car hire

jimamberdog_2

We're in the process of booking our summer holiday. We've got the flights and accomodation sorted and were wondering whether to book our car hire before we go or whether it would be cheaper to book the car at the airport. Any advice? If it's cheaper to book beforehand, are there any good comparison sites for car hire?

evesham1988la

It would definately be cheaper booking via the Internet before you go than at the airport.
I think it is best to use a car-hire broker site than directly booking with the car hire company themselves. A few examples are...
Holiday Autos
Sky Cars
Auto Europe
These brokers use the car hire companies cars (such as Hertz, Europcar etc.) but it is much cheaper booking with them.

If you are travelling with Ryanair, you may also want to check out the affliated Hertz website (link on right of homepage) that gives discounts for Ryanair customers.

What ever you do don't just turn up at the airport.
Also, on the plus side of pre-booking car hire is that if they don't have the car clas size you requested for they will upgrade you - where they can't if your renting at the airport, as you would have to pay extra for the next class up. I have been upgraded on car hire about every 3 times out of 5.

kgpuk

Here's a link to a Hertz 10% discount code on MSE http://forum.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=Voucher;action=display;num=1105400692

katyjarvis40

Hi

I would definately book before you go to avoid disappointment. If you are travelling to Spain or Portugal I would recommend https://www.carjet.com.

Katy

carl310166

One thing you should check is the excess you have to pay if the vehicle is stolen or damaged.

I have always used Holiday Autos,and they used to offer to cover any excess,and they were the cheapest.

Please enquire if they still do this,as it's a bit pointless getting a good deal on hire if they charge you £500 if the car is damaged,in my opinion it's piece of mind when on holiday.

Holiday Autos will haggle a bit on price,get a quote on line first,then check out the competition,then ring them and offer to book NOW if they can do a good deal.

I used this method for 3 years except last year when i took my own car,so i don't know if they still offer to refund your excess.