cheap holiday car hire

Looking for cheap holiday car hire? The internet is a great place to book cheap holiday car hire, especially as a number of holiday car hire companies offer discount if you book online.
Read the advice on booking your cheap holiday car hire and on 'things to do when you get there', then click on the links to find and book your cheap holiday car hire.
Where to book cheap cheap car hire
Car hire prices change constantly and are very different for different destinations. Different companies offer better deals for different destinations, and these change depending on the time of year. Like so many travel items you will get the best price if you shop around. Don't just accept the first quote.
The first place to look for cheap holiday car hire is at the 'consolidators' or 'brokers', such as Holiday Autos. These companies don't actually own a single car or operate a desk at most airports. They have arrangements with local or international car hire companies, and use their buying power to negotiate better deals than we would be able to get if we went direct.
Airlines, travel agents and the car hire companies themselves sometimes offer cheap holiday car hire, often for a short period or as an incentive to book a flight or holiday. Outside these times, they are more expensive than consolidators.
If you have used a car hire company before and would like to use them for this trip but they are more expensive, don't be afraid to contact them and ask if they 'can do any better'. Car hire companies often have the ability to do this. If they can at least narrow the gap, it may be worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind.
Finally, if you only want a car for part of the holiday you may find the best price at your destination. Your holiday company or airline may be able to put you in touch with a local company to check prices before you leave. But, if you take this route, be aware that it will be more difficult to claim from a local car hire company if anything goes wrong.
So lets get started. Click on one of the companies below and begin collecting your comparative cheap holiday car hire quotes:
Consolidators
Holiday Autos (now owned by lastminute.com) are usually the cheapest. They also offer a price match. However, in order to ensure you get the cheapest price we recommend that you check the price with at least two other consolidators and the UK's number one online travel agent too. Check with On airport car hire, Auto-Europe, Expedia and then check with Holiday Autos.
If Holiday Autos are the cheapest book with them. If not either go back to the other car hire company or take advantage of Holidays Autos price match promise. Bottom line, you get the cheapest price.
Autos-europe - owned by MyTravel (the renamed Airtours)
on airport car hire - formerly suncars, owned by First Choice
Expedia - the UK's number 1 online travel agent uses it's buying power to offer cheap car hire from a number of holiday car hire companies, especially in the USA.
Holiday Autos - usually the cheapest, book online and save at least £10
Car Hire Companies
Alamo - an American site. There is no .co.uk site.
Avis
Budget
Europcar - worth a look, especially within Europe
Hertz
National

Cheap holiday car hire - Things to do before you book

Check whether quotes include unlimited mileage, all taxes and collision damage waiver (or CDW).
Keep an eye on the insurance excess.
Check the minimum age limit hire companies specify for drivers - it is 25 in some countries, including the USA.
In some countries it is a legal requirement that babies and toddlers are secured in a child seat. If you are not taking your own child seat for babies and toddlers arrange this in advance.

Cheap holiday car hire - Things to do before you go

Check the car hire documentation carefully when you receive it. It's not unknown for a hire car company to match a lower quote by lowering the specification of the car they will provide. For example, if the document does not say 'air conditioning' or specify the number of child seats you asked for, these have not been included within your booking. Sort this out before you go.
Take a valid driving license and another form of ID for each driver.
Check whether an International Driving Permit is required for your destination. These cost £4 and can be issued by the AA and RAC. They are required (in addition to a valid UK driving license) in a number of countries, including Japan, India, Pakistan and Egypt.
Check to see if there are any local driving laws that differ from the UK. For example in the US you can turn right at traffic lights even if the light is read (provided the road is clear).

Cheap holiday car hire - Things to do when you get there

When you collect the hire car, check it for obvious faults and for scratches and dents. Make sure all these faults are listed in the documents you sign when you take the car.
Make sure the car is prepared for all types of weather you are likely to encounter, e.g. snow chains.
Ensure you have a contact number for the hire car firm, in case of problems, including an out of hours number.
Leave the insurance and car hire documents in the car.
If you are travelling with children, ensure that the car has child locks and rear seat belts.
Make sure you know the route to your accommodation before you set off. Ask the clerk at the local hire car company for directions and a map. This is particularly important at night.
Before you drive off check the gear lever positions (especially reverse) and find the indicators, windscreen wipers, light switches and the air conditioning.
Check if the car has an alarm or an immobiliser. Know how to turn them on and off.
It's a good safety precaution to keep car doors locked at all times.
In the summer air conditioning is a good safety feature; it allows you to drive with the windows up.
Don't leave valuables in your car. If you must, leave them in the boot or a locked glove compartment. They won't be covered by your insurance if they are stolen from anywhere else in the car.
Make sure that you know the hire car company's rules about petrol, mileage and collection / delivery. If you get any of these wrong the charges are always high and it puts a 'downer' on the end of your holiday.