Tourists urged to watch out for common yet costly hidden fees when renting a car abroad
Tourists thinking about hiring a car on their upcoming holiday have been urged to read the small print carefully to avoid facing hidden charges.
The vehicle hire company Tara-Car has offered a number of tips that could help motorists avoid expensive hidden fees when they rent a car on their next holiday.
Whether it's to sightsee whilst on holiday or simply to commute on a business trip, around six million Brits rent a vehicle each year.
However, Jovan, car rental manager at Tara-Car, warned drivers to always do their research on companies before they make a booking, stating that some impose more restrictions on motorists.
He advised: "Booking as early as possible is key to budget-friendly car rental. This is especially important with international car hire brands, but be aware of additional fees.
"Compared to international companies, local car hire services offer better general deals with unlimited mileage, no deposit, free border crossing, and no driver age."
Whilst Jovan highlighted the importance of booking early, which can help drivers get a good price and make sure that a vehicle is available on the dates they would like, he noted that not all rental companies offer the same things.
In particular, some car rental firms give motorists a limit on the number of miles they can travel, either per day or for the whole time the vehicle is being used.
Younger motorists in particular should also check that the rental company they plan to use allows drivers of their age, with some imposing fees for motorists under the age of 22.
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Once drivers have made their booking, Jovan suggested that it is always a good idea to inspect the car for damage before they drive off the forecourt.
He continued: "One of the most common mistakes travellers make is, when they pick up a car, they don't inspect the vehicle and don't take photos to record any damages.
"This should be a priority. Closely check the car and take photos from all angles. Without evidence, your deposit will be taken, even for small scratches."
Finally, Jovan recommended that motorists also buy car hire excess insurance, stating that it could save them a significant amount of money if they get into an accident.
He added: "It is also a good practice to buy insurance to cover all possible damage on the road. However, read the policy carefully; they can be different from company to company."
In particular, drivers should try to book this with a third party company before they collect the car, with rental companies often charging significantly more for the same cover.
