As travellers face paying more than double pre-pandemic prices for car hire this summer, Which? is shining a light on the best and worst car hire firms.
It analysed data from Which? Recommended Provider Zest Car Rental, a leading broker.
It found a week’s car hire in August will cost 77% more on average compared with 2019.
While prices are marginally lower than last year, high demand and depleted fleets have seen prices sky rocket compared to pre-Covid
It looked at figures for over 8,000 rentals in nine popular holiday destinations.
These included Italy, Greece and Spain.
Three of the nine destinations have seen prices double, or by more.
Prices were up 100% in Cyprus, 106% in the UK, and by a massive 126% in Italy.
The most expensive country for car hire is the US.
Separately, Which? carried out a survey of almost 2,700 members, asking them to assess car hire firms and brokers based various criteria.
Almost half (47%) worry about being exploited by their rental company.
Travellers to the Canary Islands are well served, with the islands home to the only two car hire firms to be awarded Which? Recommended Provider status this year; Auto Reisen and Cicar.
Both achieved exceptional customer scores of 91%.
They were awarded five stars in the clarity of extra charges, how easy it is to opt out of those charges, the clarity of the final hire cost, and customer service.
Alamo (72%), Enterprise (72%) and Hertz (71%) came next.
Goldcar has been one of the survey’s worst performers for years, and again found itself at the bottom with a customer score of just 54%.
Despite having some of the lowest prices, the company scored just two stars for value for money
Zest Car Rental was the only broker to receive the Which? Recommended Provider badge.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Travellers this summer can expect to pay much higher prices with demand and a shortage of vehicles pushing up costs.”.
“Only use a reputable broker or hire firm, so you can ensure you’re getting the best possible service for your money.”
