Manchester
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Car Rentals
Sections
1. Available Rental Companies in Manchester
Manchester has a wide range of car rental companies, including international brands and local providers. Here are some popular options:
International Companies:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Multiple locations, including Manchester Airport and city center.
- Hertz: Available at Manchester Airport and other city locations.
- Avis: Locations at the airport and in the city.
- Europcar: Found at the airport and in central Manchester.
- Sixt: Offers premium vehicles and has locations in the city and at the airport.
- Budget: Affordable options, available at the airport and city center.
Local Companies:
- Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental: Known for competitive pricing and a wide range of vehicles.
- Salford Van Hire: Specializes in both cars and vans, located near Manchester city center.
Car-Sharing Services:
- Zipcar: Ideal for short-term rentals, with vehicles available in various locations across Manchester.
2. Typical Costs
The cost of renting a car in Manchester depends on factors such as the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Below are approximate costs:
- Economy Cars: ยฃ25โยฃ40 per day.
- Mid-Size Cars: ยฃ40โยฃ60 per day.
- Luxury Cars: ยฃ80โยฃ150 per day.
- SUVs or Vans: ยฃ60โยฃ100 per day.
- Weekly Rentals: Discounts are often available, with economy cars costing around ยฃ150โยฃ250 per week.
- Long-Term Rentals: Monthly rentals can range from ยฃ500โยฃ1,000, depending on the vehicle type.
Additional Costs:
- Fuel: Petrol costs approximately ยฃ1.50โยฃ1.70 per liter (as of late 2023).
- Insurance: Basic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage can cost ยฃ10โยฃ30 per day.
- Extras: GPS (ยฃ5โยฃ10/day), child seats (ยฃ5โยฃ15/day), and additional drivers (ยฃ10โยฃ20/day).
3. Rental Procedures
The process of renting a car in Manchester is straightforward. Hereโs what to expect:
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Booking:
- Book online in advance for better rates and availability, especially during peak seasons (summer and holidays).
- Compare prices on platforms like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or directly on the rental companyโs website.
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Pick-Up:
- At Manchester Airport: Rental desks are located in the Car Rental Village, accessible via a free shuttle bus.
- In the city: Rental offices are typically located near major train stations or in central areas.
-
Drop-Off:
- Ensure you return the car with the agreed fuel level (usually full-to-full policy).
- Inspect the car with the rental agent to avoid disputes over damages.
4. Required Documents
To rent a car in Manchester, youโll need the following:
- Driverโs License:
- UK residents: A valid UK driving license.
- International visitors: A valid driving license from your home country. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
- Identification: A valid passport or national ID card.
- Credit/Debit Card: For payment and deposit (usually ยฃ200โยฃ500, depending on the company).
- Proof of Address (for long-term rentals): Utility bill or bank statement (dated within the last 3 months).
5. Insurance Options
Rental companies in Manchester typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage is recommended for peace of mind:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your liability in case of damage. Often included but may have a high excess (deductible).
- Excess Protection: Lowers or eliminates the excess. Costs around ยฃ10โยฃ20/day.
- Theft Protection: Covers theft of the vehicle.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers.
- Third-Party Liability: Covers damage to other vehicles or property.
Tip: Check if your travel insurance or credit card offers rental car insurance to avoid paying extra.
6. Age Restrictions
- Minimum Age: 21 years old for most companies, but some require drivers to be 25 for certain vehicle categories.
- Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 may incur an additional fee of ยฃ10โยฃ30 per day.
- Maximum Age: Some companies may have restrictions for drivers over 70, so check in advance.
7. Driving Regulations in Manchester
Familiarize yourself with UK driving laws to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience:
- Drive on the Left: The UK drives on the left-hand side of the road.
- Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h).
- Rural roads: 60 mph (96 km/h).
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h).
- Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile Phones: Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free.
- Parking: Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions. Use public car parks or apps like RingGo for street parking.
- Congestion Charges: Manchester does not currently have a congestion charge, but parking fees in the city center can be high.
8. Local Considerations and Tips
- Traffic: Manchester can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours (7:30โ9:30 AM and 4:30โ6:30 PM). Plan your journeys accordingly.
- Public Transport: Consider using public transport within the city center, as parking can be expensive and limited.
- Weather: Be prepared for rain and wet roads. Drive cautiously in adverse weather conditions.
- Fuel Policy: Opt for a full-to-full fuel policy to avoid high refueling charges.
- Sat-Nav: Use a GPS or smartphone app like Google Maps or Waze for navigation.
- Explore Beyond Manchester: Renting a car is ideal for visiting nearby attractions like the Peak District, Chester, or the Yorkshire Dales.
9. Advice for Short-Term Visitors
- Book in advance to secure the best rates.
- Choose a smaller car for easier navigation and parking in the city.
- Check if your accommodation offers parking facilities.
10. Advice for Long-Term Residents
- Consider long-term leasing options for better rates.
- Look into car subscription services like Onto (electric cars) for flexibility.
- Ensure your UK driving license is up to date if youโre a resident.
By following this guide, youโll be well-prepared to rent and drive a car in Manchester. Safe travels!