Experts have warned drivers of huge spikes in car rental prices through hidden costs which are misleading motorists.
The warning comes as over two-thirds of motorists looking to hire vehicles before a holiday find it difficult to get a complete quote before paying.
Drivers stated that rental costs including all the extras add-ons are not included in the headline price which is originally shown to consumers.
Two-fifths of drivers said they find it difficult to find out the cost of extras when booking, with drivers aged between 18 and 34 being the most frustrated by the extra fees.
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Drivers pay roughly £82 to hire a sat nav for a week abroad
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A study by iCarhireinsurance.com revealed that the average cost to hire a car is £225, but motorists are paying an extra £67 for an additionaldriver, £67 for a child’s car seat, £82 for a sat nav and £194 for excess protection.
The added costs have meant that what drivers thought they would be initially charged for renting a vehicle abroad can, in some cases, nearly double once the extra costs are factored in.
Theft and collision damage cover costs drivers £163 extra while tyre and windscreen damage cover is an additional £31.
Prices can also differ depending on the location, with the average cost to hire a sat nav can cost £82, compared to £134 in Nice, France, and £34 in Faro, Portugal.
Similarly, the average cost for an extra driver can change based on the region. Hertz charges £108 a week in Barcelona while Enterprise charges only £18 in Larnaca.
A child’s car seat costs £27 with Enterprise in Larnaca but soars to £109 with Hertz in Barcelona.
Ben Wooltorton from iCarhireinsurance.com said: “The extras sold at the rental desk can add hundreds to the cost of your hire car, so make sure that you compare not only the headline price, but the price of any extras you’re going to need.
“Consider buying excess insurance in advance from a standalone car hire excess insurance provider and take your sat nav and any child car seats with you.”
Excess liability for damage and theft will set drivers back £597 with Hertz in Larnaca but increases by more than double to £2,223 with Sixt in Faro.
Excess protection costs on average £163 but varies from £71 with Sixt in Larnaca to £274 with Budget in Faro.
Tyre and windscreen excess protection averages also see cost variations with drivers charged £21 with Hertz in Larnacabut £65 with Hertz in Barcelona.
Last week, a survey flagged the worst car hire brands for consumers to use while travelling abroad.
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Average cost to hire a car is £225 but driver end up paying more through add-ons
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It named Goldcar as the worst brand with it ranking last in a customer satisfaction survey and achieved an overall score of 52 per cent in a Which? Report.
The company, which offers drivers cars in Spain and Portugal, was rated two out of a five stars in a customer report.
It scored poorly in value for money, car description matching reality, record given of damage to car, and customer service.
