Hiring a Car Doesn't Have to Involve Hidden Costs
LONDON, May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
As a recent Which? report criticises car hire companies for lack of transparency over fees, Carrentals.co.uk offers advice to consumers on how to uncover 'hidden extras'
A new report from leading consumer organisation, Which? has criticised car hire companies for confusing their customers with hidden charges, and failing to show complete transparency over fees.
According to the recent report, many car hire companies fail to disclose additional costs until after a booking has been confirmed, making it virtually impossible for customers to identify the best deals on offer. Of the 120 bookings administered across 10 popular rental websites, researchers said that the total price of car hire was unclear for more than half of them.
Which? revealed that, in particular, consumers faced confusion over charges incurred due to excess insurance costs, taxes, compulsory fuel costs and optional extras such as sat navs and additional drivers.In a number of cases, these charges were found to double the original quoted cost for the customer.
However, Carrentals.co.uk believe that all the prices are normally displayed at the time of making a booking, either in the Terms and Conditions of the booking, or in an'extras' section. In some instances items cannot be displayed in the first price customers see for various reasons. For example many extras are only payable locally on collection of the vehicle.
Commenting on the report, Gareth Robinson, Managing Director of Carrentals.co.uk, said: "Remember that items such as sat-navs and child seats are optionalextras, so the prices for these will not be shown in the overall price, but in an extras section on the website. With regards to fuel costs, try to use a supplier who has a 'pick up full, drop off full' policy in place; that way you will only pay for what you use."
Customers must ensure they read the small print to be aware of all costs they may incur and when in the process they will need to be paid. They can then compare the full price of a booking with several suppliers to make sure they are actually getting the best deal for their needs.
Gareth added: "Generally, with regard to costs all the information is usually there. To avoid any nasty surprises make sure you read the terms and conditions before booking to find out exactly what is and isn't included. If you feel there is something unclear, phone or email the supplier for further information."
For more information or tobook visit Carrentals.co.uk
About Carrentals.co.uk
Carrentals.co.ukis one of the UK's leading car hire comparison website, and celebrated its 5th birthday as a comparator in February 2012. Last year, the company achieved record sales, despite the challenging economic climate.
Searching up to 50 different car hire suppliers, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Holiday Autos and Sixt, Carrentals.co.uk provides an impartial comparison of the best prices available in over 15,000 locations worldwide.
Customers can also book with Carrentals.co.ukthrough the Android and iPhone mobile apps launched in 2011 and also through the comparator's Facebook page.
To book or for further information visit Carrentals.co.uk
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