- Try using foreign websites (i.e. companies based in the country you are going to). Hire companies based in your destination country may have cheaper prices available on their local web addresses.
- Priceline.com is a reverse auction website where you decide how much you are willing to pay for car hire. Software then searches for a company willing to release a car to you at your chosen price. If a car is found your credit-card is billed – so you must be certain before you make a decision. They will issue a suggested price for the hire, but other users have reported success with undercutting the given price by 30%.
- Use a cash-back site and cash-back credit card if you can. Search for vouchers and incentives on hotukdeals.com .
- You may incur a surcharge for being under 25, particularly in America. Transhire.com waives the fee for car hire for under 25’s – compare their prices to alternatives.
- If you don’t need extras such as car seats or satellite navigation, get rid of them. There will often be a supplement for these – increasing the cost of hire to you.
Hints and tips
- If you are paying for your trip with a credit card you will be protected by section 75, if the cost of your hire is over £100
- Prior to driving the car inspect it fully and if you do spot any bumps or dents take a photo so you have protections if the hire company later claims you are liable
- Ensure you know the companies fuel policy. Some companies may ask for you to fill the car with petrol before returning the car.
- Ask for emergency phone numbers so that if anything is to go wrong, you can get assistance
