The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Southampton
Renting a car in Southampton can be an excellent way to explore this historic port city and its surrounding areas. At Bookingautos, we're committed to helping you find the best car rental deals from both international and local companies. Here's your ultimate guide to renting a car in Southampton:
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Consider your needs when selecting a car. Are you traveling solo or with family? Planning city drives or countryside excursions? Southampton offers a range of options, from compact cars for easy city navigation to spacious SUVs for comfortable long-distance trips.
Booking in Advance
To secure the best rates and ensure availability, it's advisable to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Bookingautos can help you compare prices and find the most competitive offers.
Understanding Insurance Options
While basic insurance is usually included in your rental, consider additional coverage for peace of mind. Options may include:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Theft Protection
Personal Accident Insurance
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
Southampton offers various convenient pick-up and drop-off points, including:
Southampton Airport
Southampton Central Railway Station
City center locations
Choose a location that best suits your travel plans.
Driving in Southampton
Remember that in the UK, you drive on the left side of the road. Be prepared for roundabouts, which are common in Southampton. Familiarize yourself with local parking regulations to avoid fines.
Exploring Beyond Southampton
Your rental car opens up possibilities for day trips to nearby attractions. Consider visiting the New Forest National Park for its stunning landscapes and wildlife, or take a drive to the historic city of Winchester, just 30 minutes away.
Returning Your Rental
Before returning your car, ensure you've refilled the tank (if required by your rental agreement) and removed all personal belongings. Allow enough time for the return process, especially if you're catching a flight or train.
By following this guide and using Bookingautos to find the best deals, you're set for a smooth and enjoyable car rental experience in Southampton. Happy driving!
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Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Hertz
Most popular car class
Standard
Average price
34 € / Day
Best price
24 € / Day
Estimated cost for 7 days rental
January
€195
February
€165
March
€175
April
€247
May
€229
June
€254
July
€281
August
€265
September
€178
October
€145
November
€113
December
€198
* Data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in Southampton in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.
The best time to rent a car in Southampton is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €19 for a Compact car.
Convertibles are especially popular in summer. It is difficult to find a free car for rent, and you will have to pay more than usual for a trip with a breeze. Renting BMW 2 Series Cabrio during Summer period can costs €182 per day.
We have the largest selection of cars in Southampton. What do we offer:
New cars 2024 of the year.
Cars of any class from budget to premium.
A wide range of models: convertibles, sedans, SUVs, minivans.
In Southampton budget cars like Opel Corsa or Citroen C1 can be booked for €44-€42 per day. This is provided that the contract is concluded on the spot. If you choose the same cars in advance on our website, you will save. Cars with a class: Audi A4, Opel Mokka, Renault Megane Estate - will cost an average of €44 per day. You can also find minivans, luxury cars, business class cars and electric cars. Rental costs from €42 up to several hundred euros per day.
Recently, in Southampton has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Southampton, select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be Tesla Model S.
Documents required for car rental
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind
Download desired area of Google maps for offline access
The presence of an offline navigator allows you to save on roaming. It is enough just to download the necessary maps from Google Maps and get directions even without a network connection. To do this, enter the phrase "OK MAPS" in the application, select the desired area and download offline maps to your smartphone.
Early Booking Discount
Southampton is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.
Which car to choose
The compact model is relevant for city trips in Southampton. It can be Citroen C1 or Opel Corsa. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Renault Megane Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €32 per day;
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance advice
Rental companies in Southampton may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Check out the fuel policy
When you pick up your car, you may be asked to pay for a full tank of fuel right away. This condition will suit you if you plan to travel long distances. For a couple of trips around the city, you don’t need so much fuel, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to overpay. Pay attention to the fuel policy when booking a car. If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Unlimited mileage
According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.
Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Southampton, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
How to choose a rental company
It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.
Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in Southampton are sixt with an average rating of 9.8 points and budget (rating - 9.7).
Car pick-up procedure
Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.
Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.
Our advantages
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Car rental reviews: Southampton
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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