A MARTIN Lewis tip helped a holidaymaker save almost £400.
The Money Saving Expert's newsletter warned drivers to watch out for hidden insurance costs when renting hire cars.
The newsletter said customers could be encouraged to pay when they pick up their rental car.
It read: "Car hire usually includes basic insurance, yet at the pick-up desk, they almost always try to push you to get 'excess cover insurance' costing up to £25/day using scare stories of huge bills for just a scratch - or sometimes implying you have to do it."
Instead, Martin told drivers to pay insurance in advance, which could cost them a little as £2 a day.
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This will save motorists £23 a day.
The newsletter's "success of the week" featured a motorist called Chris who rented a car during a trip to France.
He followed Martin's advice and ended up making massive savings on his holiday.
"The email prompted me to let you know about a car hire excess cover success.
"Last year, we went to a wedding in France and bought excess cover for £6 for a long weekend. Unfortunately, I kerbed the car and was charged £400 repairs.
"I claimed excess cover and had it all paid back to me, including a cheeky bonus from the exchange rates changing. Will always do it in future. Thanks."
MSE also warned people to be cautious as the pick-up desk may try to suggest that the pre-purchased insurance won't work.
They may therefore ask you to leave a refundable deposit of £1,000.
You can find cheap car insurance by using comparison sites like MoneySavingExpert, Compare the Market or Go Compare.
Try and get yours as early as possible as that'll usually give you the best deals.
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How to save money on car hire
Check the small print
You'll want to check the small print of your contract when it comes to picking up the vehicle.
Sometimes there can be extra insurance, mileage charges or confusing fuel policies in amongst the paperwork that can sting you.
Avoid paying too much for add-ons such as sat-navs when you could save money by using an app on your phone as well.
Bear in mind you might be with a provider that charges you to use your data abroad though.
Meanwhile, some firms charge you if you return the car without a full tank, so make sure you check for that in the contract.
Give the car a once over
Make sure you give any rental car a once over to ensure you're not charged for any previously-made damage.
Take pictures of the inside of the vehicle and make a note of its condition on the hire company's form, especially any scratches or dents.
These can be a source of dispute between you and a car hire company so if there's anything it hasn't logged, make sure you report it before taking off.
That way you won't be charged when you return it.
Steer clear of airport desk rip offs
If you're not booking ahead and waiting until you land at your holiday destination, it might be worth steering clear of companies with kiosks at the airport.
They sometimes charge hundreds of pounds more when you could just book through a branch outside.
Sometimes they offer you a free shuttle from the airport to their branch too.
It comes as Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com rounded up the best summer essential bargains.
The site’s team of “deals hunters” searched high and low and rounded up the best deals currently to be had, including an electric fan for just £3 and a paddling pool for only £5.
Currently, the cheapest desk fan, measuring four inches, can be bought at either The Range or Home Bargains for just £2.99.
Meanwhile, Amazon and Asda offer them for £5.
If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, fans measuring between six and seven inches can be bought from The Range for £10.
A popular size, measuring 11-12 inches, can be snapped up for £15 from Screwfix.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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