Holiday Car Hire ...

[Clarets4me]

Just a heads up if you're fortunate enough to be going away this summer ... book as early as you can, if you want to hire a car.

Holiday car rental prices are through the roof due to lack of vehicles. The hire companies reduced their fleets substantially during the Covid restrictions, and have not yet been able to rebuild their inventory. We booked in January for a mid-size SUV in Bergerac for 11th-18th June and paid £308. The same car for 2nd July is £986 now ! I hear the problem is especially bad in Ireland, an automatic Insignia size car, picking up from Dublin Airport on 2nd July for a week is being quoted at over £1300 ....

[jdrobbo]

And never, ever, EVER go with Goldcar!

[Lowbankclaret]

And never, ever, EVER go with Goldcar!

OMG I made that mistake, went to get the car £1500 retainer for damage. When I gave it back they basically used a magnifying glass to find damage so they could keep £1500.

[Stayingup]

Prices for car hire in Spain and France also UP UP.UP. on.two years ago.

[jdrobbo]

Yep, their reputation is shot. So many damning reviews. They pretty much always come out cheapest to hook you in.

How did you solve your case?

[Quickenthetempo]

Take your own car over on the ferry.

[Burnleyareback2]

Really struggled but then booked through Expedia. About half the price I was seeing elsewhere for twice the car.

[Clarets4me]

And never, ever, EVER go with Goldcar!

We've been going to France for a good few years, and we've had Avis, Europcar and Hertz, booked through Rentalcars.com, ( other sites are available ).

Never had an issue with these, the only time I was concerned was when the Lady at the Avis desk handed me keys to a Mondeo estate and in broken English told me the car " 'as done 7 kilometres, and 'as no damage ". I thought, " OK, 7,000 on the clock, but I'll be checking this car over first ". When I got there, there was 7 km on the clock, and I was the first hirer of a brand new car ! Knowing that every mark and squashed bug would be down to me, I drove like an old lady going to Church for a week !!

[jdrobbo]

We've been going to France for a good few years, and we've had Avis, Europcar and Hertz, booked through Rentalcars.com, ( other sites are available ).

Never had an issue with these, the only time I was concerned was when the Lady at the Avis desk handed me keys to a Mondeo estate and in broken English told me the car " 'as done 7 kilometres, and 'as no damage ". I thought, " OK, 7,000 on the clock, but I'll be checking this car over first ". When I got there, there was 7 km on the clock, and I was the first hirer of a brand new car ! Knowing that every mark and squashed bug would be down to me, I drove like an old lady going to Church for a week !!

Brilliant

[Paul Waine]

Best insurance you can ever buy is car hire excess insurance. Annual policies come in at less than £50. Allows you to say "no thank you" to all hire company's suggestions that you need to buy their insurance that covers their own several hundred pounds excess charges, which for a week's hire might charge you more than £50.

Yes, holiday car hire is very expensive this year. When I booked a small car for 2 weeks in Mallorca in May my response when I heard the fee was I'm only renting it, I don't want to buy it!

[CnBtruntru]

Don't come to Ireland some of the hire charges quoted have been in the 10's of thousands

[Clarets4me]

Don't come to Ireland some of the hire charges quoted have been in the 10's of thousands

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/202 ... 0-on-2019/

[beddie]

Do they come with free petrol/diesel.

[atlantalad]

Don't come to Ireland some of the hire charges quoted have been in the 10's of thousands

Ireland is rapidly becoming a basket case. Seen some eye-watering car hire quotes (some into £1000's if believable - just checked 1 week end July for Polo = + £900!! ). No proper public transport outside of Dublin so makes it impossible for visitors to get around without car hire. Prices of general goods, hotels, food and building products are all on the rise. Heard even visitors from USA are complaining about high prices with many boycotting hotels for B&B's.

[chipbutty]

We've been going to France for a good few years, and we've had Avis, Europcar and Hertz, booked through Rentalcars.com, ( other sites are available ).

Never had an issue with these, the only time I was concerned was when the Lady at the Avis desk handed me keys to a Mondeo estate and in broken English told me the car " 'as done 7 kilometres, and 'as no damage ". I thought, " OK, 7,000 on the clock, but I'll be checking this car over first ". When I got there, there was 7 km on the clock, and I was the first hirer of a brand new car ! Knowing that every mark and squashed bug would be down to me, I drove like an old lady going to Church for a week !!

Just curious, would you have driven it differently if it did have 7k on the clock?
A hire car is a hire car regardless of the mileage and any imperfections are noted on any car regardless of age.

