Five ways to drive down the cost of your holiday car costs and save on your getaway
COULD you make a saving on holiday car hire this summer?
Just 32 per cent of us check prices before travelling in a bid to secure a better deal, according to a survey by icarhireinsurance.com.
Drive down the cost of your getaway with these tricks . . .
LOOK AHEAD: If you booked your car months ago, you could snag a further saving by checking your hire price just before you travel.
Last-minute summer rentals in Europe have dropped by an average of £116, the insurer says — so it pays to cancel, rebook and save.
If you are making a reservation for a break later in the year, always choose free cancellation options so that you can grab a better deal if one comes up nearer the time.
SHIFT THE EXCESS: Ditch expensive rental company excess cover and instead buy standalone excess insurance online before you go. If you travel a lot, it's worth thinking about an annual policy as this can often work out much cheaper than individual trip cover.
NO OVER-LOADING: Once you arrive at your destination, the car rental desks often charge premium prices for add-ons you might not have thought about.
The cost of covering an extra driver, hiring sat nav or renting a child car seat can add up. Bringing your own car seat, using the maps feature on your phone and having one designated driver for the trip could lead to a hefty saving.
EXHAUST THE DAMAGE: According to the survey, 39 per cent of renters find undisclosed damage on their vehicles. Avoid unfair charges by photographing every scratch and dent at pick-up. Get pics of the interior, exterior and tyres.
If you can, show these to staff at the time of collection so you don't get stung with extra costs when returning the car.
GO COMPARE: If you pick up your car at the airport, rentals can cost up to 30 per cent more.
With cheaper taxi fares across Europe, it could make more sense to take a cab to your hotel or resort and hire a car from a local rental branch. Always compare the price of locations when booking your vehicle.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
7
Deal of the day
7
SUCK it up fast with the VAX HomePro Detect Pet-Design cordless vacuum, on offer at vax.co.uk. Was £369.99, now £219.99 and a free cleaning tool kit, worth £50, is included.
Cheap treat
MAKE your tea break a little bit better with a pack of Jammy Dodgers. A pack is usually 85p, but get one for 55p at Morrisons.
Top swap
FOR longer locks, try Kérastase Genesis Serum Anti-Chute Forti-fiant, £49.50, kerastase.co.uk, or opt for the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Growth Booster Anti Hair Loss Serum, £8.49 for Superdrug Health & Beautycard members at superdrug.com.
Shop & save
WHY not chill out on a contemporary hanging egg chair from OHS? It was £119, but is now £80 at theonlinehomeshop.com.
Hot right now
FOR those last-minute holiday fashion buys, check out the riverisland.com sale for up to 60 per cent off.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
7
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
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COULD you make a saving on holiday car hire this summer? Just 32 per cent of us check prices before travelling in a bid to secure a better deal, according to a survey by Drive down the cost of your getaway with these tricks . . . LOOK AHEAD: If you booked your car months ago, you could snag a further saving by checking your hire price just before you travel. Last-minute summer rentals in Europe have dropped by an average of £116, the insurer says — so it pays to cancel, rebook and save. If you are making a reservation for a break later in the year, always choose free cancellation options so that you can grab a better deal if one comes up nearer the time. SHIFT THE EXCESS: Ditch expensive rental company excess cover and instead buy standalone excess insurance online before you go. If you travel a lot, it's worth thinking about an annual policy as this can often work out much cheaper than individual trip cover. NO OVER-LOADING: Once you arrive at your destination, the car rental desks often charge premium prices for add-ons you might not have thought about. The cost of covering an extra driver, hiring sat nav or renting a child car seat can add up. Bringing your own car seat, using the maps feature on your phone and having one designated driver for the trip could lead to a hefty saving. EXHAUST THE DAMAGE: According to the survey, 39 per cent of renters find undisclosed damage on their vehicles. Avoid unfair charges by photographing every scratch and dent at pick-up. Get pics of the interior, exterior and tyres. If you can, show these to staff at the time of collection so you don't get stung with extra costs when returning the car. GO COMPARE: If you pick up your car at the airport, rentals can cost up to 30 per cent more. With cheaper taxi fares across Europe, it could make more sense to take a cab to your hotel or resort and hire a car from a local rental branch. Always compare the price of locations when booking your vehicle. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 Deal of the day 7 SUCK it up fast with the VAX HomePro Detect Pet-Design cordless vacuum, on offer at Was £369.99, now £219.99 and a free cleaning tool kit, worth £50, is included. Cheap treat MAKE your tea break a little bit better with a pack of Jammy Dodgers. A pack is usually 85p, but get one for 55p at Morrisons. Top swap FOR longer locks, try Kérastase Genesis Serum Anti-Chute Forti-fiant, £49.50, or opt for the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Growth Booster Anti Hair Loss Serum, £8.49 for Superdrug Health & Beautycard members at Shop & save WHY not chill out on a contemporary hanging egg chair from OHS? It was £119, but is now £80 at Hot right now FOR those last-minute holiday fashion buys, check out the sale for up to 60 per cent off. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
