Summer holiday car hire warning as prices soar by £100 in seven hotspots

HOLIDAYMAKERS setting off for the half-term break may need to factor an extra expense into their spending money as the cost of car hire soars.

Those driving abroad on their spring getaway or summer holiday are facing soaring prices if they’re hiring a car.

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A report carried out by Which? has shown that the typical weekly cost has risen by more than £100 in seven of nine popular holiday destinations.

Shockingly, charges have doubled in some places, while the average increase across popular tourist destinations was 72%.

Which? analysed data from Zest Car Rental, a car rental broker, for more than 5,000 rentals in nine vacation spots, including France, Cyprus, and the US.

There was a rise of 99% in Portugal and 97% in Greece.

In Cyprus, a seven-day rental would now cost holidaymakers £248, up 112% on pre-pandemic rates.

The US was by far the most expensive country, costing holidaymakers £537 per week on average, up by £239 since 2019.

And France continues to be one of the priciest destinations, with an average rental price of £364 per week.

According to Which?, a global lack of new vehicles was one factor in the increase over the previous year.

Demand is still very high this year, and according to Zest, advance bookings are up 132% compared to last year.

Additionally, rental companies are facing higher staffing costs and insurance premiums.

And cars are also becoming more expensive.

According to Zest, buying a Fiat panda is around £5,000 more than in 2019.

Deputy editor of Which? Travel, Jo Rhodes, said to the Daily Mail: “Shop around and book in advance to lock in the most competitive rates.

“Use recommended companies or small local firms endorsed by a trusted broker, and always be wary of ‘too good to be true’ prices.”