Car Hire Abroad

[Hazydetailonlife]

We are going on a multi generational holiday and will need a 7 seater car. What’s the best way to hire a car these days? It’s been ages since we did this.

Any tips?

I always look at the Martin Lewis website which has several recommendations and links (some affiliated) to check sites I've used in the past haven't done dodgy.

We always use AutoEurope (not to be confused with Europcar) to find the best deals. Great customer service.

What’s your destination?

ETA my advice differs depending on where you’re going. I usually book direct with the hire company for ease, but not always.

If you sign up with Avis as a preferred customer you get a discount on worldwide hire car prices, and at most locations they have a priority desk and Quick pass system for pick up and drop off. They also offer you several deals via email e.g. one free additional driver, upgrade offers etc.

I'd also recommend taking out a separate policy for excess. They are usually much cheaper than the excess prices offered by hire car companies.

Portugal Faro airport - but not booked flights yet. I want to understand costs as I think they might be high!

We used Zest when we flew to Faro - we use it when we fly anywhere as it's a comparison site that shows all the options.

The option we chose was with Master Kings and I've got absolutely no complaints about them at all.

Pay more for no excess. Yes it adds to the holiday price but then there isn't a charge on your credit card or a risk you have to pay a large excess.

Pay for the excess insurance before you go so you don't need the daily extra insurance. The easyJet car hire search is good

At Faro we always use DriveForFun. They hire out of the kiosk in the car park (sounds dodgy but it isn’t!). They are pretty cheap, reliable and very pleasant. Last time we were there we hired a smallish car with zero excess for a week and it was about £175.

In Italy we take a taxi to the hotel then they organise the hire car with a local company. Much, much, cheaper, and fab service, and no onerous t&c's.

Read the Moneysaving Expert guide for full information about all the pitfalls.

It will be far cheaper to buy your excess insurance in the UK, but then you'll have to leave a hefty deposit on a credit card in the name of the main driver to take the car.

It might be cheaper to hire two small cars than one big one but bear in mind how much luggage people will be carrying, you'll also obviously need two people willing/able to drive, but hopefully you'll have this anyway.

Consider whether you need a car for the whole holiday or if at all. Prices have rocketed since Covid such that we don't really hire cars any more and tend to book places where we can use public transport with possibly the occasional taxi. There's also the option of transfer companies to get to/from your accommodation - resort hoppa etc.

Do not use Goldcar.