I've been looking into renting a car for 11 days in the UK and am not liking the prices. (It doesn't help that we are under 25 so have to pay anywhere from 60 to 100 GBP over the standard rental price. I can practice law, but I can't rent a car? Don't get me started). Are there any sites we should be looking at that we're not? Is $600 for 11 days a good rate? Should we wait for rates to go down or will they just go back up? (we're travelling the last two weeks of August) Do you have any suggestions on how we can be sure to get a car with a locking trunk? (We will be travelling from place to place and would love to leave our luggage in a real trunk as opposed to a hatchback). Thanks.

Hi.

There are numerous web sites for shopping for a car rental rate. Try Google but also check out the usual U.S. renters such as Hertz, Avis, Alamo, National. They all have offices in Europe. Also try Kemwel, Brtaincar, Europecar, etc. There are LOTS and most have web sites from which you can get estimates. Many G.B. travel sites have links to rental outfits (many of them are wholesalers who will find you a good rate).

The amount you pay will depend directly on the type and size of car you want. Car types and amenities are fully described. $600 for 11 days is terrific if you have a decent car. I strongly recommend getting auto transmission in G.B. And almost all the places will charge you extra for being under 25. Note, too, that the taxes and extras such as second driver will add up quickly.

My guess is that if you want a car with automatic and a full trunk, you'll pay a lot more than $600; probably closer to $800.

Good luck.

You're welcome.

$600 is an average rate. As an example, Avis would charge £600 ($1000) for 11 days in August for a Vauxhall Vectra Automatic (not much bigger than a US compact). You could always go for a smaller car such as a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra for around £270 ($450). These would have manual transmission.
All cars have a locking trunks as no cars would have trunks that don't lock - but hatchbacks are very popular in the UK - indeed it is impossible to find a compact saloon car for a descent rental price (unless you want a Mercedes (e.g. Peugeot 306, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Citroen Xsara etc are all hatchbacks).
The rates will be pretty standard unless you use a local firm.
Add on top fuel at about £3.50 per british gallon (76p pre litre) which is just under $6 a gallon.

Have you tried AutoEurope ? They usually have the best prices and still use Avis or Budget or Hertz in England...

We have been using them for years and they also will give you a free cell phone ( but you do pay for the incoming and outgoing calls)...We used the phone when we got lost trying to find our BnB's in the countryside....

The price does not sound high- but you did not list who you got the price from...In the US, if you are UNDER 25, you cannot even rent a car without an advance cash outlay in case the car is in an accident....

When you do rent the car in ENGLAND, GET ALL necessary INSURANCE as your US insurance does not cover you abroad...

Check with your insurance company about rental car coverage in the UK. When we were renting a car last month, one card provided coverage overseas and the other didn't. (I can't remember which one, now.)
Have a great trip!
Annette

All the above posts give you good info.

I would only add - it isn't really neceaasry to avoid a hatchback. especially if you can get a good price.

Your luggage would not be out in the open. 90% of hatchbacks have a cover that conceals anything in the back.