[Clarets4me]

Just curious, would you have driven it differently if it did have 7k on the clock?
A hire car is a hire car regardless of the mileage and any imperfections are noted on any car regardless of age.

Not really, my comment was partly for comedic effect ... though I was probably more conscious of not kerbing the alloys, which can be an issue when you first start driving on the right hand side of the road.

[dsr]

I hired one in Majorca once, a bit pricey but repairs covered in the price. When it arrived, it was bigger than any car I;d ever driven (I'd requested a small one and got an unwanted upgrade) with reversing sensors, automatic everythings, and bashed bumpers on all four corners. Which was quite reassuring because it meant they clearly weren't going to be surprised or disappointed if I hit anything!

[dsr]

Don't come to Ireland some of the hire charges quoted have been in the 10's of thousands

Ireland's easy. Take your own car on the ferry, and if you're going overnight, a cabin is worth the money.

[CnBtruntru]

Ireland's easy. Take your own car on the ferry, and if you're going overnight, a cabin is worth the money.

It's a long way from the States!

[dsr]

It's a long way from the States!

Might be a 2-night ferry.

[IanMcL]

Take your own car over on the ferry.

I just came back from 2 weeks in Spain, staying at my partners flat and couldn't justify a car hire. £850 a week for a mini mini car!

Taking own car now costs in!

[1968claret]

Thanks for the heads up on Expedia Clarets4me.
We are of to Mallorca in September.
Cheapest I had found was £350 for a small car. Last year we paid £150 for economy.

Managed to find one on Expedia £220 for economy. So much better than anywhere else. Cheers

[JohnC]

For the last few years we've found the cheapest online car hire broker to be Skyscanner. Worth checking against others.

[dandeclaret]

Ireland is rapidly becoming a basket case. Seen some eye-watering car hire quotes (some into £1000's if believable - just checked 1 week end July for Polo = + £900!! ). No proper public transport outside of Dublin so makes it impossible for visitors to get around without car hire. Prices of general goods, hotels, food and building products are all on the rise. Heard even visitors from USA are complaining about high prices with many boycotting hotels for B&B's.

Fuel prices in Ireland currently 12% lower than the UK. Food, general goods etc also cheaper and more widely available (My reference point is living in Ireland, and spending a good chunk of time in the UK for work and leisure)

Hotels and car hire are expensive, they always are in Ireland in the peak season, however, they are at present sky high. Part of the issue is the admirable approach to accepting Ukrainian refugees, and providing shelter in houses and hotels that would normally appear on Airbnb / hotels comparison sites.

[Burnleyareback2]

Thanks for the heads up on Expedia Clarets4me.
We are of to Mallorca in September.
Cheapest I had found was £350 for a small car. Last year we paid £150 for economy.

Managed to find one on Expedia £220 for economy. So much better than anywhere else. Cheers

Err, you’re welcome! Enjoy the holiday.

[Mayoclaret]

Fuel prices in Ireland currently 12% lower than the UK. Food, general goods etc also cheaper and more widely available (My reference point is living in Ireland, and spending a good chunk of time in the UK for work and leisure)

Hotels and car hire are expensive, they always are in Ireland in the peak season, however, they are at present sky high. Part of the issue is the admirable approach to accepting Ukrainian refugees, and providing shelter in houses and hotels that would normally appear on Airbnb / hotels comparison sites.

You are absolutely spot on Dande! Well said! Car hire is shocking here - but sadly the same as the UK - where I'm being quoted around £300 + for 2 days hire by my usual renter in August. Although Atlanta lad feels Ireland is "becoming a basket case" I'd also point out that my water rates are currently zero and my local Property tax (houses up to 262000 euros) is just 225 per annum - if that is "becoming a basket case" I'll take it . Thanks!

[Stockbrokerbelt]

I live in Spain & it’s not just Europe where car hire prices have gone up, the UK has gone stupid. When I come over for games I use easyrent where pre Covid a focus or similar used to set me back £72 for 2 days, last season it was £344 for 2 days. Some good pointers on here about excess insurance but there are some issues now with some providers due to Brexit. As for Goldcar never had a problem & don’t hesitate suggesting it to visitors at either Malaga or Gibraltar, you just have to be smart, savvy & forceful. There are some good companies who now pick you up & drop you at your destination where you’re hire car will have been delivered & also take you back to the Airport taking the worry out of finding your way. Diamond who operate from both Malaga & Gibraltar are very good & reasonable.

