(+32)498721863 
(+32)498721863
We fully endorse Cartrawler for 2 reasons:
1. Cartrawler gets the best discounted rates from all companies at the airport
2. In more than 10 years of car hiring for ourselves and our guests, Cartrawler did not let us down once.
 
 Enter 'Funchal Airport' as the pickup location Please check rental conditions and avoid offers with hidden fuel charges (like pre-purchased fuel) If you change your mind, just cancel your booking and book again!  |
The best car rental values are in the so-called 'Economy' car segment which is also the dominant one on Madeira (Fiesta, Clio, Polo, 207, C3)
The 'Mini' segment offers a slightly lower price compared to 'Economy', however be ready to make some serious sacrifices regarding
driver and passenger comfort. (C1, Aygo,...)
Outside of these 2 car rental segments and into the higher segments, prices go up exponentially, partially due to the limited car
availability.
Consult the details of each rental rate. Since the booking system displays the offers of various rental companies, conditions vary! Pay
special attention to your insurance coverage and deductible.
Afraid of uphill car starts? Choose an automatic gearbox (and pay the extra). 99% of your starts will be... on a hill.
Please be aware that some of the rental companies do not actually have their booth in the airport building but nearby. They would pick you up from arrivals. Look for a big sign with the name of the rental company and let a small shuttle bus
get you to their booth We never found this to be an issue at all.
Although all of the rental companies used by the system are well recognized and reputable on Madeira, you are free to cancel your
reservation should you have doubts about the company in question (for example, if you promised yourself never ever to rent a car from company X again).
You may be interested in knowing exactly which vehicle model will be reserved for you? Wait for 24h and contact the car rental company at the Funchal airport (using the telephone
numbers below). By this time your car reservation should be entered in to the local information system and you should be able to obtain more information of which model your are likely to be driving. If you
do not like the answer (for example, your back problems exclude driving car model Y), you can ask a different model or...if necessary...cancel your reservation!
You may be offered additional insurance. Be aware of the insurance coverage already included in your rate!
Should you be asked to sign a clause related to washing/cleaning costs upon vehicle return, refuse to sign it categorically! Always read your rental agreement conditions. Some customers in the past have been surprised by a return empty fuel clause stating that a fixed
fuel charge (typically over 100 euro) will be applied regardless in addition to the rental fee. The clause will tell you that you are free to return the tank empty as you will pay the fuel charge in any case.
Since you are on Madeira (rockfall is abundant during rainy weather), ask to be shown the contract conditions relative to flat tires and windshield damage due to falling stones or chips.
Insist on a vehicle check - don't skip the 'vehicle condition' form in order to agree on the vehicle damage (scratches, bumps,...)
already present on the vehicle before driving away. Probably the biggest reason for customer dissatisfaction are disagreements about
repairs charged to customers like you!
Insist on the vehicle check described above and keep a copy of the signed form! It is your only protection from unjustified repair charges.
Verify the tire profile. If the tires (they may be borderline legally) show signs of advanced wear, insist that you will not be
responsible for their replacement in case of a flat and have it noted on the vehicle condition form.
Tire profile is not acceptable or illegal? > insist on a different vehicle.
As you drive away, return if you feel something is wrong with the vehicle, get the vehicle condition form updated or change vehicles.
Attention - rockfall during rain, stones on many streets after rain.. unavoidable on Madeira in spite of the modern road system.
Keep your eyes on the road, this is when your chances of a flat tire are highest. Avoid rocks and stones, without endangering the other road users.
On Madeira, pedestrians are king. You will find pedestrians walking on the road (most roads have no sidewalk), in a dark tunnel,
and generally any place where you didn't expect them. Adapt your speed and avoid a traumatizing holiday.
On Madeira, access to the highway is usually without an on-ramp. Be aware.
On Madeira, the highway exits sometimes are very sharp bends due to the geograpy of the land. Take this into account, slow down and expect a sharp turn.