Cicar Car Rental Lanzarote

Most car rental companies in Lanzarote treat you like a problem to be managed. They quote a low price, then walk you through an upsell script at the desk — insurance packages, fuel options, satellite navigation — until the bill looks nothing like what you booked.

Cicar does something different. What you see in the quote is, more or less, what you pay. For travellers who’ve been stung before, that alone is reason to look closer.

This guide covers everything: what Cicar actually includes in its rates, where its eight Lanzarote offices are located, how its prices compare to the competition, and what real customers say — good and bad — so you can make a genuinely informed decision before you book.

What Is Cicar? The Lanzarote-Born Rental Company 🏝️

Cicar stands for Canary Islands Car — and it’s exactly that. Founded in Lanzarote in 1967 with a fleet of just six vehicles, the company grew alongside the island’s tourism boom and today operates across all seven Canary Islands with a fleet of over 15,000 vehicles and more than 1,100 direct employees.

That origin story matters. Cicar has never been acquired by a larger international group. It remains a Canarian company, focused exclusively on the archipelago (and more recently, mainland Spain). That focus shows in the service: staff know the islands, the roads, and what visitors actually need.

The company has won Tourism Quality Awards in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and consistently receives one of the highest average ratings on DiscoverCars among all Lanzarote operators — including international brands with far larger marketing budgets.

What’s Included in a Cicar Lanzarote Rental? ✅

This is where Cicar genuinely stands apart from most competitors. Here’s what comes included in the standard rate — without upselling, without pressure, without asking:

That comprehensive insurance point deserves emphasis. At most budget operators in Lanzarote, the advertised price includes only basic third-party cover. To eliminate the excess (which can reach €1,500+), you either buy the company’s CDW at the desk — often €12–€18/day — or pre-purchase third-party cover independently. Cicar includes full comprehensive cover with zero excess in every booking by default. On a seven-day rental, that’s potentially €85–€125 in insurance you’re not paying separately.

One verified customer described it simply: “Fair price for the rental quote but then I found out everything was included — full insurance cover, two child seats. No added extras or insurance add-ons like most companies.”

Cicar’s 8 Lanzarote Office Locations 📍

Cicar has more pickup and drop-off points in Lanzarote than any other single operator — eight in total, covering the airport, the port, and the main resort areas:

Phone for all offices: +34 928 822 900

This network solves one of the most common car rental frustrations: what if you want to collect from the airport but drop off near your hotel at the end of the trip? With Cicar, the answer is simple — just return to whichever office is most convenient, at no extra charge within Lanzarote.

One customer described doing exactly this: collecting from Puerto del Carmen at the start of the holiday and returning to Terminal T1 on departure day — saving them the queue at the airport arrivals desk entirely.

Cicar Lanzarote Price Comparison: How Does It Stack Up? 💰

Cicar is not always the cheapest headline price. Where it wins is in the total cost once you factor in what’s actually included.

Here’s how a 7-day economy rental in Lanzarote compares (indicative 2025 rates, including all mandatory charges):

The numbers shift Cicar’s position considerably once you account for the all-in price. That €17/day Goldcar rate looks very different once you add a week’s insurance and an additional driver.

Seasonal Pricing at Cicar Lanzarote

Prices rise steeply in July and August as demand peaks across all operators. Booking 4–6 weeks in advance in high season is the most reliable way to secure availability and better pricing.

Cicar Lanzarote Fleet: What Cars Can You Hire? 🚗

Cicar operates a broad fleet across all categories, with vehicles typically 1–2 years old. The fleet is regularly renewed, and customers frequently report receiving upgrades at no charge when the booked category isn’t available.

One detail worth knowing: Cicar’s fleet genuinely skews newer than most budget operators. Multiple reviews mention receiving brand-new vehicles or cars with very low mileage. That said, a small number of reviewers note that cleanliness standards can vary between offices — checking the car carefully at pickup (and photographing anything pre-existing) is always sensible regardless of which company you rent from.

The Cicar App: A Genuinely Useful Extra 📱

Every Cicar rental in Lanzarote comes with free access to their Lanzarote Audioguide app — a GPS-triggered audio tour of the island that describes points of interest as you drive past them. It’s available for both Android and iOS.

In practice, it works like a hands-free tour guide. Drive towards Timanfaya and the app describes the volcanic history as you approach. Pass through the wine country of La Geria and it explains how the vines grow in volcanic ash craters. It’s not a gimmick — for first-time visitors who want context without paying for a guided tour, it adds genuine value.

The Cicar app also lets you manage your booking, extend your rental period, and locate offices across the islands.

Honest Review: What Real Customers Say About Cicar in Lanzarote ⭐

Cicar carries a rating of 9/10 at DiscoverCars for its Lanzarote Airport location — one of the highest scores among all operators on the island.

