Drivers have been urged to take advantage of a key loophole which could save motorists hundreds of pounds on summer car rentals.
The strategy revealed by experts involves booking early with free cancellation options, then checking prices again closer to departure dates.
Research revealed that last summer, travellers who rebooked their car hire closer to their departure saved an average of £116, with potential savings reaching £266 in some destinations like Milan.
Despite these significant savings opportunities, new data showed that only 32 per cent of UK drivers check prices before travelling to secure better deals.
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Drivers can save roughly £116 through the booking loophole
GETTYThe approach allows drivers to secure their preferred vehicle early while remaining flexible enough to capitalise on price drops that frequently occur as travel dates approach.
The need for the loophole comes after research revealed that only 40 per cent of UK car hirers use price comparison websites when booking vehicles.
Even more concerning, just two in five drivers (41 per cent) were found to be checking the cost of extras such as excess protection, additional drivers and other add-ons when making their initial booking.
This oversight can prove costly, experts warned, as rental companies typically charge premium rates for these services at the desk.
The survey also found that 39 per cent of hire car drivers discovered damage on their rental vehicle that wasn't highlighted on the checkout sheet, underlining the importance of thorough vehicle checks and photographic evidence at both pick-up and return.
The booking strategy works by initially reserving a car with companies offering free cancellation, then monitoring prices as the travel date approaches.
For instance, a week's summer hire in Barcelona ranges from £288 with Sixt to just £129 with Budget, demonstrating the importance of comparing providers.
Price analysis showed that key differences in months also exist, with January and July 2024 seeing prices for a week's hire fall by an average of £116.
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Car rental prices can vary depending on the month
GETTYThe most dramatic reductions occurred in Milan, where last-minute bookers saved up to £266 compared to those who booked months in advance.
This approach requires vigilance but can also deliver substantial rewards. Experts explained that drivers who rebook when prices drop can pocket the difference while maintaining the security of having a vehicle reserved for their trip.
Beyond the booking loophole, drivers can achieve substantial savings by avoiding rental desk extras, which often inflate prices.
The survey revealed that purchasing extras from rental companies costs an average of £229, including £73 for an extra driver, £85 for a sat nav and £71 for a child's car seat.
Drivers have been urged to follow the loopholes to save money on car rentals
GETTYExcess protection represents another significant saving opportunity as rental companies charge an average of £224 for a week's theft and collision damage waiver plus tyre and windscreen cover.
Additional strategies include hiring from locations away from main transport hubs, using credit cards for Section 75 protection, and carefully checking fuel policies and mileage restrictions to avoid unexpected charges.
Ben Wooltorton, from iCarhireinsurance.com, said: "There are some good deals to be had this summer when hiring a car if drivers take the time to shop around for the best prices, and don't waste money on extras from the rental desk which could have been brought from home such as sat navs and child car seats.
"It's also worth considering buying excess reimbursement insurance before you travel from a specialist insurance provider like iCarhireinsurance.com."
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