How not to get ripped off by car hire
Many people feel they are being stung by additional charges when they hire a car and Simon Calder is no different. The LBC Travel Expert guides you through the minefield of car hire.
Make sure you take the Counterfoil of your Driving License
This is the green paper section of the driving license, which says whether you have any points on your license. I’ve been stung by a car hire company thanks to not having this. The company has to call the DVLA via a premium rate phone line and will pass that charge – and sometimes more – on to you.
Beware the Added Extras
I was offered the extra Collision Damage Waiver, which would reduce the excess down to zero, but cost was 40% extra. I declined it as I feel without it, I drive more carefully, but when I did, the company put a £750 charge on my credit card as a deposit. I received it back when I returned the car, but it was fortunate I had paid off my card and was able to accept the charge. They say it protects them in case of any damage and the card becomes invalid due to reaching its limit. But it means you do not have access to that money for the duration of the hire.
Work out the cheapest way to re-fuel
Most hire cars are supplied with a full tank of petrol. Sometimes, you will be asked to buy that petrol and then you can send the car back empty, which is almost impossible to do! I’ve been charged £50 for a tank of petrol in a Clio – which clearly doesn’t hold that much. Another option is for you to bring the car back full, in which case they may charge another deposit to your card, just in case you fail to do so.
Inspect the car thoroughly before you drive away
Make sure you walk all the way around the car, inspecting it thoroughly. Check for dents, scratches and marks on the bodywork, hubcaps, wheels, windscreen, everything. Personally, I take a picture with my digital camera with the time and date function on of any issues you find. Make sure you let the hire company know. When you return the car, the company will inspect it thoroughly and if they find any problems, you may be liable to pay significant amounts.