OVER HALF OF UK TOURISTS ARE TAKING A CHANCE ON THEIR HOLIDAY CAR HIRE

OVER HALF OF UK TOURISTS ARE TAKING A CHANCE ON THEIR HOLIDAY CAR HIRE

“Your policy may be cheap now but it’ll cost you if something goes wrong.” It’s the same tune you hear from providers and brokers with regards to all insurance policies, but only because it’s true.

A recent survey from Post Office Travel money found that a large number of UK customers abroad are taking to the wheel of an unfamiliar car, on largely unfamiliar roads, without taking out excess waiver insurance (EWI). In fact only 27% are taking extra care by buying this extra cover, with protects them for tyre, undercarriage and window damage.

Looking at the 10 countries where UK tourists are most likely to hire a car, the survey found that the cheapest amount they could expect to pay if the car is damaged or stolen is £586 when hiring from Larnaca Airport in Cyprus.

Hiring from Geneva Airport meanwhile could set you back £1489 if you and your hire car run into trouble, far more than the £150 you could expect to pay for hiring a small car for two days. In most countries, the cost of the EWI is on average between 9-11% of the potential excess charge.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: “It is understandable that many motorists opt for the cheapest rate because car rental can become expensive once EWI and other extras are added. But, the consequence of not paying for EWI insurance could be a much higher bill if you have an accident or if another driver hits your car and leaves without giving their details.”

Failing to check the hire cars before embarking in their trip was another holiday hire car shortcoming discovered in a survey by iCarhireinsurance.com. The car-hire excess insurance provider noted that just over half of those hiring a car check them for existing damage before driving them away, with a quarter of customers returning their vehicle without seeing a hire car representative.