What customers consistently praise:

• No pressure, no upsell at the desk — the price quoted is the price paid
• Fast, efficient pickup process at the airport
• No deposit required (a rare advantage — most companies hold €200–€1,500 on your card)
• Free upgrades offered when available
• Easy drop-off at any island office
• Returning unused fuel credited back (documented in multiple reviews)

Where Cicar gets criticism:

• Airport queues can be long during peak arrival times — if multiple large flights land simultaneously, the wait can reach 45–60 minutes
• Car condition can occasionally be below expectations — a small number of reviews mention vehicles with minor wear or interior that wasn’t fully clean
• One consistent complaint: the audioguide app’s CarPlay integration doesn’t always work smoothly — use it via the phone holder rather than relying on CarPlay sync

The honest summary: Cicar is not perfect. But in the context of Lanzarote’s car rental market — where aggressive upselling, confusing insurance excess structures, and deposit holds are the norm — Cicar’s straightforward, all-inclusive approach is genuinely refreshing. For most visitors, especially families and those renting for a week or more, the total cost and transparency make it the strongest overall value on the island.

Cicar vs. Budget Competitors: Key Differences at a Glance 🔍

Practical Tips for Booking Cicar in Lanzarote 💡

1. Book directly through Cicar’s website or a trusted aggregator DiscoverCars consistently shows competitive Cicar rates and has verified the company’s policies. Avoid obscure aggregators that may add handling fees.

2. Specify your preferred pickup office when booking If you’re staying in Puerto del Carmen, booking that office saves you navigating to the airport on arrival. Cicar will deliver the car to your office location at the agreed time.

3. Arriving on a busy flight? Consider hotel pickup Cicar allows you to book airport arrival pickup and then have the car waiting at your hotel the following morning — avoiding the terminal desk queue entirely on a long travel day. Some customers explicitly recommend this approach.

4. The no-deposit policy means no credit card hold Unlike most rental companies that pre-authorise €500–€1,500 on your credit card as a damage deposit, Cicar does not require a deposit. Your card is only charged for the rental itself. This is particularly useful if you’re travelling with a card that has limited credit.

5. Check the fuel level at pickup Several reviews mention discrepancies between the documented fuel level and actual level at collection. Check the gauge yourself before leaving and note any difference on the rental agreement.

6. Return the car clean and on time Cicar is relaxed about minor wear, but late returns are charged. Build in 30–45 minutes before your flight’s check-in deadline to drop off at Terminal T1.

Getting the Most Out of Your Cicar Rental in Lanzarote 🗺️

With all-inclusive insurance, no mileage limits, and eight island offices, Cicar is designed for the kind of driving that makes Lanzarote genuinely rewarding — not just resort-to-beach loops but full island circuits.

Suggested day routes from the main resorts:

With unlimited mileage, there’s no mental arithmetic about whether a detour is “worth it” in extra kilometres. Drive the whole island twice if you want.

For a full breakdown of distances, driving tips, and what to see at each stop, see our complete guide to car rental at Lanzarote Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cicar in Lanzarote ❓

Is Cicar the cheapest car rental in Lanzarote?

Not on headline price — but usually yes on total price. Cicar’s rates include full comprehensive insurance, a second driver, and unlimited mileage as standard. When you add the equivalent extras at a budget operator, Cicar typically comes out cheaper for a week-long rental.

Does Cicar require a deposit in Lanzarote?

No. Cicar does not hold a deposit on your credit or debit card. You pay only for the rental itself. This makes it unusual among Lanzarote car rental companies, most of which pre-authorise between €200 and €1,500 as a damage deposit.

Can I pick up from the airport and return to a resort?

Yes — this is one of Cicar’s most practical features. With eight offices across Lanzarote, you can collect from Terminal T1 on arrival and return to whichever location is most convenient for your departure. There’s no inter-office drop-off fee within Lanzarote.

How old do you need to be to rent from Cicar in Lanzarote?

The minimum age is 21. Drivers aged 21–24 may be subject to a young driver surcharge. The licence must have been held for at least one year, and in some categories, two years.

Does Cicar offer automatic cars in Lanzarote?

Yes, though automatic models are limited in the economy and compact categories. Book well in advance if you specifically need an automatic — availability is tighter than for manuals, especially in peak season.

What happens if I break down in Lanzarote with Cicar?

Call the central number (+34 928 822 900) and Cicar will arrange roadside assistance or a replacement vehicle. Given the island is only 60 km end to end, response times are generally fast. The comprehensive insurance included in every rental covers breakdowns as well as accidents.

Can I add a child seat with Cicar in Lanzarote?

Child seats can be added to your booking. Several reviews mention that infant and toddler seats were included in the quote without extra charge — but confirm this at booking rather than assuming. Alternatively, bringing your own child seat (most airlines allow one free) removes any ambiguity.

Is Cicar available across all of the Canary Islands?

Yes. Cicar operates on Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. If you’re island-hopping, you’ll need to rent separately on each island — taking a rental car between islands on the ferry is not permitted under standard agreements.

Verdict: Should You Book Cicar for Your Lanzarote Rental? 🏁

If you’ve ever arrived at a car rental desk after a long flight, been exhausted, and signed up for insurance you didn’t fully understand at a price you didn’t expect — Cicar is the antidote.

It isn’t the flashiest company. The app has occasional quirks. The airport desk can have a queue. But the fundamentals are right: what you book is what you pay, the cars are well-maintained, and the island network means you’re never far from support or a convenient drop-off.

For most visitors to Lanzarote — families, couples, first-timers, and anyone who values clarity over the cheapest possible headline number — Cicar is the strongest overall choice on the island.

Read my full honest review here → https://autolisboa.com/cicar-lanzarote-honest-review/