When returning the car, there is a risk that some or all of that amount will be deducted if the company spots any damage – usually a contentious matter (see checklist, below). Always take a spare credit card just for use at the car hire desk. irport firms, usually on industrial estates near the airport, tend to be cheapest, but getting the bus from the terminal can be a hassle and there are often reports of long queues. If you shop around the sites and keep a keen eye on “in terminal” providers, you should be able to find a deal at roughly the same price.

4. Only book deals that offer free cancellation

Try to find an offer you can cancel for free up to 24-48 hours ahead of collecting the car. That way, you get a cheap deal by booking early in the year, but can search again the week before leaving for last-minute bargains. When Guardian Money checked broker sites on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, it found prices moved by £10-£20 in 24 hours.