Hiring a car can turn a good trip into a great one. It gives you freedom to reach beaches, villages, national parks and attractions that trains and buses miss, and for families or groups it can work out cheaper than several train tickets. But car hire is also one of the areas of travel where the headline price rarely tells the whole story. This guide explains how car hire works in the UK and abroad, how to find a cheap deal without falling into the usual traps, and what to check before you hand over your card.
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How car hire works
When you hire a car, you pay a daily or weekly rate to a rental company for the use of a vehicle. That rate normally includes a basic level of insurance, but it almost always comes with an excess, which is the amount you are liable for if the car is damaged or stolen. The company will usually place a hold on your credit card, called a deposit, to cover that excess and the fuel. Understanding these three things, the rate, the excess and the deposit, will help you make sense of nearly every quote you see.
Prices change with demand. School holidays, bank holiday weekends, summer and the run up to Christmas are usually the most expensive times, while quieter weeks outside peak season can be much cheaper. Booking early generally gives you more choice and often a better price, but it is worth checking again nearer the date, especially if your booking can be cancelled for free.
Cheap car hire in the UK
Searching for cheap car hire UK will show you dozens of comparison sites and suppliers, and the cheapest figure is not always the best deal. A low daily price can be offset by a high excess, a strict fuel policy, mileage limits or fees for extras. The aim is to find the lowest total cost for the car you actually need, not the lowest advertised rate.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Compare several suppliers at once using a comparison site, then read the full terms of the best two or three options.
- Book a smaller car if you can. A compact car is usually cheaper to hire and cheaper to fuel than a larger one.
- Avoid renting for school holiday dates if your plans are flexible.
- Pick up away from the airport or a main station if that is practical, since airport locations often add a surcharge.
- Choose a full to full fuel policy and fill the tank yourself at a normal petrol station.
- Decline extras you do not need, such as satellite navigation, when your phone can do the job.
- Bring your own child seat if the airline lets you check one, as seat hire can add up over a longer rental.
Booking direct or through a comparison site
Comparison sites are useful because they show the market at a glance, but the contract is still with the rental company, so check who you are actually hiring from and what their terms say. Some comparison sites sell their own excess cover, which can be cheaper than the rental desk, but you should understand how claims work before relying on it. Booking direct can sometimes be simpler if something goes wrong, and it is worth looking at both routes.
Airport car hire, including Gatwick
Picking up a car at the airport is convenient, especially after a flight. If you are travelling from Brighton and Sussex, Gatwick is the closest major airport, and many people hire a car either on arrival back in the UK or at their destination abroad. The same principles apply whichever airport you choose.
- Check the pick up point. Some desks are in the terminal and some are a shuttle bus ride away. That matters if you are arriving late or with young children.
- Check opening hours. If your flight is delayed, make sure the desk will still be open, or that the company offers a key collection service.
- Allow time. Collecting a car can take longer than you expect when several flights arrive together.
- Watch the surcharge. Airport locations commonly add a fee to the price, so compare with nearby city branches.
If you are flying out of Gatwick and returning to the UK, you do not usually need to hire a car in the UK at all, since the train and local transport links are good. Car hire is most useful at the other end of your trip. Our holidays from Gatwick guide covers how to get to the airport from Sussex.
Understanding excess and insurance
Excess is the part of the cost of damage or theft that you must pay before the rental company’s cover applies. It can be a significant sum, which is why rental desks often offer to sell you extra cover to reduce it. Understanding your options before you arrive helps you avoid making an expensive decision at the desk.
Common types of cover
- Collision damage waiver. Usually included in the price, but with an excess.
- Theft protection. Also normally included, again with an excess.
- Super or zero excess cover. Sold by the rental company to reduce the excess to a small amount or nothing. It is usually the most expensive option.
- Standalone excess insurance. Bought from a separate provider, often for less than the desk price. You normally pay the rental company first and then claim the money back, so make sure you understand the process and the limits.
Also check what is excluded. Tyres, glass, the underside of the vehicle, keys and roof damage are often excluded from standard cover. If you are going abroad, a good travel insurance policy may or may not cover rental car excess, so read the policy carefully rather than assuming.
Fuel policies explained
The fuel policy is one of the most common places to lose money on a car hire. There are a few main types.
- Full to full. You collect the car with a full tank and return it full. This is usually the fairest option, because you only pay for the fuel you use at normal pump prices.
- Full to empty. You pay in advance for a full tank, often at a higher rate, and you are not refunded for any fuel left in the tank. This is rarely good value unless you are confident you will use the full tank.
