Unscrupulous car rental firms are known for their hard-sell tactics and dodgy damage claims – but now the cowboys have gone digital and are scamming holidaymakers with fake websites.
“Knowledge is power and doing your homework and due diligence before you leave home is invaluable,” says Jane Hawkes, consumer champion and travel expert at ladyjaney.co.uk.
Here are some common car hire pitfalls abroad and Hawkes’ top tips on how to avoid your dream destination turning into the holiday from hell…
1. Overpriced extras
Focusing on the headline price rather than the total cost of rental can cost you more in the long run.
“Extras such as insurance, fuel policies, additional drivers, baby car seats, sat nav and airport fees quickly add up,” says Hawkes. “Always compare the overall price and check the terms before booking so both the hire and any cover meet your needs.”
2. Read the small print
Watch out for additional driver charges, fuel fees, airport surcharges, toll administration costs, late return penalties and large security deposits.
“Check the small print so there are no unfortunate surprises when the car is collected or returned or if the flight is delayed,” advises Hawkes. “Before you book, also check age limits, older driver and cross-border fees.”
3. Opt for ‘pay now’
“Paying in advance can often secure the best rates, but only if you’re booking with a reputable company and fully understand the terms and conditions,” says Hawkes.
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However, she notes that if your plans are likely to change, paying at the desk could offer more flexibility, even if it costs a little more.
“The most expensive part of hiring a car often isn’t the rental itself, it’s what happens at the desk,” highlights Hawkes. “Going in knowing exactly what you’ve booked and what you actually need is the best defence against unnecessary upselling.”
4. Beware cheap deals
“Book early, compare total cost rather than the headline price and scrutinise the small print,” advises Hawkes. “Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true as cheap rentals often make up the difference through expensive extras proposed at the desk.”
5. Ignore the hard sell
Optional add-on Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) can offer peace of mind in the absence of any other cover, but car rental firms can charge overly inflated daily rates for it, which is why it’s often considered a rip-off.
“Don’t feel pressured into buying insurance at the rental desk,” says Hawkes. “Generally buying excess insurance independently before your trip provides similar protection for a fraction of the cost.
“Some travel insurance policies, bank accounts or credit cards also include standalone excess insurance. Check before you travel that you aren’t forking out for cover you don’t need.”
6. Video evidence
Charging for pre-existing damage is one of the most common complaints.
“Always inspect the car thoroughly before driving away – the bodywork, tyres, wheels, mirrors, lights and fuel level and ensure any damage is recorded,” advises Hawkes. “Confirm key info such as fuel policy, mileage allowance and emergency contact details.
“Take clear photos and videos of every panel, wheel and the interior before you leave the depot.”
Go over the car with a fine tooth comb, leaving no stone unturned.
“Make sure any existing damage is recorded on the firm’s paperwork and keep your evidence until you’re home,” recommends Hawkes.
“I cannot emphasise enough how important this is so you have an accurate record of the state of the car before and after hire as evidence if claims of damage are made.”
7. Tricks of the trade
If an agent tries to say the car you’ve booked isn’t available, never feel pressured into accepting an expensive upgrade straight away.
“Ask whether there’s a similar vehicle available at no extra cost and if not, challenge the charge if the change isn’t your choice,” recommends Hawkes. “They should honour the booking you made wherever possible.”
Saying your excess insurance isn’t recognised locally or doesn’t cover everything is also a common annoying sales tactic.
“Buying standalone excess insurance before you travel is often much cheaper, just make sure it meets the rental firm’s requirements,” says Hawkes. “If you’re told it’s not accepted, then ask them to explain it and show you the policy terms.”
8. Bogus booking sites
“Holiday scams are becoming much harder to spot as criminals use AI to create convincing fake booking websites, cloned rental companies and realistic messages that appear to come from trusted brands,” warns Lynette Owens, VP consumer marketing at digital safety firm TrendLife.
“Consumers can no longer rely on spotting spelling mistakes or poor design. Instead, today’s scams are designed to look legitimate, are highly personalised and can create a false sense of urgency.”
She advises: “Before booking, always use official rental websites, verify any offers independently and be sceptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
“As AI makes online scams increasingly sophisticated, using trusted security tools such as ScamCheck that can identify suspicious links, text messages and websites can provide an extra layer of confidence before sharing your payment details.”