Car hire is usually an easy process, but there are some pitfalls that can make the process a headache. Here are the 12 most common car hire pitfalls, and how you can avoid them!
Book Early but Look for Last Minute Deals
It's always a good idea to book your hire car early to get the hire car you want and at a good price, but we advise you to use a company that offers free cancellation. This way, should you find a last-minute deal that’s cheaper than your original booking, you can cancel your booking without charge and snap up the cheaper deal.
We also recommend shopping around using a price comparison service or car hire broker as prices vary across rental companies. For example, Europcar is quoting £312 for a week’s summer car hire in Crete*, while Avis and Budget are quoting over £500.
Don’t Hire from the Main Airport / Railway Station
Compare the cost of hiring from the main transport hubs, i.e., the airport or railway station with the same company a short distance away, as the savings might be worth the taxi fare.
Shop Around for Excess Protection Cover
If a hire car is damaged or stolen, you’ll be responsible for the excess amount, which can be as high as £1,800*.
Buying excess protection cover in advance from a standalone provider, like iCarhireinsurance.com, is normally considerably cheaper and usually offers more comprehensive cover.
A week’s summer hire (27 July to 3 Aug 2024) according to a survey of car hire costs*, shows that rental companies charge, on average, £154 for excess protection cover and £23 for tyre and windscreen excess protection cover for a week - a total of £177. In comparison, an annual European policy from iCarhireinsurance.com starts from £41.99*** and includes tyre and windscreen cover.
Avoid Buying Extras From the Rental Desk and You Could Save Around £195
Otherwise expect to pay, on average, £56 for an extra driver*, £72 for a sat nav and £67 for a child’s car seat – a total of £195*. Instead, carry your own car seat if possible, and bring your own sat nav or use a smartphone.
Use a Credit Card for Booking and to cover the excess
Use a credit card to gain Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act. This means the credit card provider will protect purchases over £100 (and less than £30,000) and you could get your money back if there is a problem.
Also, if you buy excess protection insurance in advance from a specialist insurance provider, and not the rental company, a credit card will normally be required by the rental company to cover the excess amount during the rental as debit cards are not usually accepted. If the rental car is returned damaged, the rental company will charge the card they have on file when the car is dropped off. If you have standalone excess insurance, you can claim for reimbursement once you return from your trip.
Read The Small Print to Avoid Any Unpleasant Surprises
Always read the agreement document thoroughly to make sure you are not agreeing to an upgrade or paying for the rental company’s excess protection cover if you don’t want it.
Check the Fuel Policy
Know the fuel policy before you drive away. If you need to return it with a full tank, make sure you do, as the penalties can be expensive. Be sure to keep your petrol receipts as evidence.
Mileage Restrictions
If you’re planning to do a fair bit of travelling in your rental vehicle, be sure to check for mileage restrictions to avoid getting caught out.
Take Photographic Evidence of Existing Damage
One in three (34%) hire car drivers** found damage on a hire car which was not highlighted on the checkout sheet. To avoid unfair damage charges, check the vehicle thoroughly at pick-up and return and take dated photos or video proof.
iCarhireinsurance.com’s free travel app for travellers, called ‘iCarhire’, helps you to take and store photographs which can be easily accessed and used as evidence in the event of a dispute.
How to Complain
If you wish to complain about your rental experience, contact the rental company within fourteen days with your complaint. If a satisfactory outcome is not reached, complaints can be directed to the BVRLA in the UK whose members, including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Europcar and Sixt, are expected to adhere to its mandatory Codes of Conduct. An alternative is to contact the European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS), which offers a free service to help with unresolved complaints, but the rental must be with a company that has signed up, i.e., Europcar, Enterprise, AVIS, Budget, Maggiore, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, Alamo, National, Firefly and Sixt. which offers a free service to help with unresolved complaints, but the rental must be with a company that has signed up, i.e., Europcar, Enterprise, AVIS, Budget, Maggiore, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, Alamo, National, Firefly and Sixt.
Running Late
Always stay in touch with the car hire company and ensure they are aware of your travel details, as car hire bookings can be cancelled if travellers are late.
Clean the Car
Anecdotally there are increasing reports of car hirers being fined for returning their cars dirty. Try to keep the car in as clean a state as possible and take away rubbish and excess dirt.
Approach hiring a car exactly as you would do other aspects of your holiday planning to ensure you get the best deal. To make your money go further, shop around for the best prices and don’t waste money on extras at the rental desk including items like sat navs and child car seats, that could have been brought from home, or bought in advance. Also, consider buying excess protection cover before your trip from a specialist insurance provider, like iCarhireinsurance.com.
