Beware of hidden fees that can add to your car hire quote.
Steer clear of 'full to empty' policies, where the company charges you for a full tank (often at a more expensive rate than at local pumps). Look for a 'return as you found it' policy. (travelsupermarket.com and moneymaxim.co.uk allow you to filter searches according to fuel payment preferences. Moneymaxim's 'Fairer Fuel' search facility only shows deals where you pay for fuel at local petrol pump prices.)
Don't buy excess waiver insurance (so you won't have to pay if you have a bump) direct from the car hire company. Standalone policies are much cheaper - from as little as £2 per day. Go to travelsupermarket.com, insuranceforcarhire.com or moneymaxim.co.uk to compare.
Don't buy collison damage waiver (CDW) directly either. It's often already included in insurance policies. If not, it can be bought more cheaply from specialists such as icarhireinsurance.com. Sort out insurance before you travel and take copies of paperwork with you.
Bring child seats and sat navs - renting them from the car hire company could cost around £50 to £70 each a week.
Check there is no extra charge for extra drivers, drivers under a certain age, peak season use or returning the car early or late.
Review your bank statement to make sure you've not paid extra charges or fees after returning the car and that unused fuel or deposits have been reimbursed. If you spot anything, complain immediately. (Hirers are often required to leave a holding deposit (c. £300 to £500) on their credit card - you need to have sufficient credit limit to cover this.
Virtual driving licences. Now that paper licences have been consigned to history, licence details are held electronically. Renters will need a passcode from the DVLA website to present at the car hire desk so details can be checked. The passcode is only valid for 72 hours and there have been concerns about some overseas car hire companies being unaware of the UK change. Contact your hire company before you leave home.
Feature in Good Housekeeping, August 2015
