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The costs of renting a car on holiday go through the (sun) roof! Fees have increased by £100 a week since the Covid pandemic, the consumer group reveals
- The average cost of car hire has increased by more than £100 in seven popular destinations
- In Cyprus, average daily rental prices of vehicles have more than doubled
According to research, holiday car rental rates are on the rise and some travelers are facing costs that have doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Analysis by experts of Which? found that typical weekly costs have increased by more than £100 in seven of the nine popular destinations.
The average increase in holiday hotspots has been 72 percent, while costs have doubled in some locations – just as the holiday half looms.
Which? examined data from car rental broker Zest Car Rental for more than 5,000 car rentals in nine holiday destinations, including France, Cyprus and the US.
Cyprus has seen the most dramatic price increases, with average daily rents more than doubling this year compared to pre-pandemic levels. There was an increase of 99 percent in Portugal and 97 percent in Greece.
In Cyprus, a seven-day rental would now set holidaymakers back £248, a 112 per cent increase on pre-pandemic rates. The US was by far the most expensive country, costing holidaymakers an average of £537 per week, an increase of £239 since 2019.
The average increase in holiday hotspots has been 72 percent, while costs have doubled in some locations – just as the holiday half looms
Cyprus has seen the most dramatic price increases, with average daily rents more than doubling this year compared to pre-pandemic levels
Although France saw a more modest 25 per cent increase, it remains one of the more expensive destinations with an average rent of £364 for a week. Which? said one of the reasons for the increase last year was a global shortage of new vehicles. While this has since eased, rents have not fallen as expected.
Demand remains extremely high this year, with Zest reporting that pre-bookings are up 132 percent compared to last year.
Rental companies are also facing higher personnel and insurance costs, while cars themselves are also becoming more expensive.
Estimates from Zest suggest that the cost of buying a Fiat Panda, one of the smallest typical cars in a rental fleet, is about £5,000 more than in 2019.
Deputy editor of Which? Travel, Jo Rhodes advised: ‘Look around and book in advance to secure the most competitive rates. Use recommended companies, or small local firms recommended by a trusted broker, and always be wary of prices that are too good to be true.”