Hiring a car can be one of the best ways to explore your holiday destination, giving you the freedom to venture beyond the tourist hotspots. However, what looks like a bargain online can quickly become an expensive headache if you’re not aware of the hidden traps.
As a Consumer Champion, I’ve seen plenty of complaints from holidaymakers who have returned home to unexpected charges, insurance disputes or hefty repair bills. The good news is that most of these problems can be avoided with a little preparation.
Here are 12 common mistakes to avoid when hiring a car abroad- before you even collect the keys.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
1. Assuming the Included Insurance Is Enough
Most hire cars come with basic insurance but it often carries a high excess, meaning you could still be liable for hundreds or even thousands of pounds if the vehicle is damaged. Rental desks frequently encourage customers to purchase additional cover when they arrive.
Before travelling, check exactly what your booking includes and consider whether standalone excess insurance offers better value. It may sometimes be possible to negotiate a lower excess but don’t assume this will be available, check the terms before you agree to anything. Negotiating a better deal by opting for a different vehicle or renting for a longer period may reduce costs more than trying to reduce the premium.
2. Driving Away Without Checking the Car
Never leave the car park before inspecting the vehicle thoroughly. Walk around the car, take clear photos and videos of every panel, the wheels, windscreen, mirrors and interior, and make sure every scratch, dent or chip is recorded on the paperwork. These images could prove invaluable if you’re later accused of causing damage.
3. Not Understanding the Fuel Policy
A ‘full-to-full’ fuel policy is generally the simplest and fairest option. Be cautious of deals where you’re charged for a full tank in advance and asked to return the car empty. You’ll often pay more for the fuel and rarely manage to use every last drop.
4. Forgetting to Check Local Driving Rules
Driving laws differ from country to country. Some destinations require you to carry reflective jackets, warning triangles or other safety equipment. Others have seasonal rules requiring winter tyres or snow chains. Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with local regulations before setting off.
5. Arriving Without a Credit Card
Many hire companies require a credit card to secure the deposit, even if you’ve paid for the rental in advance. If you only have a debit card, you could find yourself refused the vehicle or facing additional conditions. Check the company’s payment requirements before you travel and ensure you have your credit card with you in case it is required for collection.
6. Being Pressured Into Extras
At the rental desk you may be offered upgrades, satellite navigation, Wi-Fi devices, child seats or premium insurance. Decide what you genuinely need before you arrive so you don’t feel pressured into expensive add-ons after a long journey.
7. Booking Solely on Price
The cheapest headline price isn’t always the best deal. Before booking, read reviews, understand who you’re actually contracting with and check whether there are additional charges for airport collection, extra drivers or cleaning fees. Spending a few pounds more upfront could save you much more later.
8. Overlooking Mileage Limits
Not every hire agreement includes unlimited mileage. If you’re planning a road trip, check whether there are daily or total mileage restrictions, as exceeding them can result in significant extra charges.
9. Returning the Car Late
Many rental companies charge for an additional day’s hire if you’re even slightly late returning the vehicle. Allow plenty of time to refuel, complete the inspection and return the car before heading to the airport.
10. Throwing Away Your Paperwork
Keep copies of your rental agreement, inspection report, fuel receipt and photographs until you’re certain no further charges have appeared on your account. If a dispute arises after you’ve returned home, these documents could be your strongest evidence.
11. Crossing Borders Without Permission
Planning to pop into a neighbouring country during your holiday? Not every rental company allows cross-border travel, and some charge additional fees or require advance notification. Failing to tell them could invalidate your insurance.
12. Forgetting About Tolls and Congestion Charges
Many countries now use electronic toll systems, where charges are linked directly to the vehicle rather than collected at toll booths. If you don’t understand how the system works, you could receive unexpected administration fees weeks after your holiday has ended.
Final Thoughts
When comparing car hire deals, don’t focus solely on the daily rental price. Look at the total cost once insurance, fuel policies, deposits, additional driver fees, airport charges and optional extras have been factored in. A little research before you travel could save you a lot of money and a great deal of stress once you’re away.
If you’re booking a hire car as part of a package holiday, be very clear about what you need before you travel. Check exactly what is included in the package including the car category, insurance, excess, fuel policy, mileage and additional drivers and make sure it is shown on your booking confirmation. This can reduce the risk of being caught out by unexpected costs or feeling pressured into buying extras when you reach the rental desk. If the car hire forms part of a genuine package, the tour operator has responsibility for the package services it has arranged so keep your booking documents and check who you should contact if something goes wrong.
Safe travels and happy driving!
