Car rental companies in the UK are charging drivers exorbitant amount for vacation accessories at ski resorts.
British drivers are hit by a surge of extra costs when picking up their rides at ski resorts. The additional car rental costs for ski holidays while booking will target drivers during the mid-term break this year.
Fees added to the policy include items such as waiver insurance, payment exemptions, winterization packages and additional drivers. In addition, drivers are charged additionally for extra car seats for drivers, ski racks, and satellite navs with an agreed policy fee.
In a survey conducted by iCarhireinusrance.com, it was found that the average rental of seven skiing hotspots was £240 per week in the six major car rental companies in the UK.
After add-on extras to Inverness, Sofia, Grenoble, Innsbruck, Geneva, and Barcelona, those prices were inflated to an average of £689.
There are several factors that can change the total premium costs or even how much the add-ons are. For example, affixing an additional driver can cost £60, but will double if they are below 25. Damage insurance also increases from £20 to £116 for a super theft waiter to super damage waiver respectively.
Other additional costs include sat nav rental (£86), winter tyres and snow chains (£37), car seat for children (£57) and ski rack (£40).
According to the research, the most convenient place for add-ons was in Sofia, Bulgaria, with average quotations increasing from £106 and add-ons at £285. The worst inflation was recorded at Geneva during the survey, with drivers paying up to £440 and £515 in add-ons.
A little pre-planning can significantly reduce the costs at t the rental desk, according to Ernesto Suarez, the founder, and CEO of iCarhireinsurance.com.
“Always consider excess insurance before travel to prevent the rental companies from scoring an own goal when you arrive at the desk,’ he says.
“Also, prepare a sat nav, if possible, take the children’s seats and minimize extra drivers. Save your hard earned money for your winter vacation.”
Gerry Keaney, CEO of BVRLA, said: “By taking out an excess waiver product [with the rental company], consumers are protected from paying for damages that may occur during their rental.
“This is not an insurance product and allows the customer to work away without worries of additional costs, provided they are in compliance with the terms and conditions of their rental.
“It gives users an easy and free way of reducing or even eliminating potential accountability in the event of an accident, theft or vandalism.”
