How to…

Don’t get caught out when renting a car – we lay out the ground rules

There are few things more daunting than the forecourt of a car hire company. There’s that shiver of responsibility as you sign a sheet of paper that may or may not cost you thousands of pounds later. But the good news is there’s no rush, insurance hides a great many sins and we’re here to help… First off, take it slow. You’re given time to check the car for a reason. Scour thoroughly for existing marks or damage, noting fuel levels and taking pictures as you go (put a date on them and email to yourself for safekeeping). Ensure discrepancies in the paperwork are amended prior to leaving, or if the lot is unattended, contact the firm as soon as you can.

Be aware of any hidden charges. One Comparethemarket survey found that four out of seven car hire firms charged ‘out of hours’ fees for late collection (even if your flight is delayed), yet only one declared this in its T&CS. Others have a ‘collect full, return empty’ fuel policy, where motorists aren’t refunded for any excess left in the tank. Others may even charge a fee to ‘translate’ your driving licence into the country’s native language, so find out first.

Lastly, when it comes to insurance, avoid high fees (typically £20–£30 a day) for excess coverage at the desk. Independent online insurers offer far cheaper plans, which often cover things typically omitted from car hire policies, such as tyre damage.