Hiring a car when you’re heading off on your holidays can be a brilliant way to get around the local area, see some of the local sights which are off the main tourist routes, and have the ease of travelling without having to rely on public transport. And hiring a car needn’t cost the earth, freeing up your money to spend on holiday treats instead. Let’s have a look at ways to keep the cost of holiday car hire down.

Think about your requirements

Before you book your hire car, think about what you need from your vehicle. There’s no point paying over the odds for a large car with all the mod cons if you’re only going to be doing short journeys – it could be that a standard vehicle would suit your budget better.

Shop around

Shopping around using reliable comparison sites can help you find the best deal. Ensure that any firm you choose is appropriately regulated .

Consider Insurance

Always purchase your car hire insurance before you go, as it can be considerably more expensive to buy directly from the car hire company.

Additionally, car hire excess insurance can be an inexpensive but really worthwhile purchase which can provide you with peace of mind. Policies can be relatively cheap to buy but cover you in the event of damage to the car – even something small like a chip to the windscreen or losing the key!

Be aware that car hire companies can often try to sell you additional cover when you’re picking up the keys. If you know your pre-bought car hire excess insurance is in place, there’s no need to purchase overpriced extras on the day.

Who will be driving?

Consider also whether naming just one driver on the policy will be sufficient. Each additional driver can add on quite a bit.

Do you need those extras?

Don’t forget too that by using a map app, your phone can function as your satnav. This way, you avoid the costly satnav add-on upon collection.