SEVEN STEPS TO GET A FAIR DEAL

CUT OUT THIS GUIDE AND TAKE IT WITH YOU WHEN HIRING A CAR

BUY excess waiver insurance from a thirdparty company before you pick up your vehicle — and ignore car hire staff who tell you it’s not valid. NEVER return your hire car with an empty fuel tank or you could be charged almost £90 in admin fees, plus petrol. TAKE your own car seat and sat nav to avoid fees of up to £200 for a two-week trip. REMEMBER to take photographs of any scratches or dents on the car when you collect it. Pay special attention to any wheel scuffs. Pictures must be dated, so use your smartphone. DON’T return your vehicle out of hours, as you are responsible for any damage caused overnight before staff re-open the office and sign the car back in. YOU should also take photos when you return the vehicle. If you are later billed for repairs, you’ll be in a better position to challenge it. CHECK your final invoice and bank statement for rogue extra charges you weren’t told about.