The 7 Biggest Car Hire Rip-offs and How To Avoid Them

Many holidaymakers are doing what they can to keep costs down, whether that’s booking budget flights, hunting for hotel deals, or trimming back on extras.

But while we’re trying to save, it’s easy to get caught out by hidden costs, especially when hiring a car abroad. According to Ed Sharp, Head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, there are several common car rental rip-offs that catch travellers out without them even realising.

Ed reveals how to steer clear of them this summer.

1. Say a firm ‘no’ to unnecessary upgrades

Sometimes, customers arrive at rental car desks to pick up their pre-booked car, only to be told that the company has run out of vehicles. They’re then offered an upgrade – at a price.

Many people, out of desperation to get on with their holiday, accept their fate and pay the extra. Whatever you do, don’t do this.

You should either be offered an upgrade at no extra charge or a smaller car with a refund for the difference in cost. Stand your ground and insist on what you originally booked.

2. Book additional drivers ahead of time

When on holiday with friends and family, you may assume that you can all take turns driving.

However, many car rental companies charge a daily fee for each additional driver, which can significantly increase the total cost of your rental.

If you’re charged £15 per day for an extra driver, and you’re renting for seven days, that’s an extra £105 on top of the overall cost. This can eat into your holiday budget.

To avoid this, look out for deals that allow you to add a second driver free of charge. Alternatively, if an additional driver charge is unavoidable, assign a designated driver for your trip. This can save you potentially hundreds of pounds.

3. Avoiding paying for costly child seats

If a child is in your car, a car seat is essential for their safety. However, renting one from a car hire company can incur shockingly high charges.

Car seat rental fees can be as much as £20 per day, a cost that adds up quickly for families.

Not only that, but the car seats provided may not be up to the standard you’re used to at home, making the extra charges even more frustrating.

To avoid overpaying, consider bringing your own car seat. This not only ensures your child is in a familiar, high-quality seat but can also save you a considerable amount of money.

If you’re hiring a car abroad, most airlines allow you to check in a car seat for free or bring it as hand luggage.

Alternatively, buy a cheap travel car seat before your trip. Some budget-friendly options may cost less than the total rental price for a week.

4. Watch out for hidden mileage limits

Keep an eye out for car hire deals that offer unlimited mileage. Some rental companies impose mileage caps either daily or across the duration of your booking, and if you exceed them, you could be hit with significant extra charges.

When searching for a rental car, filter results to show only those with unlimited mileage, especially if you plan on taking long journeys during your trip.

5. Beware of unexpected early return penalties

You might assume that returning your car early would be welcomed, or at least result in no penalty. However, many car rental companies charge extra for early returns.

This is because rental contracts are often structured around specific durations, and returning your car early may recalculate the pricing structure, potentially making it more expensive.

Some companies even charge an admin fee for early returns. Before dropping off your car ahead of schedule, check whether it will cost you extra.

6. Avoid unfair cleaning fees without proof of condition

It can be incredibly frustrating to face disputes over cleanliness when returning a rental car, particularly when you know it has been thoroughly cleaned.

To avoid excessive cleaning charges, take clear photos of the interior and exterior of your car before and after your rental. This serves as evidence that you returned the car in the condition you received it, helping you challenge any unfair charges.

7. Save money by skipping overpriced rental insurance

Many car rental companies will try to sell you their excess insurance at the rental desk, typically at an inflated rate. While it might seem like an essential add-on, you can usually find much cheaper alternatives elsewhere.

Instead of paying pricey fees at the counter, consider purchasing standalone excess insurance from a third-party provider before your trip. 

These policies are often far more affordable and offer better coverage than what you can get from the rental company.

Additionally, some travel insurance policies already include car hire excess protection, so it’s worth checking your existing coverage before shelling out extra for rental company insurance.