As the summer holiday season is in full swing, drivers hiring cars are warned of potentially high excess fees at the rental desk.
Without purchasing excess protection, drivers could face significant expenses if their hire car is damaged or stolen, even if it’s not their fault.
According to our latest research, excess fees are on average £1,300, but can be as high as £2,000.
Despite the importance of excess protection, new research revealed that more than a third (37 per cent) of drivers are unaware of what an excess waiver is, and a similar proportion of hire car drivers do not realise they are liable for the excess.
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The average cost to hire a car is £225 but drivers end up paying more through add-ons
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When hiring a car, insurance is included with the rental, but drivers are still liable for the excess. This means that if the car is damaged or stolen, even if it isn’t your fault, you could end up paying a substantial amount.
Excess protection can be purchased from rental companies or independent insurance providers. Rental companies typically offer two types of excess protection policies: super damage waiver and tyre and windscreen cover.
The average cost of these waivers for a medium car, like a VW Golf, for a week this summer is £210, but it can be as high as £265 if you’re hiring in Faro, Portugal for instance.
However, excess protection from specialist insurance providers is usually cheaper and more comprehensive.
For instance, a week’s coverage from iCarhireinsurance.com starts at £33.15, including damage, theft, tyres, and windscreen—potentially saving drivers over £200.
Those who hire cars more than once a year can save even more with an annual policy, starting at £41.99.
Drivers who do not purchase the rental company’s excess protection, including those with third-party insurance, will usually have the excess amount held on their credit card.
If a claim is made, this amount will be taken but can be reclaimed via the insurance. Excess protection gives drivers peace of mind that they’re covered if something happens to their hire car.
When you pick up the car, make sure to check it thoroughly for any existing damage and mark it on the check-out sheet; otherwise, you’re giving the rental company an open goal.
There are additional ways to save money at the rental desk. Avoid adding an extra driver unless necessary, which can save an average of £58.
Skip renting a sat nav, which can save around £80, and bring your own child’s car seat, saving about £64.
If you’ve already booked your hire car for this summer, it’s worth checking prices again to see if they’ve fallen since your initial booking.
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Some companies offer free cancellation without penalty within a permitted time frame, usually 48 hours, allowing you to cancel and rebook at a better rate.
By following these tips, drivers can avoid unexpected costs and enjoy their summer travels with peace of mind.
Ben Wooltorton, Director of iCarhireinsurance.com
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