Car hire customers given inside track on prices

Car hire customers fed up with being overcharged have been given the inside track on how to avoid being stuck in the slow lane of bargain hunting by one expert this week.

According to RTE.ie, many car hire customers end up in a state of shock when it comes to settling up their bill after the low price they thought they had signed up for has suddenly sky-rocketed thanks to a range of hidden peripheral costs.

The news provider explained: "One way car hire companies make money is by selling you lots of extra insurance on top of the basic collision damage waiver and theft waiver."

Holidaymakers, the publication said, often get panicked when they see people in front of them in the queue snapping up add-ons.

"You realise you could end up paying €1,000 in excess if anything happens to the car. And you decide it would be a lot cheaper to pay for 'complete coverage' and have total peace of mind," explained the website.

However, making snap decisions about extra costs is not always the best idea, according to RTE.ie, and can end up burning a big hole in drivers' pockets.

In order to avoid falling victim to this kind of situation motorists are advised to check their travel insurance policies before signing up to anything, as their valuables may be covered while driving.

Furthermore, their credit card company might offer additional car protection for a reduced rate as a perk of using the plastic.

However, the most important message was "shop around".

"That's right, you don't have to get your complete car insurance from the car hire company. There are third parties who sell insurance that will cover the excess for up to 70 per cent less," the website advised.

Motorists can buy excess insurance from competitive third-party companies for the dates they are planning to travel, or if they intend to do a lot of driving, on an annual basis.

The website noted: "Then when you go to hire a car, you pay the rate and the basic insurance cost, but you decline the extra collision damage waiver and theft insurance."

Car hire broke Holiday Autos has also advised those considering renting a vehicle abroad this year to plan ahead.

The firm said that waiting until the last minute could cause holidaymakers to pay as much as 40 per cent more than if they had been an early bird.