Steer clear of the holiday car sting

Hidden extra charges can DOUBLE motor hire costs, so . . .

MOTORISTS hiring a car this summer risk getting stung by a string of ripoff extra charges that could see their holiday costs soar. While headline prices often seem cheap, hidden costs and dubious extras bump up the price, meaning drivers frequently face paying double the original quote.

Exclusive research for The Mail on Sunday found that rental firms are also providing customers with inaccurate information on certain fees.

In a mystery shopping exercise, website Comparethemarket analysed the customer service responses of seven major car hire companies in a scenario where a driver picked up their car late due to a delayed flight.

Findings reveal that while four out of seven car hire companies charge an ‘out-of-hours’ fee for late collection, only one divulges this fee in its terms and conditions.

The research also found the companies gave inconsistent information about their out-of-hours policy. Figures show a large difference in fees, ranging from £25 to £60.

Comparethemarket’s Simon McCulloch says: ‘Many rental companies track flights – and stay open if they see you are delayed – so it is important to always include your flight number on a car reservation. But other companies do not have a clear policy on out-of-hours activity – which could leave holidaymakers stranded.’

WORST LOCATIONS

CERTAIN car hire tricks and hidden fees are more prevalent in particular countries.

According to research carried out by Zest Car Rental, Spanish car hire companies employ the widest range of sneaky tactics. These include pushing a ‘collect full, return empty’ fuel policy, drivers being made liable for pre-existing damage and salespeople threatening to withhold cars unless motorists take out additional insurance.

Fees for picking up or dropping off out-of-hours are prevalent in Italy and extra cleaning charges are common in France. In the US, car hire firms often charge for a ‘free’ upgrade.

Zest’s Rory Sexton says: ‘Make sure you scrutinise the terms of your booking in advance – and read the rental contract carefully.’

Sadly, rip-offs in the industry are still prevalent despite moves by the Competition and Markets Author- ity this year to improve transparency over charges.

CHARGES LEAGUE OF SHAME

‘COLLECT FULL, RETURN EMPTY’ THIS fuel con involves staff at airport desks telling drivers they must pay for a full tank of petrol before they can pick up the car – and that they get the ‘peace of mind’ of being able to return the vehicle empty. But you are charged much more than it would have cost to fill up at a local petrol station, and it is difficult to return a car with an almost empty tank.

Emma Coulthurst from website travelsupermarket says: ‘Choose a firm that offers a ‘full-to-full’ policy. So long as you fill up, this means you will not be charged an inflated price for the petrol and you will not pay for fuel that you have not used.’

EXCESS WAIVER COVER

MANY drivers come under pressure to buy the excess waiver insurance pushed by the hire company’s counter staff. This cover protects drivers from the excess cost they would face if the car was stolen or damaged. The excess can be as much as £2,000. Purchasing cover at the desk costs on average £26 a day. To avoid getting ripped off, buy a policy online in advance from the likes of icarhireinsurance,

Questor Insurance or reduce my excess, with premiums starting at £2.99 a day or £38 a year. These plans usually include damage to tyres and the windscreen, often omitted from hire firm policies.

Remember to take along a credit card with a big spending limit. If you opt out of the rental company insurance policy, the firm is likely to hold the excess on a card.

PAYING OVER THE ODDS FOR DENTS AND SCRATCHES

HOLIDAYMAKERS often end up handing over hefty sums for damage on their vehicles – even for just a small scratch or scuff.

The price you pay will depend on whether you have excess insurance, along with the provider’s list price for any damage.

For example, a scratch, regardless of size, may cost £250 to fix once materials and labour are added in. Watch out for unscrupulous firms that make you liable for pre-existing dents and scratches.

Examine the car closely at pick -up and ensure any damage is recorded on the rental contract with an employee’s signature.

Take your own photos as a backup. When you return the vehicle, make sure the same checks are applied.

VALETING CHARGES

ANOTHER sting involves including a ‘cleaning fee’ as part of the deposit.

This enables hire firms to charge about £45 if the car is not returned in what the company regards as an ‘acceptable condition’.

To avoid a dispute, leave time to clean up before handing back the keys.

ADDITIONAL DRIVER

ADDING an extra driver can increase hire costs considerably. If you are only driving an hour from the airport, it may be worth sticking to one named driver.

IN-CAR EXTRAS

INSTEAD of paying silly money for hiring a child’s car seat (average £52 a week) or satnav (£70 plus), bring your own – or download a GPS app on your smartphone before you go.

PAY IN LOCAL CURRENCY

MANY car hire firms will ask you to pay in sterling if hiring abroad. Just say no as it will cost more as firms are likely to use an uncompetitive exchange rate. Always pay in the local currency.