As summer travel season approaches, tourists planning to rent a car for an upcoming international trip are being advised to carefully read the fine print to avoid extra and unexpected fees.
Jovan, a rental car manager at Tara-Car, is urging travellers for Daily Express to do thorough research on rental companies before booking, as some impose more restrictions and charges than others. “Booking as early as possible is key to budget-friendly car rental, especially with international brands,” he stated.
“But be aware of additional fees.”
Some of the costly hidden fees travellers should watch out for include mileage limits, young driver surcharges, and lack of extras like free border crossing or unlimited mileage that local companies may include. Local rental agencies tend to offer better overall deals compared to major international companies, according to Jovan.
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Once a rental is booked, he recommends inspecting the vehicle thoroughly and taking photos of any pre-existing damage before driving off the lot. “One of the most common mistakes is not inspecting and documenting the car’s condition, which can lead to losing your deposit over even minor scratches,” Jovan warned.
Finally, he advises purchasing separate third-party excess insurance rather than relying on the rental company’s overpriced policies. “Read the details carefully, as coverage can vary,” he added. The extra insurance can save considerable money in case of an accident.
With around 6 million Britons renting cars each year while travelling, being an informed consumer is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees that can quickly add up and put a damper on a holiday budget.
