Watch out for holiday car hire extras
added however,” Alessandro says. “But I spotted it almost immediately – as the cost was higher than I was expecting – and had it removed.”
Initially he also declined the offer of a free satnav or plug-in wi-fi. “We all had a lot of data available on our phones so didn’t need it,” he adds. “But they seemed keen to promote it and, as it was free, I agreed.”
Alessandro paid £242, which covered the £100 hire plus the deposit and signed the contract. He returned the car
A HOLIDAYMAKER who hired a car in Italy thought he’d steered clear of paying for extra services he did not want. But his credit card bill told a different story.
Happily all has come right for Alessandro Firetto, who challenged the charges with help from Crusader.
■ Yet his experience underlines COMPLAINTS from UK consumers about car hire in
the EU have risen by more than 35 per cent in the past the fact that agreements made
couple of years. Avis, however, is among the top five rental on the ground when collecting
operators that pledged four years ago to deliver clearer the vehicle are just as crucial as contracts with regard to refuelling options and insurance, those made when booking – no greater price transparency and fairer handling of damages. matter how smooth the process. The UK branch of the European Consumer Centre (ukecc.
Alessandro hired his vehicle net) can help people with disputes with EU-based in June from Avis, picking it up operators. Hirers ensure BEFORE signing: confirm charges at Sicily’s Palermo airport for a in writing, what the insurance covers (note windscreen and family break on the island. tyres), consider cheaper separate excess hire cover, watch
He had already sorted out for age restrictions and refuelling terms, take before and insurance with a third party so after photos and get an employee to check the car. had no need for that. “It was in perfect condition but the final charges were higher than expected. “I’d been charged €47 euros (£40) for the satnav hire,” he explains. “There was also a further £20 for its case, listed as a ‘TPR counter product’. And this was despite being repeatedly assured it was on promotion and free.”
After complaining several times, Alessandro asked us for help after being told he had requested the charges.
Following our inquiry, Avis agreed to reconsider and has now refunded the additional charges as a goodwill gesture.
A spokesman apologised for any delays in responding but confirmed that the costs were correct and had been agreed to in the contract.