Landmark figures released today show that UK drivers may be better off hiring a car than owning one.

The RAC revealed that the average cost of owning and running a car has risen by 14 % to £128.64 per week over the last year, nearly three times the rate of inflation.

Comparatively, renting a car in London through National car rental costs just £120 per week*.

With National’s fully inclusive pricing drivers hiring cars avoid a lot of the added finances of ownership, including road tax, servicing and repair.

The RAC Cost of Motoring Index shows that in 2011 car owners were hit with a 14.38% rise in insurance, leaving the average driver facing a £551 yearly bill.

Families have been hit particularly hard, with the average cost of running a large family car, such as a Ford Mondeo, calculated at £152.62 per week.

National’s wide range of new, reliable cars allows drivers to choose the vehicle that best suits them and ,with 24 hour breakdown cover included, avoid expensive trips to the garage for repairs.

With more than 200 locations in the UK alone, drivers can pick up a car at their convenience and not have to worry about their vehicle sitting in a driveway depreciating in value.

*Based on 7 day car hire, pick-up 28th November 2011 from London Kings Cross. Prices accurate at time of going to press.