Although Covid problems are still with the travelling public as most restrictions have been removed now people are off on their holidays like they were back in 2019 and of course renting cars.
On Saturday 26th March there was an article in The Guardian by the consumer affairs correspondent Miles Brignall - Money hacks - How to save on car hire - and avoid getting ripped off.
This was almost like reading something from 10 years ago with numerous warnings. Don't book direct First of all he was suggesting not to book directly with a car rental company as you can normally get a better deal by using a well known established broker. It is easy to do going straight to the brand you have used before or a well known name.
A member of by family did this booking car hire at London Gatwick on a two week visit from France earlier this month. Although she had car hire excess insurance, she was told it was not acceptable to them and she must buy their expensive product for which they earn good commission. The world as we used to know it exposing itself again.
For third part brokers, one of the recommendations by Guardian Money is Zestcarrental
The article also mentioned that age can make the costs higher.
It was suggested take an unlimited mileage option - Always collect the car from an airport terminal if possible opposed to an off airport site miles and miles away.
Always opt for full-to-full fuel deal and make sure you get the car filled up again before dropping it off. It can be very expensive to get the car hire company to fill it up for you.
Extra insurance - This is still an area where the car rental companies can make extra money from their commission. You might encounter the franchise for a well known brand like my family member did this month saying they would not accept a policy from XYZ. There are a lot of providers selling daily and annual policies and a selection can be found at the insurance4carrental site
Check the car at collection and have it checked when you return it: Finally check the car thoroughly when you collect it and have any damage noted and take photos too. On your return make sure you have plenty of time to have it checked over again.
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