Updated for 2026. Hiring a car in Tenerife with no excess may sound like a small detail until you reach the counter and the questions begin: “Will money be blocked on my card?”, “What exactly does the insurance cover?”, “Is the deposit an excess?”, “What if I get a flat tyre?” It is better to settle those points before you travel.
This guide explains clearly what no-excess car hire in Tenerife means, what Canarias.com states in its current conditions, what the insurance does not cover, when an excess can apply because of the driver’s age, and what to check before confirming a booking.
Quick summary of no-excess cover
- Zero excess: Canarias.com’s general FAQ states that fully comprehensive insurance with no excess is included for drivers aged 23 or over.
- Drivers aged 21 to 22: may hire selected vehicle groups with a supplement, a specific excess and a deposit.
- Security deposit: this is not an excess; it guarantees fuel, keys, timings and compliance with the rental terms.
- Not everything is covered: keys, glass, tyres, underbody, interiors, accessories and incorrect use may be excluded.
- Golden rule: the specific terms shown in your booking always take priority.
What it means to hire a car with no excess
An excess is the maximum amount a customer may have to pay for damage when the rental agreement includes one. If a rental is no excess, that amount is reduced to zero for damage covered by the insurance. In plain English: if the damage is covered, you should not pay an excess.
Bear in mind that “no excess” does not mean “anything goes”. No insurance turns a car into a magic shield. Exclusions commonly remain, including lost keys, damage caused by incorrect use, tyres, underbody, interiors and situations outside the agreement.
See Canarias.com FAQs and general terms
No-excess insurance at Canarias.com: what the current information says
Canarias.com’s current FAQ states that the rental includes fully comprehensive insurance with no excess for drivers aged 23 and over. It also explains that drivers aged 21 to 22 may hire selected car groups with a €10.35 daily supplement, a €300 excess and a €300 deposit.
Some commercial pages may show terms that vary by area, vehicle group, age or promotion. To avoid doubt, always treat the terms visible in your booking as the final reference before payment or collection.
What no-excess insurance does not cover
Canarias.com’s FAQ explains that no-excess insurance does not cover certain cases. The most important are:
- Lost or damaged keys.
- Broken windows or glass.
- Punctures or tyre damage.
- Damage to the vehicle underbody.
- Damage to accessories or the interior.
- Damage caused by incorrect use, negligence or breach of the rental agreement.
This is not meant to worry you; it simply helps you drive sensibly. Tenerife has mountain roads, viewpoints, tempting tracks and narrow car parks. If a road looks like a bad idea, it probably is.
Deposit, security hold and excess: they are not the same
A common misunderstanding is to think that any card hold is an insurance excess. Canarias.com’s own FAQ distinguishes a security deposit from the insurance excess. The deposit may guarantee fuel, keys, return times and compliance with rental conditions.
| Item | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Excess | The amount you could pay for damage if the agreement includes one. | Whether your booking states zero excess or a specific amount. |
| Deposit | A temporary security guarantee linked to rental terms. | The amount, required card and when it is released. |
| Insurance | Cover included with the rental. | Exclusions, driver age and the reserved vehicle group. |
Documents you need to hire a car
According to Canarias.com’s current information, hiring a car in Tenerife requires a valid driving licence, ID card or passport, and a card in the main driver’s name. The stated minimum age is 21, with special terms for young drivers.
The rental may be paid with a debit card, credit card or cash depending on the booking terms, but the security deposit may require a credit card in the main driver’s name.
Why choose a no-excess car in Tenerife
Tenerife is ideal for exploring by car: Mount Teide, Anaga, Masca, Garachico, Costa Adeje, Punta de Teno, Las Teresitas, viewpoints and mid-altitude villages. No-excess cover reduces uncertainty and avoids feeling as if you were driving with porcelain in the boot.
For families, travellers heading up Mount Teide, multi-day road trips or anyone who does not want surprises on return, it is usually a very sensible option. It is not an invitation to drive less carefully; it is a way to travel with more peace of mind.
Tips before booking
- Read your booking terms, especially age, deposit, excess and exclusions.
- Check the car on collection and report any existing damage before leaving.
- Ask if you are unsure. One awkward question at the counter is better than a surprise on return.
- Do not drive on prohibited tracks or in areas where the agreement does not cover damage.
- Return with time to spare, the correct fuel level and without cutting timings too fine.
Where to collect your car in Tenerife
Canarias.com has offices and collection points in key Tenerife areas, including the airports, Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, El Médano, Golf del Sur, Playa Paraíso, Los Gigantes, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz harbour, among others.
Want to compare prices with clear conditions? You can book your Tenerife car directly with Canarias.com Rentacar and check exactly what is included before confirming.
Frequently asked questions about no-excess car hire
Does the rental include fully comprehensive no-excess insurance?
Canarias.com’s general FAQ says that it does for drivers aged 23 or over. Always check the specific terms of your booking because they can vary by age, car group or product.
What if I am 21 or 22?
According to the current FAQ, drivers aged 21 to 22 may hire selected groups with a €10.35 daily supplement, a €300 excess and a €300 deposit.
Is the deposit an excess?
Not necessarily. Canarias.com explains that the security deposit is not an insurance excess; it is a guarantee for fuel, keys, return times and rental conditions.
Does the insurance cover tyres, glass or keys?
Not always. The FAQ lists exclusions such as lost keys, broken glass, punctures or damage to tyres, underbody, accessories, interiors and incorrect use.
Explore more Driving in Tenerife guides.
