Car hire comparison sites investigated over possible 'hidden charges'

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) today announced it has launched enforcement cases against the two unnamed sites, warning they may not have made "adequate improvements" to ensure customers are clearly shown the full cost of car hire.

The watchdog's also written to 40 companies setting out the information it expects them to show customers, asking them to maintain standards and where necessary make improvements to comply with the law.

For full help on what to watch out for when renting a car and how to cut costs, see our Cheap Car Hire guide.

Why are the sites under investigation?

The CMA fears the price comparison websites may be breaking consumer law by not accurately telling customers the full price of their car hire before they book.

Its investigation follows a year-long project by the watchdog to ensure sites improve the accuracy of quotes, and in particular show:

• All extra charges in the price they first give customers

• Fuel pricing policies, for example, if you need to return the car with a full tank

• Warnings about high excesses or deposits

The CMA says it has "not reached a final view" on whether the two price comparison websites are breaching consumer law, and it will now listen to the companies' responses to its concerns.

It has said it will continue to monitor the sites, and if they don't make any required improvements they could face court action.

What to watch out for when renting a car

For full help on what to beware of when booking car rental, see our Cheap Car Hire guide. But here are some pointers:

• Beware stealth fuel charges. By choosing a full-to-full fuel policy you'll only pay for what you use. If you instead opt to pay for a tank upfront it can cost £80+ and there can be hidden refueling fees, or refund processing fees buried in the T&Cs – see Fuel Stealth Charges.

• Get cheap excess insurance from as little as £2/day. Excess insurance covers you if you have a prang while you're renting; bought direct from rental firms it can be £25/day. With standalone providers it can be just £2/day – see Cheap excess insurance.

• Always inspect the car and if possible take photos. That way you can prove what shape it was in when you got it. See more on Protecting your deposit.

• Check how big a deposit you'll need. If you do opt for standalone excess insurance you may have to leave a large credit card deposit – see our Deposit warning for more.

'No one should be misled or face unexpected charges'

James MacBeth, CMA project director, said: "For many people hiring a car is an essential component to days out, holidays and trips. No one should be misled or face unexpected charges, whether they choose to book directly with the car hire company or through a comparison site.

"While we have seen improvements in the way car hire comparison sites quote prices, we are still concerned that some companies may not have faced up to their legal obligations, and as a result we have opened two enforcement cases.

"We expect this sector to provide clearer information about the true costs, and to explain upfront what customers will actually pay. Businesses must read our advice and make the necessary changes. If companies break the law they risk enforcement action, as these cases show."