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Don't Fall for These Common Car Hire Traps
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Travel Tips
Hiring a car is one of the easiest ways to explore your holiday destination at your own pace. But while rental cars offer convenience and freedom, they can also come with unexpected extras that quickly inflate the final bill.
With over half (52%) of UK travellers planning a trip abroad this year, and thousands heading off for the busy Easter period, many will unknowingly fall into common car hire pitfalls that can easily be avoided.
To help travellers avoid surprises like this, Rebecca Dodson, Travel Expert at Erna Low, shares the seven most common car hire traps, and how to avoid them.
1. Cross‑border fees
Many travellers assume that taking a rental car across borders in Europe is standard, but it often comes at a cost. Most companies charge extra for cross‑border travel, and while some fees are applied once per rental, others can be as high as £50 per day.
Always check the rental terms and conditions before booking and inform the company in advance if you plan to cross into another country. This ensures your insurance remains valid and prevents unexpected charges at the desk.
Always check the rental terms and conditions before booking and inform the company in advance if you plan to cross into another country. This ensures your insurance remains valid and prevents unexpected charges at the desk.
2. Prepaid fuel policies
Some hire companies use a "full‑empty" policy, charging you upfront for a tank of petrol (usually around £75) and expecting you to return the car empty. While convenient, this often means paying inflated pump prices and losing money if you don't use the whole tank.
Look for companies offering "full‑to‑full" or "same‑to‑same" fuel policies. These let you refill the car yourself, so you only pay for the fuel you've used.
Look for companies offering "full‑to‑full" or "same‑to‑same" fuel policies. These let you refill the car yourself, so you only pay for the fuel you've used.
3. Insurance upselling
Basic liability cover is included with most European rentals, but high excess charges mean if you are involved in an accident, you could end up paying as much as £2,000 in damages.
Rental desks often push costly insurance add‑ons, but they aren't your only option. Consider purchasing standalone excess insurance before travelling. Independent policies are usually far cheaper and cover the same risks. Alternatively, opt for an excess waiver from your rental company if you want everything bundled together.
Rental desks often push costly insurance add‑ons, but they aren't your only option. Consider purchasing standalone excess insurance before travelling. Independent policies are usually far cheaper and cover the same risks. Alternatively, opt for an excess waiver from your rental company if you want everything bundled together.
4. Unexpected "upgrades"
It's fairly common for rental companies to run out of the exact model you booked. They might offer what seems like a generous upgrade, but occasionally it comes with an unplanned fee.
If your booked car isn't available, you're entitled to a higher‑category vehicle at no additional cost. If they offer a lower‑category alternative, you should receive a partial refund.
If your booked car isn't available, you're entitled to a higher‑category vehicle at no additional cost. If they offer a lower‑category alternative, you should receive a partial refund.
5. Return time penalties
Late returns can be expensive, with charges often matching a full extra day's hire, ranging from £20 to £100. Most companies offer a grace period of around one hour, but anything beyond this can incur a penalty.
Make sure to check your return time carefully, and if you're delayed or stuck in traffic, call the rental company as soon as possible. Many will extend the grace period if you let them know ahead of time.
Make sure to check your return time carefully, and if you're delayed or stuck in traffic, call the rental company as soon as possible. Many will extend the grace period if you let them know ahead of time.
6. Add-on charges
Extras like Sat Navs, child seats and snow chains can drive up the cost:
- Sat Nav hire: £10–£18
- Child seats: usually £10+
- Snow chains in winter destinations: around £60
7. Damage disputes
One of the most common (and costly) traps is being charged for pre‑existing damage that hasn't been properly reported. These repairs can result in hundreds of pounds worth of repairs, so it's important to flag any issues immediately.
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving away. Take date‑stamped photos or videos of all scratches, dents or interior marks, and ensure any issues are noted by the rental company. This simple step protects you from post‑holiday surprises.
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving away. Take date‑stamped photos or videos of all scratches, dents or interior marks, and ensure any issues are noted by the rental company. This simple step protects you from post‑holiday surprises.
Our Summary
By understanding these common hire car traps before travelling, you can avoid unexpected charges and enjoy a smoother, stress‑free holiday.
A little preparation goes a long way. With the right checks and a bit of forward planning, you can focus on enjoying your time away rather than worrying about rental costs.