Save Over £450 on Your Holiday Car Hire with Essential Tips
Understanding Car Hire Costs for UK Travelers
Many British travelers often find themselves paying significantly more than necessary for car hire while enjoying their holidays. In fact, a recent study reveals that consumers can be overcharged by as much as £450 when they don’t prepare properly and rely solely on rental companies' offers.
The Hidden Costs of Car Hire Insurance
One of the major contributing factors to this overspending is the excess insurance offered at car hire desks. On average, this excess insurance costs nearly eight times more than standalone policies available online while offering much less coverage. With a little foresight, holidaymakers can secure better protection for themselves at a fraction of the cost.
What Are the Common Additional Fees?
- Excess waiver – £186
- Tyres, undercarriage, and glass protection – £17
- Child booster seat – £87
- Insurance for personal belongings – £16
- Satellite navigation system – £74
- Roadside assistance – £55
- Paying on the day – £18
The cumulative total of these upsells can reach an eye-watering £453. With careful planning and awareness, travelers can avoid these pitfalls altogether.
Expert Advice from ReduceMyExcess
Jon Rebuck, co-founder of ReduceMyExcess, shares several strategies that savvy consumers can implement to reduce costs without compromising on convenience.
1. Decline the Excess Waiver
When hiring a vehicle, it’s common to be offered an excess waiver. While this might sound enticing, it often comes at a hefty daily charge—far greater than what standalone excess insurance would cost. It’s recommended to secure a separate insurance policy ahead of time, which offers full reimbursement for anything the hire company dings you with in case of an accident.
2. Insuring Against Tyres and Glass Damages
Car rental companies frequently charge for damages to tyres, glass, and undercarriage, which can easily be overlooked at the point of pickup. A standalone policy usually includes these features as standard, thus preventing the extra costs associated with accidental damages that are not your fault.
3. Bring Your Own Child Car Seat
Instead of renting child seats for around £87 a week, families can simply bring their own. Most airlines do not charge for these items, and using your own not only saves money but ensures that you have the right fit for your child.
4. Questioning Personal Effects Insurance
Insurance for personal belongings often comes with an additional cost, but travelers need to consider the value of their belongings. Understand what the insurance covers and match it against standalone policies that may extend comprehensive coverage without hidden fees or high excess.
5. Utilize Smartphone Navigation
Why pay up to £74 for a satnav when most smartphones come equipped with navigation apps? By using a phone holder designed for vehicles, travelers can easily follow directions without unnecessary added fees.
6. Review Roadside Assistance Options
Many companies charge extra for roadside assistance, which may not be essential. Understand the coverage limits and consider if existing insurance policies provide sufficient backup for common issues like misfuelling or lost keys.
7. Pay Online in Advance
Customers can avoid additional costs by pre-booking and paying online instead of at the rental desk. This not only helps in avoiding impulse purchases but also streamlines the pickup process.
In Summary
With a bit of initial preparation and knowledge about car hire costs, British tourists can certainly enjoy their vacations without falling prey to high rental charges. Services like ReduceMyExcess offer affordable alternatives to expensive rental insurance, allowing you to make the most of your holiday without overspending.
About ReduceMyExcess
ReduceMyExcess provides consumers with cost-effective car hire excess insurance options, thereby helping holidaymakers save significantly on premiums charged by rental companies. It operates as a trading name of Eversure Limited.
For more details, visit ReduceMyExcess.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact Ian Holmes at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to avoid overspending on car hire?
By planning ahead, declining unnecessary extras, and using standalone insurance options, travelers can avoid overspending.
Why is standalone car hire excess insurance recommended?
Standalone excess insurance is generally cheaper and offers more comprehensive protection compared to policies offered by car hire companies.
Can personal belongings be insured with car hire policies?
Yes, but it's important to compare coverage levels and costs with standalone policies that might offer better terms.
What are common additional charges at car rental desks?
Extra charges often include excess waivers, equipment rentals like child seats and satnavs, and personal effects insurance.
Is it beneficial to pay for car hire in advance?
Paying in advance can lead to savings and helps avoid aggressive sales pitches at the rental desk.
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