There has been a notable rise in complaints by consumers about the hassle they receive at airport car hire desks from salesmen who try to hard sell them excess insurance.
These methods are not new and have been practiced since the 1970s but never so aggressively.
The main reason is that selling these policies is a major source of commission to the staff of car hire firms.
Insurance specialists advise against taking excess insurance at the airport desks.
For those who need such insurance, it is cheaper to buy it online in advance of travel.
Other tricks to get money out of car hire customers include offering upgrades and gadgets at much higher prices, fees for less-than-full petrol tanks and charging for body marks on the returned car that the driver may not be aware of.
The simple advice for consumers when hiring a car abroad is to check the terms and conditions of the contract before booking.
It is a good idea to print this document and take it with you, highlighting relevant points such as clauses that say, “purchasing additional insurance is optional rather than compulsory.”
It is always a good idea to make all arrangements in advance and buy nothing at the airport desk. Any additional insurance offer at the airport should be declined.
The car should be checked before hitting the road and any defects or scratches pointed out to the company.
If there is a record of previous damage to the car, it should match the actual condition of the car.
Upon returning the car, it is a good idea to take photographs of the vehicle from all angles as proof of its condition after the hire period.
If one is unfortunate enough to get involved in an accident, follow the normal procedure of taking full notes about the circumstances and statements from witnesses if possible.
There is no doubt that car hire firms need to raise their game and show some respect for their customers.
• Adel Murad is a senior motoring and business journalist, based in London.
Holiday hire hassle
Holiday hire hassle
