I recently rented a vehicle from GoldCar in Madrid and had a generally satisfactory experience, though with a few caveats to be aware of.
Positives: The booking process was smooth, and the car provided was clean, modern, and performed well throughout my rental period. The pick-up location was easy to find, and the return process was straightforward without unnecessary delays. The vehicle itself was reliable and met my expectations.
Areas for Improvement: One of the noticeable drawbacks was the waiting time at the counter upon arrival — it took longer than expected, and the staff seemed rushed, likely due to the volume of customers. While the staff were polite, the interaction felt somewhat transactional rather than customer-focused.
Another important point is the additional charges. GoldCar offers various add-ons such as full insurance coverage, fuel policies, and other optional extras. If you’re not familiar with these, the total price can increase significantly compared to the initial booking rate. I recommend thoroughly reading the rental terms and conditions in advance and being clear about what’s included in your booking to avoid surprises at the counter.
During the booking process, I reserved my GoldCar rental through Ryanair and opted for the full insurance coverage offered via RentalCover.com for £29. However, upon arrival at the GoldCar counter, I was informed by the staff that they do not recognize third-party insurance like RentalCover.com. They explained that in the event of an accident or any damage, GoldCar would immediately charge me £3,000, and I would need to handle any reimbursement directly with RentalCover.com — a process they warned could take months, or even years. This left me feeling uncertain and uneasy, especially being in a new country. To avoid potential complications, I reluctantly opted for GoldCar’s own insurance at an additional cost of £90.