- Same to same. You return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you collected it. Take a photo of the gauge at pick up.
If you choose full to full, find a petrol station near the return location before you set off, and keep the receipt as proof.
Young drivers and senior drivers
Many rental companies charge a young driver fee for drivers under a certain age, and some set a minimum age or a minimum period of holding a licence. Some also apply upper age limits or extra checks for older drivers. These rules vary between companies and countries, so check the terms before you book, and make sure every named driver meets the requirements. Adding an extra driver usually carries a daily fee, but it can be useful on a long trip. Any driver who is not listed on the contract may not be covered if there is an accident.
Hiring a car abroad
Hiring a car overseas follows the same basic rules, with a few additional points to check.
- Driving licence. Check the entry and licence requirements for your destination on official UK government travel advice before you travel. Some countries ask for additional documents.
- Credit card. Most companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but can limit the cars you can choose.
- Driving on the right. Take it slowly at first, particularly at roundabouts and junctions.
- Local rules. Speed limits, low emission zones, tolls and parking rules vary. Ask the rental company what applies where you are going.
- Manual or automatic. Manual cars are more common in many European countries and often cheaper. If you want an automatic, book early.
If you are planning a city break, a hire car is often unnecessary, because public transport is usually quicker and parking can be difficult and expensive. Car hire makes more sense for coastal regions, islands and rural areas, or for trips that combine several destinations. It also works well for all inclusive holidays if you want to explore beyond the resort for a few days.
Car hire for UK holidays and day trips
In the UK, a hire car can make UK holidays far easier, especially in rural areas, along coastlines and in national parks where public transport is limited. It can also be handy for a Sussex break, letting you reach the South Downs, coastal villages and country pubs that are harder to get to without a car. If you live locally and simply need a car for a weekend, compare a traditional rental with local suppliers and car clubs, which can suit short trips.
Checklist before you book
- Compare the total price, not just the daily rate.
- Read the fuel policy.
- Check the excess and what the deposit will be.
- Check mileage limits and cross border rules if you plan to drive between countries.
- Check the pick up and drop off times and locations.
- Confirm the age rules for every driver.
- Read the cancellation and amendment terms.
Checklist at pick up and return
- Walk around the car with the agent and note every scratch and dent.
- Take dated photos or a short video of the car, including the wheels, windscreen and interior.
- Check the fuel level and mileage on the paperwork.
- Find out what to do and who to call in a breakdown.
- On return, take photos again and keep your receipt and fuel receipt.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the lowest price without checking the excess or fuel policy.
- Assuming your own insurance covers the hire car.
- Not allowing time for the pick up queue after a flight.
- Forgetting that the deposit is held on your card and reduces your available credit.
- Skipping the inspection and being charged for damage that was already there.
Frequently asked questions
How can I find cheap car hire in the UK?
Compare several suppliers, book early where the booking can be cancelled, avoid peak dates if you can, choose a smaller car and a full to full fuel policy, and read the excess and mileage terms. The cheapest daily rate is not always the cheapest overall.
What is car hire excess?
The excess is the amount you must pay towards the cost of damage or theft before the rental company’s cover applies. You can reduce it by buying extra cover from the rental company or from a separate excess insurance provider.
What is the best fuel policy?
In most cases full to full is the best value, because you pay only for the fuel you use at normal pump prices and you are not charged an inflated rate for a full tank.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car?
Most companies ask for a credit card in the main driver’s name to hold the deposit. Some accept debit cards, but with restrictions on the cars you can choose, so check before you book.
Can young drivers hire a car?
Often yes, but many companies charge a young driver fee, and some have minimum age or licence requirements. Check the terms for the specific company and country.
Is it cheaper to hire a car at the airport?
Not always. Airport locations are convenient but can include a surcharge. Compare prices for a branch in the nearest town if it is easy to reach.
Do I need a hire car on a city break?
Usually not. Public transport is often quicker, and parking can be difficult. A hire car makes more sense for coastal and rural trips.
Does travel insurance cover hire car damage?
Some policies include rental car excess cover and many do not. Read your policy wording and see our travel insurance guide before you rely on it.
Final thoughts
Good car hire is about the total cost and the terms, not the headline price. Take a few minutes to compare options, understand the excess and fuel policy, and document the car at pick up and return. If you are planning a trip and want more ideas, browse our cheap holidays and last minute holidays guides, or get in touch through our contact page.