Six car rental companies in Italy have been hit with €18 million in fines for charging ‘handling fees’ the government said infringed on consumer rights.
The companies took advantage of customers whose rented cars were ticketed for traffic or parking violations, which were reported to the rental companies. The companies then charged drivers the ‘handling’ fee of €40 to €60 which drivers believed was payment for the fines.
In fact, it turns out, the fee paid the rental company for the ‘service’ of sending the international customers’ contact details. Months later, the motorists would receive letters from local authorities demanding they pay the fines they believed had already been paid.
The fines came with a requirement that the clauses authorizing the ‘handling’ fees be removed from rental contracts. The companies involved are Avis Budget Italia, Hertz Italia, Centauro Rent a Car Italy, Green Motion Italiai, Noleggiare and Drivalia Leasys Rent.
Photo: by Obi – @pixel8propix/Unsplash
