Far too many people are experiencing problems with car rentals on their holidays, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has found.
The CCPC has been conducting polling on the issue based on last summer’s experience. Problems such as hidden charges, extra fees and long waiting times appear to be endemic.
Nearly one-quarter of people polled rented a car for holidays abroad. Of those, close to half experienced issues to their dissatisfaction.
The research suggests “shocking level of consumer problems with car hire abroad,” said Grainne Griffin from the CCPC.
“43 percent experienced issues ranging from hidden fees to long waits and cars not matching the booking. This reflects really poorly on the sector, and while the CCPC has tackled and will continue to tackle individual traders, consumers planning on booking a car this summer need to be aware of the real, and potentially expensive, risks.
A summer holiday should be a time for rest and relaxation. Instead, consumers are being hit with long delays, unexpected costs and stressful disputes.”
The CCPC has some advice which will hopefully help some avoid problems:
Damage
“Make sure any existing damage is noted by the company. Take your own clear photos and videos of the interior and the exterior. If you’re not happy with the car’s condition or it’s not what you paid for, return it immediately.”
Fuel and tolls
“Unexpected add-on charges such as tolls, fuel charges and late fees can drive up your costs significantly. Before you drive off, make sure to check the fuel policy in your rental agreement. If you need to return the car with a full tank, factor a trip to the petrol station into your holiday plans. Ask about the policy for toll charges – do you need to pay them yourself or are they added to your bill?”
Insurance
“Accidents can happen – a small scratch can become a huge cost if you’re not covered. Most companies will offer basic third-party insurance, but you may want to consider extra cover to protect you from a high excess charge. Consider this at the booking stage so you don’t feel under pressure at the desk.
“To avoid overpaying for insurance, shop around. You can buy extra cover directly from the car hire company, but you may be able to get a better deal from another insurer. If you are planning multiple trips, an annual policy could save you money.”
There are more tips on the CCPC website and via the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission helpline.
The European Commission says every EU member state has a consumer protection authority like the CCPC. Raising complaints ensures that bad practice is investigated.