[fatboy47]

Best insurance you can ever buy is car hire excess insurance. Annual policies come in at less than £50. Allows you to say "no thank you" to all hire company's suggestions that you need to buy their insurance that covers their own several hundred pounds excess charges, which for a week's hire might charge you more than £50.

Yes, holiday car hire is very expensive this year. When I booked a small car for 2 weeks in Mallorca in May my response when I heard the fee was I'm only renting it, I don't want to buy it!

Good shout Paul.
I'm a very frequent hirer of cars and have obtained similar for as little as £22 in recent years.

[dandeclaret]

One tip I regularly use, is that the Enterprise office on Trafalgar street is regularly much, much cheaper than picking up at Manchester Airport. Often makes sense on longer, high peak demand, periods to book at Trafalgar Street in Burnley, then get a taxi / Chauffer / airport transfer from Manchester Airport. It only costs £30 to drop it off at Manchester Airport, so it's just a one way car that's needed. At Christmas and Easter, it was regularly £500 - £800 cheaper to do this, than to take it from Manchester Airport.

Obviously, if you've a bit of time, you might find a car hire place in a town closer to the airport, but they do tend to be a lot cheaper than high demand centres.

[1968claret]

Err, you’re welcome! Enjoy the holiday.

[atlantalad]

Fuel prices in Ireland currently 12% lower than the UK. Food, general goods etc also cheaper and more widely available (My reference point is living in Ireland, and spending a good chunk of time in the UK for work and leisure)

Hotels and car hire are expensive, they always are in Ireland in the peak season, however, they are at present sky high. Part of the issue is the admirable approach to accepting Ukrainian refugees, and providing shelter in houses and hotels that would normally appear on Airbnb / hotels comparison sites.

Like yourself I split my time between living in the "Wild Atlantic Way” and the UK. My point of reference: petrol was 218 cents/litre just over a week ago around Galway. Here presently it’s 187p/ litre which at current exchange rate is about the same - so no 12% difference. ( A positive: can still get a pint of ale here in Spoons for less than £2 = 232 cents, bogf, ). I note in Ireland there is heck of a mark up on supermarket foods/groceries compared to the UK, even in like for like supermarkets : Tesco, Aldi, Lidl- just compare the price of fresh bread. Saw a report a year or so ago that indicates cost of living in Ireland is second only to Switzerland in Europe. Ireland ( well Dublin & Galway at least) suffers from similar housing shortage to UK but in Ireland it seems to be exasperated by landlords favouring the Airbnb market as you state- i.e. more lucrative & less legal burden for short term holiday lets for home ( staycation) and foreign visitors. Back in August 2021 according to Irish Times "Ireland had just 2,455 homes available to rent". That’s the whole of Ireland with a population of 5 m!, before the Russian sh~t storm, The housing situation is not helped by the govt pushing urban developments and denying pp to individuals who own their own building plot, on rural land, and the means to build their own houses. Kind of pongs that permission is only given to larger developers to build in urban communities and extend towns, thus forcing the populace into towns. Not sure what that is about when much rural land presented for pp is unsuitable for ariable farming anyway. £££ equivalent building products - big differences. I know because I am renovating properties. Could go on about red tape, etc, etc but …. Is the prices hike not the consequence of the financial crash in 2010-2012 and the setting up of NAMI to recoup monies from bankruptcies in the building industry ? I guess one has to factor in the higher wages offered in Ireland, for like jobs, to be able to do a direct comparison on living standards. Oh no, just thought of all those additional tax elements .

[atlantalad]

You are absolutely spot on Dande! Well said! Car hire is shocking here - but sadly the same as the UK - where I'm being quoted around £300 + for 2 days hire by my usual renter in August. Although Atlanta lad feels Ireland is "becoming a basket case" I'd also point out that my water rates are currently zero and my local Property tax (houses up to 262000 euros) is just 225 per annum - if that is "becoming a basket case" I'll take it . Thanks!

I have watched, and experienced, the rise in prices in Ireland over a number of decades. I remember when you could buy a Guinness ( the proper, non-chilled stuff) for about 40 pence/pint.
I agree, certain "utilities" are much lower in Ireland. One being the water rates as you correctly state- but what a fight/protests to prevent private enterprise " back handers' taking that over. The local property tax ( Council tax) is lower but I question what does the "rural" community, such as yourself in the West, which makes up a vast majority of the populous in Ireland, get back in return for paying a tax on their property? We pay for our own refuse collections, the Garda are miles away, ambulances miles away, no public/local bus services, hardly any road maintenance except the main roads, no free fire service -they'd be a bit late anyway - I'd have more effect with a hose pipe. So, what do you get for your 225 euro per annum property tax, and the higher prices of; goods, car insurances, cars, pints, food, paying to see a GP ( which I like btw), hospital treatment, dental treatment, paying for kids school books, paying for kids to sit their leaving certs? Who really benefits from the public money spend in Ireland? Even the new road systems aren't state owned, they have tolls.

