subject: Car Hire Hidden Costs [print this page] Whether you need to hire a vehicle for a holiday at home or abroad, moving house or just as a short term replacement, you need to be aware of all the possible costs and extras to be able to budget properly and not have any surprises.
As with everything we buy or rent, we need to be aware of the small print. Always read it, no matter how long or boring it may seem as Im sure you will always find something you would not have imagined. Its the same when renting a car home or away, when booking, if online, always read the small print. If youre in a rush then be sure to postpone your booking and do it later. When you then pick up the keys be sure to not let yourself start paying out for any added extras.
Its like when you go shopping for electrical goods for example. How often do you pick-up what you want and then almost straight away youre being asked to buy extra insurance and guarantees if it were to break?! You can instantly find yourself spending much more than you had anticipated unless you are very strong willed.
The issue of Excess Waivers have been talking about recently within the car hire industry. I would bet a large number of people wouldnt even realise what car hire excess is and these companies may be using that against us to make as much as they can. You can understand the appeal of purchasing an excess waiver as the excess you have to pay a rental company if you were to be unlucky enough to be involved in an accident can reach the 1000 mark, depending where you are and on the company. And most of the time you will be asked this as you collect your keys, probably either in a rush or excited to get on with your holidays. If you hear how much you could save its easier not to argue.
Buying at the desk like this can add up to 49 per cent to your bill! If you knowingly bought an excess waiver on the time of booking, either from your rental provider or a third party, dont allow yourself to get talked into buying more. Some companies will create made-up potential loopholes in the cover you have bought, possibly suggesting you wont be covered for theft for example, and get you to buy theirs as well.
The bottom line is, dont leave anything to chance. Read your policies, including the small print and make sure you know exactly what youre covered for or not. Itll save you money in the long run.
