Cheap car hire for your summer vacations in Rhodes

According to a Sunday Mirror investigation, renting a car for a summer holiday abroad can now cost more than the package deal. Rental firms cut fleets because of the world recession which, in turn, creates a shortage of cars that will force up prices for the second consecutive year.

Search for the best offer

You can save a lot on holiday car hire but you have to spend some time in shopping around. No one car hire firm or buying method – phone or online – is consistently the cheapest or the most expensive. Comparison websites can be a good source for finding the lowest prices. Brokers such can also offer reasonable deals by negotiating rates with car hire companies. Airlines and tour operators can also be a good bet as they usually have an agreement with one of the international car hire firms.

Be well organized

Book the car in advance as low-cost hire cars are harder to find at peak times. It also gives more choice of cars. To collect the car you’ll need your licence and a credit or debit card in the main driver’s name. Be warned: photocopies will not be accepted. Read the contract fully before signing, check the fuel and point out any scratches and dents. Check the spare tyre. Remember to return the car by the specified time or you will have to pay a penalty. If you pay by credit card, remember that you can claim back disputed cash from the card company. In the UK, in case of a faulty car that is part of a package deal you can advance your claims to Abta.

Pay the extra

Extra waiver is highly recommended. Most hire contracts will include a basic insurance. If offered for an extra or excess waiver when you pick up the car, check that it isn’t already paid via a separate policy with your supplier. Airport reps often try to sell you more cover regardless of what you’ve arranged at home. Check also that the extra waiver covers you for everything.