Car hire research

New research from the Competition and Consumer Protection (CCPC) has revealed widespread problems with international car hire as four in ten Irish holidaymakers reported issues with their rental while abroad last summer. The top issues reported were long wait times, hidden fees, and the car not being as described.

Hidden fees and unexpected add-ons

• Almost one in three (31%) paid more than they originally expected
• Of those who experienced issues with hidden fees, 24% were with toll charges and 23% were with fuel charges

Excessive insurance costs

• Seven in ten (70%) consumers purchased at least one type of insurance
• Of those who purchased insurance, over 4 in 5 purchased through the car rental company
• Those who purchased insurance were twice as likely to report spending more than expected as those who didn’t

Credit cards still a requirement for many

• Three in four (76%) were required to provide a credit card for the security hold
• One in four (25%) have a credit card for the sole purpose of renting a car