Save ££££S on car hire
SMART SHOPPER WORDS: THE FOOD TEAM. MAIN PHOTO: GETTY. DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING. *WHICH?
Money matters
Whether you’re going on holiday or staying in the UK, car hire can really eat into your budget. Here’s how to keep costs low and avoid the common pitfalls that could see you spend a small fortune.
SHOP AROUND
Car hire costs saw a shocking rise in 2019, with consumers paying around 77% more. But the good news is that prices have started to slide and are now around 47% cheaper than last year.* That said, it’s still important to shop around. If you are going away, don’t just accept the deal offered by your travel operator. Instead, use comparison sites like holidayautos.com or travelsupermarket.com, which check deals across big companies such as Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Alamo.
BOOK EARLY
To get the best price, book as soon as you can. If you show up at the car hire desk on the day you want to hire (apart from the misery of standing in a queue) you could end up paying hundreds more than you need.
One of the main things to be aware of is the free cancellation policy. This usually applies up to 48 hours before pick up, and means you can compare prices nearer the time and if they have dropped, you can cancel and rebook to save money. Just be sure what you want is available first.
EXCESS INSURANCE
Insurance from car hire companies is expensive and cover is poor. Instead, use a third party provider – the price difference could be well over a hundred pounds.
Take a look at TravelSupermarket or check our sister company gocompare.com to buy adequate cover and compare prices. Be aware, however, that the car hire company may ask for a larger refundable deposit if you buy your own insurance.
AVOID AIRPORT PICK UP – IT’S CHEAPER!
Airports are popular, so pick-up desks at airports are pricier. If possible, choose another location, perhaps near a train station, and it could save you a tidy sum. See if there is a free shuttle service to get you close to your pick-up spot.
CHECK THE FUEL POLICY
It is highly recommended you hire with a full-fuel policy when you pick up the car – that simply means you take the car with a full tank of petrol and return it full. The alternative is to choose a fuel to empty policy, also known as pre-purchase, but this usually results in a higher rental fee. While it may seem like a convenient option, full-full is cheaper.
