With so many car hire companies to choose from it is difficult to know where to start. Basic questions you need to ask include:

• Are all car hire deals the same?
• Should you choose an established brand name in car rental?
• If I book direct will that save me anything?
• Is the location of the car pick-up a factor in the cost?
• Is the date a factor in determining the car hire costs?

There is not much to choose between the fundamental packages offered by most major car hire firms. The things, like insurance waiver, that may, or may not, be included in the cost are the main things which distinguish one offer from another. If you have to pay extra for comprehensive insurance cover for your hire car this can significantly increase the total cost of rental. “Collision damage waiver” often only covers you above a certain sum, which you still have to pay in the event of a claim. There is often still a fixed amount which is not cover by the collision damage waiver and this can by hundreds or even thousands of pounds. It is only when then arrive to collect a hire car that customers are asked for a credit card to be ‘swiped’ as security against this cost, or to an additional insurance charge to alleviate, or in some cases, completely eliminate this additional risk. This is the single biggest potential extra cost and any such charges should be researched confirmed before booking.

Most car rental companies standardise prices although service at franchise-run locations can vary. The less well known, newer hire car firms are often little more than intermediaries who market a service under their brand but when you arrive you will find that your car might actually be supplied by one of the larger firms. Relatively obscure car renters can actually be partnering with the much bigger firms, so that you actually pick the car up from a familiar branded hire desk.

Website which compare the prices of all major car rental companies allow buyers to check any extra charges as well as basic prices. Nearly all of the major rental companies can be compared in one place and so they all know that the need to offer their cheapest deals on car hire comparison websites. To compare all car hire prices online www.car-hire-rental.co.uk uses a technology which Travolution , the respected English travel media said that this car hire comparison service was the “Best car hire website”.