Car Hire Prices and being penalised for living in the UK

M0ssim0_2

I’m in the process of shopping around for car hire for my trip to Canada in August 2023. Prices are still ridiculous despite it being 11 months away. One site, HolidayAutos was coming out at nearly £300 cheaper compared to other Comparison sites. I then clocked that in the field where it states ‘Where do you live’ it stated the USA. When I selected the UK in the dropdown box low and behold the price increased by £300. My question is why? It can’t be down to the exchange rate as it would come in slightly cheaper. It looks like you are penalised just because you live in the UK, why? If I was just to leave it as the USA, would the booking be honoured or would I run the risk of them cancelling it, due to it being treated as a material fact???

eDicky

The difference has a lot to do with insurance cover provided by the hire firms to foreign hirers, which is not needed by American drivers whose regular vehicle insurance also covers hire cars.

M0ssim0_2

Thanks for the info, wasn't aware of that and it helps to explain the difference 

virgo17

Also many American bank cards include insurance for hiring vehicles.