Seems similar to the UK : "capital centric syndrome" - London = Dublin.

[Tribesmen]

Look botton like is that Ireland is home for me and that's what counts. When you compare Galway to Burnley there is only one winner

[Jimmymaccer]

Flew back into Manchester and had a few hours to kill before flying back to the Isle of Man so instead of suffering airport hired a car from europcar…….fiat 100. Had it for four hours on a cheap rental……

Returned it and left keys on drop box full of fuel……they then charged me for a full tank saying it was empty. Despite showing them a receipt where I’d topped it up, my flight details which confirmed I couldn’t have had the car for any more than 4 hours which meant that to use a tank of fuel in four hours I’d have had to have done some average 100mph for four hours in a fiat 100 it took me weeks to get a refund.

I also had Hertz claiming the car needed a full valet despite it only having gone to/from the airport to the Prem Inn in Burnley!

Many happy hires but they can be buggers!

[Clarets4me]

Err, you’re welcome! Enjoy the holiday.

[barracuda]

Very valid post from the OP. There is a shortage of rental cars globally now: Get in early

[claret2018]

Just booked one for rural France next month, best part of £600 for 5 days

[Stayingup]

Just booked one for rural France next month, best part of £600 for 5 days

Given you will have costs getiing to and from France, would it be less exoensive to take your own car to France?

[ecc]

Read an article about this in France. Situation is out of control and unless you're loaded best forget it.

Another thing for anyone coming to France: bring a large supply of masks as more and more shops won't let you in unless you've got one. Covid spreading mighty quick.

[claret2018]

Given you will have costs getiing to and from France, would it be less exoensive to take your own car to France?

Would have been best part of 24 hours journey, no chance I’m doing that.

[Beaver]

Just had a vehicle with goldcar for a week in Majorca
Opted for full insurance
Great car and fantastic service
Paid £430 all in

[Top Claret]

Just had a vehicle with goldcar for a week in Majorca
Opted for full insurance
Great car and fantastic service
Paid £430 all in

Sensible move opting for the full insurance with goldcar they have an awful reputation

[CaptJohn]

I always buy an annual CDW (Collision damage waiver) and SLI (Supplemental liability insurance) policy. I costs around 100 pounds but saves a fortune when compared to the punitive, rip off charges that the desk representatives try to upsell when you pick up your vehicle. They will try and discredit the policy as they are on commission to upsell but just hold your ground and be polite. Also if renting in Orlando don't opt for the Sunpass fitted to the vehicle as it's a complete rip off. Just pay the first few tolls until you can get to a supermarket and buy a Sunpass transponder. They are cheap and last forever. I've had mine for over 10 years and it works just fine. You need to register it on-line and pay a small amount of credit on your account but it works. I always have it in my carry on baggage and immediately fit it to the windscreen when I pick up the rental so I don't inadvertently pass a toll booth without paying

[CaptJohn]

I've rented with Goldcar in Malaga and agree you have to watch them carefully. I once rented a VW Caddy and when picking it up discovered numerous dents, scrapes and scuffs. I just got the representative back and had them note all of them on the rental agreement before I even turned the ignition. It's very important to do this as once you've driven it off their lot you will be liable for everything. It can be a real pain when you've had a stressful flight but will save you a lot of money and hassle when you drop it off.

[Devils_Advocate]

I like to hire a van so I can buy a washing machine out there as it saves having to go to the laundrette every other day

[Lowbankclaret]

Here in Tenerife this week fuel is €1.60 to €1.64, so just about under £1.50 a litre. Bit different to back home.

[Quickenthetempo]

For those hiring in the Burnley area. Check out Burnley Van Hire.

They hire out their motorhome for 150 a day so everything else should be a lot cheaper.

[Lowbankclaret]

So just want to give a big shout out for CICAR, just had two weeks in Tenerife.
CICAR were the cheapest rental by a long way from the big rentals.
440 euros for two weeks for a Mokka.

The price you see on the website includes the damage waiver insurance, so no hard sell when you get there.