Here’s how to find cheaper car insurance for your next trip abroad.
Best to book early, and from the best…
Normally, the earlier you book your car rental, the cheaper it is. This is because car rental companies know they can charge more for car hire when the driver has left it until the last minute. Like with airlines and holiday rentals, the price of car hire fluctuates according to the time of year.
It’s also wise to shop around and choose the best, most reputable car rental company.
Pay in full, up-front
Most car rental companies will either give you the option to pay at the time of booking or to pay at collection. It often works out much cheaper to pay up-front.
Don’t go with the car rental company’s insurance
Although it’s convenient to have everything under one company, car rental companies charge a premium on any policies they offer, like car hire excess insurance, which is ironically to stop you from overpaying in the event of an accident. You are not obliged to opt in for one of their insurance packages and can usually find much better deals online, like https://www.moneymaxim.co.uk/insurance/vehicle-hire/car-hire/excess-insurance/.
Collect from a non-premium location
While it’s written in contracts and T&Cs, car rental companies don’t advertise the fact that they consider some car hire locations to be premium. For instance, if you collect your car from an airport, as many do, then you will most likely be charged a premium location fee, otherwise known as an airport surcharge, just for the privilege of collecting your vehicle from an airport office. They put this down to enhanced road taxes and costs of land and parking, so you’re better off choosing a different location if that’s possible.
Check the fuel policy
Last but not least, you should always check if your rental has a fuel policy and be sure to abide by this to avoid any extra penalties. If you have agreed to return the vehicle with a full tank, then you must do so to avoid being charged.
