Drive a hard bargain

WITH the great summer getaway just around the corner, millions of Britons are preparing to hit the road in a hire car, typically overseas.

- By Harvey Jones

But before you stride up to the rental desk clutching your driving licence, it pays to know the pitfalls, and how to steer clear of costly mistakes.

Timing is everything when it comes to hiring a car. Early booking gives you the widest choice, but prices can fall as departure dates near.

Last summer, the average cost of a week’s rental in Milan dropped by £116 between January and July, according to car hire excess insurer iCarhireinsurance.com.

Some savvy travellers saved as much as £266 by cancelling early and rebooking at a lower price.

Director Ben Wooltorton says one-in-three savvy renters now does an extra check before travelling, often booking with a firm offering free cancellation, then switching if they find something that is better value.

The headline rental price is only half the story. Optional extras at the desk can send your bill soaring.