If you are yet to book your car hire for your holiday, there is a little bit of good news: prices have finally started falling from their summer 2022 highs, although they are still typically way above what travellers were paying pre-pandemic.
The big vehicle sell-off that happened early on during Covid, and the subsequent time it took operators to scale up their fleets, sent car hire prices rocketing last year as travellers returning in numbers chased too few cars.
This summer, prices are starting to come down, although they are still between 20% and 100% higher than 2019’s figures, depending on the destination, according to iCarhireinsurance.com.
If you are yet to book a car for this summer, here’s what you need to do.
The first port of call should be one of the third-party or broker websites that are almost always cheaper than going direct to Hertz, etc.
Guardian Money recommends Zest Car Rental and Auto Europe, while Ryanair’s car hire is also worth a look.
View image in fullscreenCar hire prices rocketed during the summer of 2022. Photograph: asiandelight/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Avoid the cheapest two-door car – instead, go for a four-door. It will only add a few pounds but you will get a better-value car. We would always pay a little bit more to hire from a better-rated supplier.
Factor in the driver’s age, how many people will be driving and whether you want unlimited mileage. Opt for a full-to-full fuel deal – it’s much easier, and you won’t be landed with an unexpected refill charge at the end, assuming you return it with a full tank.
The next bit of advice is to always collect the car from the terminal rather than off-airport. The latter is usually cheaper but it can take hours. If your flight is late at night, check the hire firm will still be open when you arrive.
The firm will authorise the car hire excess, so you must have sufficient credit available
Once you have made the booking, head to a site such as ReduceMyExcess to buy the super collision damage waiver cover. This site offers annual cover from £45.06 and single trip cover from £2.57 a day. You have to buy it before the hire commences but it will always be cheaper than buying cover from the car hire firm on arrival – plus you typically get better insurance, with tyres and windows, etc included.
Then, when you pick up the car, ignore the sales patter and explain that you will pay for any damage you cause. The firm will authorise the car hire excess, typically about £1,200, on your credit card, so you must have sufficient credit available. Note, it has got to be a credit card, not a debit or prepaid card, and in the name of the hirer.
Once you have the keys examine every panel, remembering to look under the bumpers, and check the spare wheel. Put down every possible scratch and blemish on the vehicle condition report that is part of the agreement, and get it signed before you drive off. When you return the car, get it checked and signed off as damage-free, and take a few photos of the vehicle, including one of the mileage.
