Thousands of holidaymakers are guilty of a simple mistake with rental cars that could leave them hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
Many travellers like to hire a vehicle abroad to give themselves more freedom to explore their new surroundings.
But it can be a costly luxury – and even more so if an accident occurs and the driver has not ensured they are fully protected with the insurance policy.
Graham Conway, managing director of leading vehicle leasing specialists Select Car Leasing, said: “Hiring a vehicle is part and parcel of a holiday abroad for many people and it can give us the chance to really get under the skin of our destination.
“However, it’s important to do things totally by the book when it comes to taking out an insurance policy as failing to do so can really come back to bite you.
“One mistake many motorists make is not remembering to take photos and videos of the vehicle at the moment they get the keys.
“This is vital so you have protection when it comes to handing the car back after you’ve finished, in case the rental company picks up on any damage and holds you responsible for it.
“It might be that there were already scratches or dents when you got it, but the only way to prove that is to have photographic evidence.
“If you are putting down an insurance excess fee or a large deposit, the cost of repairs may be taken from this sum if you’re not able to successfully prove that you didn’t cause the damage.”
Rental vehicles are a useful way for holidaymakers to get around their destination, but costs can quickly spiral if you’re not careful.
Taking out an insurance policy is an important part of the process and can provide peace of mind, as well as protection against a hefty bill if an accident occurs.
However, some motorists may find themselves confused about the best policy to take and may feel under pressure to agree to expensive cover recommended by pushy desk staff.
Most rental companies provide drivers with basic insurance known as CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) or LDW (Loss Damage Waiver), which typically covers loss, damage, theft and third party liability.
But it often comes with the requirement of placing a large excess deposit, which is then at risk if damage is detected.
This is why experts highly recommend taking photographic or video evidence of the exact condition of the vehicle at the very beginning.
If the rental company believes you have caused damage it must document and justify each proposed charge before it can deduct it.
Mr Conway added: “It’s better to be safe than sorry so always make sure you take photos and videos when you rent a car to make sure you have evidence in case of any problems.
“You should walk around the vehicle while filming, paying close attention to any scratches or dents.
“Make sure you record important areas such as windows, mirrors, tyres and rims, too.
“You should also document the inside of the vehicle, including the seats and the dashboard. And it can never hurt to photograph the mileage clock or the fuel level just in case a problem arises.”
