Insurance On Car Hire Is A Rip-Off

Consumers can now buy car hire insurance separately and in advance of collection, saving more than 70% on the daily insurance costs charged by most car hire companies.

A recent survey conducted at Gatwick airport revealed more than 90% of people thought rates for car hire insurance are “unreasonably expensive”, whilst 96% were unaware that car hire insurance can be purchased separately.

As well as Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection, the hirer is still exposed to an amount payable in the event of a claim. This amount, usually referred to as ‘the excess’, can make the hirer responsible for a payout of anything from £613 up to £1,704 which is then automatically deducted from the hirer’s credit card if damage is found when the hired vehicle is returned.

Car hire companies offer customers the option of buying additional insurance to cover this excess, usually costing around £7.50 a day.

Generally offered via the local agent on collection and not at the booking stage, this results in consumers being bullied into buying locally at more expensive rates.

But the rip-off has backfired thanks to the questor-insurance.co.uk policy that protects against CDS and TP, from only £43.68 on an annual basis, or £2.98 on a daily basis.

How refreshing is that. Shame the school holidays are over.

Jackie Violet