Many holidaymakers lament paying more than they know they should have for car hire or RV rentals on holiday abroad; but how can they reduce the costs of hiring a set of wheels to get about in?

Here are six handy tips to help you reduce the cost of hiring a camper or car when holidaying overseas.

1. Avoid holidaying in peak season

Rental rates in peak season are generally much higher than at other times of the year. If you have the luxury of avoiding peak season it’s advisable to do so.

2. Stick to the basic package

One of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of a motor home rental or car hire is to stick to the basic rental package and say ‘no’ to any add-ons the counter staff try to pitch to you.

Basically, only buy what you really need.

3. Check the fuel policy, age surcharges and other extras

Most rental companies have extras and surcharges that you need to be aware of and by understanding these extras and surcharges you can often reduce the cost of renting a car or camper.

For example, if a hire firm has an age surcharge and you’re affected by this, it might be wise to consider hiring from another firm.

4. Video and photo the vehicle

Before departing from the rental agency, video and photo the vehicle beforehand, and if you notice any damage bring it up with the counter staff immediately.

An absolute guaranteed way to lose money from the deposit whilst using a rental car is to hand it back to the agent smelling of cigarette smoke. Why not use this opportunity to buy an e cigarette in Perth before heading out on your road trip.

You could find yourself responsible for the cost of repairing the vehicle even though it was damaged before you hired it.

5. Bring along your own child seat and satnav

Bringing along your own child seats and satnav is an excellent way to reduce the cost of motor home rentals and car hire and it could actually be more affordable to do so than you think.

Some budget airlines like Ryan Air charge just £10 to bring along a child seat as extra luggage and taking into account the fact that some firms charge £60+ to hire one — a booster seat costs as little as £10 to buy — you stand to save a significant amount of money. You could even buy one at your destination and give it to charity at the end of your trip.

A new satnav can cost as little as £50-60 pounds which is often less than hiring one.

6. Keep an eye on your credit card statements and fight additional charges

When you return home, keep an eye on your credit card statements and if you’re hit with additional charges that you know you shouldn’t have incurred; fight them.

Take note of these six handy tips that could see you significantly reducing the cost of car hire or RV rentals on holiday abroad; moreover, in addition to what’s been discussed, one of the easiest ways to avoid incurring unnecessary costs pertaining to car and camper hire is to drive sensibly — you could also avoid a trip to the emergency room!