REEL ROCK

Car hire prices have fluctuated significantly since 2019, with recent years seeing a gradual drop after a steep rise. Whether you’re booking months in advance or last minute, securing a great deal on car hire can save you hundreds of pounds. However, waiting until you arrive at your destination almost always means paying more. This comprehensive guide walks you through the best strategies to find cheap car hire, avoid hidden fees, and make your rental experience smooth and affordable.

Step 1: Use Comparison Sites - Book Early (But Watch for Last-Minute Deals)

Comparison websites are your fastest and most effective way to find the cheapest car hire deals. Typically, booking well in advance can save you hundreds, but recent trends show that last-minute deals can sometimes be cheaper in certain locations, such as Malaga, Spain.

Top comparison sites to check include:

Pro tip: If you book early and prices drop later, many sites offer free cancellation. You can cancel your original booking and rebook at the lower price, potentially saving hundreds. Just be sure to read the cancellation terms carefully.

Step 2: Beware of Hidden Costs and Fuel Policy Traps

One of the most common pitfalls in car hire is the fuel policy. Many companies offer a “full to empty” policy where you pay upfront for a full tank but must return the car empty, often without a refund for unused fuel. This can lead to significant waste and extra cost, especially if you’re only driving a short distance.

How to avoid this:

• Opt for “full to full” fuel policies where you pick up and return the car with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
• Use comparison sites that allow filtering by fuel policy, such as Auto Europe or Rentalcars.com.
• If “full to empty” is your only option, choose a smaller car with a smaller fuel tank to minimize waste.

Also watch out for hidden fees like cleaning charges, admin fees for fuel refunds, or extra charges for additional drivers, young or senior drivers, and airport pick-up shuttles.

Step 3: Save on Insurance - Avoid Expensive Excess Cover at the Counter

Basic insurance is usually included with your rental, but you’ll often face a large excess (deductible) if the car is damaged. Rental companies will try to sell you “top-up” insurance at the counter to remove this excess, sometimes charging £20-£25 per day.

Don’t buy this expensive cover on the spot. Instead, purchase standalone excess insurance from third-party providers for as little as £2 per day. These policies reimburse you for the excess you pay to the rental company and often cover additional damage like wheels and windscreens.

Keep in mind:

• You’ll usually need a credit card deposit at pick-up to cover potential damage.
• Always inspect the car carefully and take photos before driving off to avoid disputes.
• Check policy terms carefully as coverage varies between providers.

Step 4: Use Loopholes to Cut Costs - Book via Foreign Websites

Sometimes, booking through a rental company’s foreign website can save you money compared to their UK site. For example, changing the web address from “.co.uk” to “.fr” or “.it” can reveal cheaper prices in local currency.

How to try this:

• Replace the country code in the URL with another country’s (e.g., Hertz.co.uk → Hertz.fr).
• Use currency converters to check if the price is cheaper in pounds.
• Make sure you understand the terms, as fuel policies or mileage limits may differ.
• Use Google Translate if the site language is unfamiliar.

This trick works best in Europe and can sometimes beat comparison site prices. However, it’s not guaranteed and requires careful checking.

Step 5: Additional Tips for a Smooth, Cheap Car Hire Experience

• Book child seats in advance or rent locally: Child seats are mandatory in many countries and can be expensive to rent. Sometimes renting at the airport or from local providers is cheaper.
• Check driver age and additional driver fees: Young or senior drivers often pay extra. Additional drivers usually incur daily fees, so factor this into your total cost.
• Get your DVLA driving licence code in advance: Some countries require rental companies to check your driving record. Request a code online before you travel to avoid delays.
• Inspect the car thoroughly: Note any damage and take photos before driving away to avoid unfair charges later.
• Return the car on time and with the agreed fuel level: Late returns or missing fuel can lead to hefty penalties.
• Pay in local currency for extras: When offered to pay in pounds or local currency, choose local currency to get better exchange rates via your credit card.
• Use credit cards for booking: Credit cards offer additional protection under Section 75 for purchases over £100.

Booking cheap car hire requires a bit of research and vigilance, but the savings can be substantial. Use comparison sites early, watch out for hidden fees especially around fuel policies and insurance, consider booking via foreign websites for better deals, and always inspect the car carefully. By following these tips, you can knock hundreds off your holiday car hire costs and enjoy a stress-free rental experience.