12 December 2023

Don't get Stranded on your Holiday - Book Car Hire Early!

2024 could see car hire stocks running out as holidays are on the rise. Get your summer 2024 car hire sorted now.

You may be surprised how many people start planning their next holiday over the Christmas period. The tinsel is probably still up, there are more mince pies to be eaten and Auld Lang Syne has yet to be sung, but there are those who are already picturing themselves on a white sandy beach with their family. If you already have a holiday destination in mind and will need a hire car - book it early to avoid missing out.

Unfortunately the affects of the pandemic have been long-lasting for the car rental industry. Car production is still not up to the levels they were back in 2019 which means that car manufacturers are not able to supply the car hire companies with the amount of cars they need to ensure that customers will not be left disappointed. Cars that are available are also coming in at a higher cost so car rental firms cannot afford to buy as many.

In peak seasons such as Easter school holidays and in the summer car hire is in high demand, With lower stocks of cars you are more likely to find that some models become unavailable very quickly. Larger cars such as 7 or 9 seaters are popular but there are less of them so they tend to be one of the first car groups to run out. If you need a larger hire vehicle, don't delay booking!

The further into the new year we get, the narrower your car hire options may become. If you need a particular type of car - whether that is an automatic, a 4x4, or a 7 seater - then booking as soon as you have your dates is a must.

We have also seen the demise of some models such as the Ford Fiesta which was a very popular choice for car renters. Alternative models can be slightly more expensive to hire - for example the Ford Puma - so, to have access to the widest range of options and prices in that car group, getting your quotes for car hire early and booking it is recommended.

Worried about missing out on a better car hire deal? Book a car hire with free cancellation such as through our sister company Clarify Car Hire. We offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. You can keep coming back to Clarify to check the prices and, if you see a cheaper car hire offer, you can cancel and rebook without charge.