Compare cheap car hire deals

1. Pre-book online

Save a fortune by pre-booking your car hire online before you travel. Walk-up rates at airport and downtown locations are much more expensive. Not only can you save significantly, you get a range of options to browse in your own time, and can avoid the pushy sales pitch at the desk.

2. Arrange your own car hire excess insurance in advance

Car hire excess insurance is a must for car rental – it is designed to lower the expensive excess you would have to pay towards the cost of repairs if you had an accident. However, you can end up paying over the odds for a policy at the rental desk when compared to buying a standalone policy in advance. Book with our partner, iCarhireinsurance, and save up to 65%.

3. Take your own infant and child car seats

Most airlines will let you take a child car seat for free. So, avoid the over-the-top fees charged at the rental desk and take your own with you. Your child will be familiar with it and you’ll enjoy the savings pocketed.

4. Don’t bother with the rental sat nav

Renting a sat nav from the car hire desk can soon become expensive, so avoid this if you can. Instead, check if yours can be used abroad, take an old-fashioned map or use your smartphone – both Google Maps and the iPhone Maps app allow you to download the data required to use your phone’s sat nav offline.

5. Consider your fuel policy carefully

Think about the fuel policy that will be the most cost-effective for you. For example, full-empty policies mean that you’ll have to pay for a full tank of petrol, probably at an inflated price, at the rental desk then return the car empty. Instead, look for car hire firms that allow you to return the car with the same amount of petrol it had when you picked it up. On TravelSupermarket, you can filter your results by fuel policy type.

How can I save money on a rental car?

Shop around before you buy and compare a range of rental companies. Travel outside of peak holiday periods.

Can you rent a car with cash only?

No. Most major car rental companies will require a credit card to block out a deposit. Some will also accept a debit card.

What age do I need to be to hire a vehicle?

This varies from country to country. In the UK, you need to be at least 23 years of age to rent a car. You’ll also need to have held a driving licence for at least one year.

What do I need to hire a vehicle?

A valid driver’s licence, a valid ID (passport, ID card etc.), and a credit or debit card. Any additional drivers will also need a valid licence and ID. Some rental companies may also ask for proof of address, although this should be on your driver’s licence. Check with your renter before your holiday.

What is car hire excess insurance?

A policy that covers the first part of any insurance claim (the excess) that the claimant is usually liable to pay.

This amount is usually between £500 and £2,000. With car hire excess insurance, you will not have to pay anything.

Can I rent a car with a debit card?

Most major rental companies now allow you to rent a car using a debit card. However, you will need enough money in your account to cover the deposit. Always check with your rental company before you travel.

Do I need insurance to rent a car?

All rental cars come with some level of insurance; without it, they wouldn’t be legally drivable. Usually, you’ll find that a rental car comes with Collision Damage Waiver (damage or theft) and third-party cover. Cover differs from country to country, so always check the small print.

How can I rent a car without a credit card?

If you do not have a credit card, you may be able to rent a car using your debit card. A number of major rental companies now accept debit cards. Bear in mind, you will need enough money in your account to cover the deposit.

Can you rent a car and drop it off in another city?

Yes. One-way rental is quite common and can be arranged through most major rental companies.

Can you rent a car same day?

Yes. Compare online in advance for the best chance of getting a good deal.

What documents do I need to rent a car?

A valid driver’s licence, a valid ID (passport, ID card etc), and a credit or debit card. Any additional drivers will also need a valid licence and ID. Some rental companies may also ask for proof of address, although this should be on your driver’s licence. Check with your renter before your holiday.

How much is deposit for rental car?

Deposits can range from £150 to over £3000. In some cases, it may be even more, depending on the type of vehicle.

What happens if you damage a rental car?

Depending on which part of the car is damaged – for example, the body work – you’ll likely have to pay an excess amount (the first part of any insurance claim that the claimant is usually liable to pay). However, if you damage the windscreen or the roof (both of which are not included in standard Collision Damage Waiver insurance), you’ll likely have to pay towards repairs.

Do I need to clean my rental car?

If the car is in a reasonable state when you return it, then you will not have to clean it. Most rental companies carry out a ‘standard’ clean as normal practice. However, if they have to go beyond this to ensure the care is in a rentable state, you could be charged extra.

What happens if you bring a rental car back early?

Nothing. You won’t be refunded for any days you don’t use.

What happens if I pick up my rental car late?

There is usually a grace period (generally, one hour) before the car is made available to other renters. This can be longer in airports or railway locations (generally, two hours). If you know you are going to be late, you should contact the collection point – you may be able to get a longer window.

Can I hire a vehicle at 21 years of age?

The minimum age for car rental varies from country to country. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to rent a car at 21. In the UK, for example, the minimum age for car rental is 23.