on the form! Needless to say I have never used them again. One time I was given automotive cars as my hire co, I think that may have been through Doyouspain. Anyway they were first class located near to IKEA, the whole set up was immaculate very friendly near brand new car etc, no hassle re having my own insurance whatsoever. On that trip I had my car broken into very slight damage to lock. I rang automotive to let know, no problem but pleased you let us know we will sort it out on your return. Couple of days later whilst reversing out of covered parking bay at El Ingenio dunched the front of car, quite bad damage to wing indicator light smashed etc! Again rang them no problem we will sort it out on return so long as car is drive able. I was thinking this will mean a claim on my own insurance? When I returned the car showed the girl the door lock damage, no problem, then showed her other side front wing!!! Oh she says that is nothing I thought it was major damage, you are fully covered for that, my deposit was returned in full.

I use Record at Malaga. The cars are new, or almost, and it is a cheapo compared to Avis. I have never had a fuel scam with them, although I think they ask a lot for fuelling. I was pressured into buying the complete 100% insurance last time (tyres, rims, towing etc.), which hiked the price up. However, when I returned the car, nobody showed any interest in looking for damage. So, I would just take the regular insurance next time.

Car hire is never straightforward, is it?

I should say the extra insurance hiked the price up, from their webpage.

For £40 a year you can go as long as you like (up to 30 days?) as many times as you like, they love people like you.