Four in ten Irish holidaymakers reported issues with their car rentals last summer, the latest report from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has revealed. 

That’ll be no surprise to our readers as we regularly feature tips on how to deal with car hire ‘cowboys’. However, last week’s report on the issue did manage to add some new gripes to the lengthy litany of consumer woe in this area.

The top complaints to the CCPC were long wait times, hidden fees, and the car ‘not being as described.’ Usually, we hear more about people being fleeced for excess(ive) insurance, unreasonable damage claims and eye-watering fuel charges.

But whatever complaints top the list, the message is clear – be on your guard when hiring a car.

Complaints about car hire were also fourth highest on the European Consumer Centre Ireland’s list of gripes in its annual report. It even has two-letter templates on its website for filing complaints to car hirers – one for general issues and one to dispute rental deposit charges. 

Car hirers have also not endeared themselves to another consumer champion – Which?

‘There are only a handful of car rental firms you should rely on,’ it fumes in its latest report on the issue. 

Four in ten Irish holidaymakers reported issues with their car rentals last summer, the latest report from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has revealed

‘Some big-name providers think nothing of charging you hundreds for insurance you don’t need or fining you for damage to the car you didn’t cause. And a few low-cost operators abroad have descended into outright lawlessness,’ it warns.

As the CCPC’s Grainne Griffin notes in her latest bulletin: ‘A summer holiday should be a time for rest and relaxation.’ 

Instead, holidaymakers ‘are being hit with long delays, unexpected costs and stressful disputes’ with car hire companies. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s our ten-point guide to steering clear of stress when you hire a car this summer.

1. INSPECT YOUR CAR

The importance of inspecting every aspect of your hire car was driven home when a colleague was charged hundreds of euros to replace a manual lock she had never used.

Here’s the official CCPC checklist for what to do: 

• Inspect the car thoroughly both inside and outside for any existing damage such as scratches, dents, or marks.
• If there is any damage, get a diagram from the rental company highlighting any existing damage to the car. 
• Review this carefully and make sure all existing damage is clearly noted. 
• Check the interior upholstery for any wear and tear, stains, tears, burns or other marks. 
• Ask the rental company to record any damage you find before you leave. 
• Take clear photos or videos of the car’s exterior and interior for your own records.
• Test all lights to make sure they are working properly, and check the windscreen for chips, cracks or other issues. 
• If you are not satisfied with the car’s condition, return it immediately and explain the problem to the rental company. This will ensure there is no question that you may have caused the damage.

2. AVOID EXCESS(IVE) INSURANCE 

‘Excess’ insurance, is the most blatant rip off in a car rental business already rife with dubious extras.

When you hire a car, the existing cover on it may be so bad that it leaves you liable to pay several thousand euros out of your own pocket as an ‘excess’ if there are any claims.

But rental agencies will pressurise you to buy another plan from them to cover the cost of these excesses . And guess what? It costs hundreds of euros and over ten times more than you could online for better quality cover from providers such as Carhireexcess.ie.

There are now three common types of ‘excess’ insurance: super damage waiver and tyre and windscreen cover. And the average combined cost of these three waivers is ‘over €270, a significant increase on last year’s figure of €220,’ Carinsurance.ie commented on a survey it carried out recently.

When you hire a car, the existing cover on it may be so bad that it leaves you liable to pay several thousand euros out of your own pocket as an ‘excess’ if there are any claims

The broker’s own version of this cover costs from just €24.75 per week for a European trip – or €48.99 annually – and has not increased year on year, it says.

‘These policies also include protection for misfuelling, vehicle lockout, key recovery and several other issues that can arise, particularly when you’re driving an unfamiliar vehicle – and based on this research could save you over €240,’ says Carhireexcess.ie spokesman Christian Bennett.

3. GET A BROKER – AND ZEST IS BEST

Another way to avoid ‘excess’ cover rip off is to go through a car hire broker. ‘If you use a good broker like Zest Car Rental, they’ll also be able to advocate on your behalf in the unlikely event of issues,’ Which? says. 

‘Despite being the cheapest broker in the table, its rates always include either zero-excess insurance or excess reimbursement insurance, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up and a free second driver in some locations. It vets the providers it works with.’

4. BRING A SAT NAV 

The Carhireexcess.ie study also found that it costs €91 on average just to hire a sat nav.

‘Packing your own unit or even your smartphone with a maps app could lead to significant saving,’ Which? car hire firm survey (2024) advises Mr Bennett. 

If using your phone, be aware that this can gobble up your data allowance so it might be worthwhile investing in a local phone deal or SIM card.

5. BOOK EARLY

It pays to book your car hire early – and make sure the deal includes free cancellation. 

‘Sometimes, as your travel date gets nearer, you will see the cost of your rental drop and free cancellation could allow you to re-book at a lower price,’ Mr Bennett says. 

Another tip from Which? is that it’s between €35 and €58 cheaper if you pay when you book.

Car hire companies charge an average of €78 to rent out one child seat per week, says Carhireexcess.ie. Mr Bennett recommends bringing your own ‘booster’

6. BRING YOUR OWN BOOSTER SEAT 

Car hire companies charge an average of €78 to rent out one child seat per week, says Carhireexcess.ie. Mr Bennett recommends bringing your own ‘booster’.

7. BEWARE BORDER CHARGES

Crossing borders can really add to your car hire costs, depending on the company policy.

Some agencies allow you to cross multiple borders during a single rental period, if you stick to visiting pre-approved countries. 

Others charge per country or region. Fees can range from €20 to €50 for border crossings within the EU – and up to several hundred outside the union.

8. BEST COMPANIES 

Cicar and AutoReisen, both based in the Canaries, come tops with impressive scores in the official Which? survey of auto hire firms. Unfortunately, they are based in the Canary Islands, and no other providers made the grade to be a WRP (Which Recommended Provider). ‘But Centauro, Alamo, and Enterprise and Hertz scored well in our survey,’ says Which?

9. TOP UP YOUR TANK 

You’re usually expected to bring a rented car back with the fuel tank full. Otherwise you can be charged a €30-€50 admin fee plus fuel costs up to 50% higher than forecourt prices that are already eye-wateringly high.

10. THE CHEAPEST MAY NOT BE BEST

Car-hire agencies with the cheapest deals regularly feature at the bottom of Which?’s survey. They often lure you in with low prices, then clobber you with ‘extras’!