Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Eligibility
How do I get a quote or book a car?
Browse our fleet online, find the car that suits your budget and needs, and book directly through our website. If you have any questions before booking, just get in touch via email at hire@purplecars.es.
What is your minimum rental period?
Our minimum rental period is 30 days. We specialise exclusively in long-term hire — we do not offer daily or weekly rentals.
What types of contract do you offer?
We offer two types of contract. A fixed-term contract if you know exactly how long you need the car, or a flexible monthly rolling contract if your plans are less certain, with easy cancellation. Both are available on a simple pay-as-you-go basis.
What happens if I cancel early on a fixed-term contract?
Fixed-term contracts are committed rentals for an agreed period. If you cancel before the end of your fixed term, no refund will be issued for the remaining period. If you are unsure how long you need the car, we recommend choosing our flexible monthly rolling contract instead, which can be cancelled with just 14 days notice.
What are the age requirements for renting?
Requirements vary by fleet. For Runabout cars, you must be a minimum of 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least two years. For Budget, Mid-Range and Premium cars, you must be a minimum of 25 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least two years.
Is there a maximum age limit?
Yes, our maximum age limit for renting is 75 years old.
What documents do I need to bring?
You will need your original driving licence. Spanish residents must bring their TIE or DNI. Non-residents must bring their ID card. You will also need to provide proof of address where the car will be kept.
Do you carry out credit checks?
No. We do not carry out credit checks and no credit card is required to rent with us.
Our Fleets & Vehicles
What types of cars do you offer?
We offer used vehicles, individually priced based on age, mileage and condition. Our fleet of 175+ cars is split into four categories — Premium (Platinum), Mid-Range (Gold), Budget (Silver) and Runabout (Bronze) — so you can find the right car for your budget and needs.
Why are your cars used and not new?
Because used cars allow us to offer genuinely affordable long-term hire. Our cars range from nearly-new (around 4 years old) to higher-mileage vehicles. Every car is priced individually and honestly — you always know exactly what you're getting before you book.
Why are the car images AI-generated?
With over 175 cars in our fleet, individual photography isn't always practical. Our car images are AI-generated visuals of the exact make, model and year of each vehicle — accurate representations of the car you'll be hiring.
What is a Runabout car?
Runabouts are our oldest, highest-mileage vehicles, ideal for short local trips such as the school run or shopping. They are mechanically sound but are recommended for use within a 150km radius of Estepona. Non-essential features such as air conditioning and the radio may not be guaranteed. Runabouts are manual transmission only.
What condition are Budget fleet cars in?
Budget cars are reliable everyday vehicles, typically around 10 years old. They may have minor dinks or scratches and higher mileage — but they are regularly maintained and get the job done.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, automatic vehicles are available in our Mid-Range and Premium fleets. They are priced individually and on average around 25% more expensive than manual cars. Availability is subject to stock.
Do all cars come with unlimited mileage?
Yes, unlimited mileage is included as standard across all our fleets.
Can I take the car outside of Spain?
All vehicles must remain within the Andalucía region of Spain at all times. The only exception is Gibraltar, which you are permitted to drive into. Taking a vehicle outside of these areas is not permitted under your rental agreement.
Can I swap my car during my rental?
Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your car during your rental period. Simply get in touch with our team and we'll do our best to find the right vehicle for you, subject to availability.
Pricing & Payments
Are your rental prices monthly or weekly?
All our prices are quoted per month, not per week. Please make sure you're comparing like for like when checking prices with other companies.
Are there any hidden extras?
No. The monthly price you see is the price you pay. Every rental includes unlimited mileage, 24/7 roadside assistance, a courtesy car in the event of a breakdown, taxes and third-party liability insurance. The only additional costs are fuel and your choice of damage protection.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major debit and credit cards. Please note a 3.5% surcharge applies to American Express. We do not accept cash payments.
How are speeding and parking fines handled?
If we receive a fine relating to your rental, you will be charged the full amount of the fine plus a €34 administration fee. Your card on file will be charged automatically to prevent the fine from increasing. Any disputes must be taken up directly with the issuing authority.
Damage Protection & Deposits
What damage protection options do you offer?
You have two options. A standard refundable security deposit (amounts vary by fleet: Runabouts €350, Budget €500/€650, Premium €750), which is held against any damage during your rental and refunded at the end. Or our Zero Excess option at €3.00 per day — fully covered, no deposit required.
When will my deposit be refunded?
We aim to refund deposits within 14 business days of the rental ending, provided the vehicle is returned in the same condition. Refunds are processed automatically to your original payment card.
Who do I contact about my deposit refund?
Deposit refunds are handled by our accounts team. Please email accounts@purplegroup.es for any refund queries — this is not handled by office staff.
What is not covered by the standard insurance?
Items not covered include theft, fire, vandalism, loss of keys, towing charges (unless breakdown related) and damage to the roof or underbody of the vehicle.
Breakdown & Accidents
What do I do if my car breaks down?
Call our helpdesk on +34 851 000 726. During office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm) our team will assist you directly. Outside of office hours, press option 1 to be transferred to RACE, our 24/7 breakdown assistance partner.
Do I need to stay with the car if it breaks down?
Yes. You must remain with the vehicle. Spanish law requires the driver to be present when breakdown assistance arrives, and leaving the vehicle unattended may result in a fine.
Will I get a courtesy car if my car breaks down?
Yes. A courtesy car will be provided once your vehicle has been returned to our service centre and a mechanical inspection has been completed.
What do I do if I have an accident?
Call us immediately on +34 851 007 261, however minor the accident. You are also required by Spanish law to complete a European Accident Statement form. Do not admit liability at the scene.
General
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
We are based in Estepona and cover the Costa del Sol from Gibraltar to Mijas. We do not operate from any airports, but we can arrange airport transfers through our trusted partners — just ask when you enquire.
What happens at the end of my rental?
When you're ready to return your car, we require 14 days notice to cancel a rolling monthly contract. The vehicle must be returned to our base in Estepona during opening hours, Monday to Friday 9am–6pm. On return, we will carry out a vehicle inspection in your presence. If you paid a refundable security deposit, this will be returned to your original payment card within 14 business days, provided the vehicle is returned in the same condition as collected.
What is your fuel policy?
Simply return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you collected it. We do not offer refunds for unused fuel. Please always check your paperwork to confirm whether your vehicle takes petrol or diesel.
Can I add an extra driver?
Yes, additional drivers can be added at a cost of €25.00 per month.
What are my responsibilities for day-to-day vehicle maintenance?
You are responsible for keeping fluid levels topped up during your rental — including oil and water. Failure to maintain sufficient oil levels can cause engine damage, which would not be covered by your rental agreement. You are always welcome to bring the car to our service centre if you need assistance with this.
What is the air conditioning policy?
For Runabout cars, air conditioning is present but we do not regas these vehicles due to their age. For Budget cars, regassing is available at a subsidised cost of €62.50 and must be carried out by appointment at our service centre. For Mid-Range and Premium cars, air conditioning and regassing is included as standard.
What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Our Pledge
With Purple Cars, you get absolute clarity.
The monthly price you see is the price you pay – no hidden fees or mandatory extras. Included: upgraded 24/7 roadside assistance, taxes, and third-party liability insurance.
You only handle fuel and your damage protection choice: standard refundable deposit, or recommended Zero Excess – fully covered, no deposit.
No surprises – just straightforward rental.

Customer Review
"Rented for a few months and these guys are brilliant. Friendly, responsive team who will do anything to help."
Helen France

Customer Review
"I would like to say thank you to Maria at Purple Cars for all her help. Lovely person and so helpful."
Tammie Gale


