On hire alert over hols car rental rip-off

Tourists hit for extra insurance at vehicle pick-up

- LARISSA NOLAN

ONE in five of us have been talked into buying extra insurance while hiring a car, a new survey has shown.

Others found damage on a hired car was not identified when they picked it up. And more feel anxious about possible costs if there is any damage to the car.

Research by insurance company CarHireExcess.ie found 20% of holidaymakers have been stung for extra insurance at the desk when they pick up a car.

Consumers are being urged to do their homework before they travel in order to avoid feeling the pressure of the “hard sell” at the pick-up desk.

The survey of around 500 people showed:

■ 16% have experienced the “hard sell” from agents at the rental desk when they arrived to pick up their car;

■ 15% were told by a sales agent they had to buy the excess protection cover from the rental company;

■ 17% had charges added to their bill they weren't expecting;

■ 13% say the rental company told them it wasn't necessary to note down minor damage on the check-out sheet;