A CarHireExcess.ie survey by Opinium of over 500 people found 19pc of car hirers discovered damage on vehicles not recorded on the checkout sheet at pick-up.
- 16pc of respondents experienced a hard sell from rental agents pushing excess protection cover, with one in six told it was mandatory to buy from the rental company.
- 17pc of survey participants faced unexpected charges on their car hire bills, while 13pc were advised by rental companies not to note minor damage on checkout sheets.
- 21pc of respondents feared being charged for damage to hire cars they did not cause, contrasting with expert advice to document and photograph all damage immediately.
Christian Bennett from CarHireExcess.ie recommended standalone excess insurance, costing from €25 per week, covering damage, theft, and tyre and windscreen issues, compared to rental company waivers averaging €220.
Christian Bennett shared: “A week’s protection can start from less than €25 and includes cover for damage and theft, as well as tyre and windscreen cover.”
