Association for Consumer Rights calls for more stringent rules for online car rental sites

The Association for Consumer Rights Malta (ACR) has called for the relevant authorities, including the MCCAA and the Malta Transport Authority, to investigate any ‘abusive practices’ in relation to online car hire online sites and to ‘place stringent rules’.

“ACR would like to see the relevant authorities take action in this area and impose stringent rules, and also enforce these rules by making sweeps on car hire online sites to check fairness of prices and transparencies of charges,” the association said in a press release. “It calls on competent authorities including the MCCAA and the Malta Transport Authority to ensure that any abusive practices are immediately investigated and discontinued.”

A strong increase in the number of complaints on car rental issues has lead the European Commission and National Consumer Authorities to engage with the five leading car rental companies; Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz and Sixt to address specific issues.

In 2016, more than 2,000 consumers reported their issues to the European Consumer Centres, which help consumers when they travel or buy cross border, according to the associations. In a press release, they said that it is normally the case that there would be considerably more who do not bother to report.

With the aim of increasing awareness among consumers with regard to car rental issues, the ACR highlighted the conditions which the five companies will comply with and what consumers should be aware of.

The conditions include the total booking price including all unavoidable charges, having key rental services in plain language, clear information on additional insurance and transparent fuel policies.

When it comes to damages, there should be a clear procedure for vehicle inspection where consumers will be provided with reasons and evidence of any damage, before the payment is made, and fair damage handling processes where the consumer is given the chance to challenge any damage before payment is made. More information on consumer rights can be found on: www.acrmalta.com