Brakes on ‘rip-off’ car hire

TRAVELLERS are cutting back on hiring cars on holiday amid mounting evidence of ripoffs, hard sells and scams.

The numbers have fallen from 39 per cent to 33 per cent in a year with the biggest drop among young holidaymakers.

Only 30 per cent of those aged 18-24 have hired a car in the last three years, down from 43 per cent.

Consumers are rebelling against hidden charges pushing up their bills as well as pressure to buy costly addons, said retail analysts Mintel. Some have also had to pay huge amounts for dents and scratches which may not even be their fault.

Mintel said 39 per cent had suffered a poor experience renting a car abroad with 41 per cent being charged more than they expected.

It added that customers are being put off by worries over car hire while also cutting their spending by focusing on flights and accommodation.