How to Find Cheap Car Hire in the UK and Abroad
Published 6th of October 2013·Updated 19 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
The cheapest car hire deals come from booking well in advance, using a comparison site to search across multiple providers, and sorting out excess insurance separately rather than buying it from the rental company at the counter. Following these steps can cut your total hire cost by 30 to 50 per cent compared with booking last-minute directly with a single provider.
Short Summary
Comparison sites such as Rentalcars.com, Kayak, and CarHire3000 search across dozens of hire companies simultaneously. They are almost always cheaper than booking directly with a brand like Hertz, Avis, or Europcar.
The excess on a standard European car hire policy can be as high as £2,000. You can buy standalone excess waiver insurance for as little as £3 to £5 per day through providers such as Insurance4carhire or Questor Insurance - far cheaper than the cover offered at the rental desk.
Airport pick-up locations typically add a surcharge of 10 to 30 per cent compared with off-airport sites. If there is a nearby city-centre location with easy transport links, picking up there can save a meaningful amount.
Book in the currency of the destination country rather than pounds sterling, and pay with a card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Rental companies sometimes offer the option to pay in pounds at the counter - this is almost always worse value than the local currency rate.
How do I find the cheapest car hire deals?
Use a comparison site as your starting point. Rentalcars.com, Kayak, and Skyscanner Cars aggregate deals from dozens of hire companies and surface offers you would not find by approaching one brand directly. Search the same dates on two or three comparison sites, as not all of them list the same providers.
Book as early as possible. Car hire prices follow the same pattern as flights: they are cheapest months in advance and most expensive in the final days before pickup. For popular summer destinations, booking three to four months ahead can save significantly.
| Booking timeline | Typical price vs last-minute |
|---|---|
| 3-4 months ahead | 40-50% cheaper |
| 1-2 months ahead | 20-30% cheaper |
| 1-2 weeks ahead | 10-15% cheaper |
| Same week | Full or peak price |
What is car hire excess insurance and do I need it?
Almost all car hire contracts include an excess - the amount you are liable for if the vehicle is damaged or stolen, even if you are not at fault. In Europe, this excess is commonly £1,000 to £2,000. Without cover, you would need to pay this amount before the hire company considers any claim.
Rental companies sell excess waiver cover at the desk, but the daily rates are high - often £15 to £30 per day. Standalone policies from specialist providers such as Insurance4carhire, Questor Insurance, and AXA cover the same excess for £3 to £8 per day. For a two-week hire, that difference can amount to £150 to £300 in savings.
Some premium credit cards, including certain American Express, Barclaycard, and Halifax cards, include car hire excess cover as a benefit. Check your card's policy document before purchasing separate insurance.
Does having a second driver significantly increase the cost?
Adding a second driver to a hire contract typically costs between £3 and £8 per day. The cost increases if the additional driver is under 25 or has a short driving history, as hire companies view younger and less experienced drivers as higher risk. Some companies charge a "young driver" surcharge of £15 or more per day for drivers under 25.
If you do not genuinely need a second driver, do not add one. If you do need one, check whether your comparison site includes any packages where the additional driver is included free.
What should I watch out for at the rental desk?
Rental desk upsells are common and some are worth resisting. Beyond excess insurance (which you should already have arranged independently), you may be offered GPS navigation, a child seat, a full-to-full fuel policy, or a damage waiver upgrade. Child seats and GPS are sometimes genuinely needed, but check whether your own smartphone works adequately before paying for a GPS device.
The fuel policy matters. A "full-to-full" policy means you collect the car with a full tank and return it full. A "full-to-empty" policy means you pre-pay for a tank and return it empty - you pay for fuel you do not use. Full-to-full is almost always better value.
Inspect the car thoroughly before driving away and photograph or video any existing damage. Ensure every mark is noted on the condition report before you sign it. Disputes about pre-existing damage are one of the most common complaints made about car hire companies.
Are airport hire locations always more expensive?
Airport locations charge a concession fee - a percentage of the hire cost paid to the airport authority for the right to operate there. This is passed on to you and typically adds 10 to 30 per cent to the base price. Some hire companies operate a short distance from the airport and provide a free shuttle bus. Checking these off-airport locations specifically on comparison sites, or filtering for them, can yield cheaper rates.
What size car do I actually need?
Choosing the smallest car available is tempting but can backfire if you cannot comfortably fit your luggage and all passengers. Upgrading at the counter costs significantly more than pre-booking the correct size. Before booking, check the luggage capacity of any car category you are considering - most comparison sites list this information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to rent a car in the UK or Europe?
You need a full valid driving licence, your passport, the booking confirmation, and a credit card in the main driver's name. Most hire companies require the credit card for a security deposit, which is held for the duration of the hire and released on return. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but often with stricter conditions.
Can I hire a car under 25?
Yes, but most hire companies charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25, and some set a minimum age of 21 or even 23 for certain vehicle categories. Comparison sites allow you to filter by driver age, which removes cars and companies that will not accept you.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the hourly or daily rate depending on the hire company. This can be disproportionately expensive - returning a car just one hour late sometimes triggers a full extra day's charge. Check your contract terms and build in time for delays.
Is it worth joining a loyalty programme with a car hire company?
If you hire frequently - more than four or five times per year - a loyalty programme with a company such as Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, or Enterprise Plus can provide faster check-in, free upgrades, and the occasional free hire day. For occasional hirers, using a comparison site to find the best price each time is more valuable than loyalty to a single brand.
What should I do if the hire company disputes damage I did not cause?
Provide the photographs or video you took at pick-up as evidence. If your excess insurance provider is involved, notify them immediately. Many excess insurance policies include dispute support. If you paid by credit card, a Section 75 claim may be available if the hire company's behaviour is unreasonable.