Just a little nice, that’s what they promise. Counters at Lourdes Airport, France
Europe’s “big 5” car rental companies have pledged to align their policies and contracts more closely with EU consumer policy, and to be more transparent about operations. The European Commission had reported that car rental complaints were up sharply in the past two years.
Areas to be addressed by the five (Avis-Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Enterprise) include being upfront and clear about fuel charges, about charging only actual costs for damages (and giving renters a way to challenge damage claims) and to be very clear about insurance charges.
Věra JourovÁ, EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality says the deal means “a better deal for European consumers,” but some consumer advocates are not completely satisfied. One of them, Gill Charlton, consumer writer for The Telegraph (UK) points out that “The problem here is that only the better outfits have signed up to this EU initiative. It is voluntary. Companies like Locauto and Goldcar about whom we receive most complaints aren’t included here and most people booking through car hire brokers find themselves renting from them.”
In the meantime, in Europe or anywhere, Gumbo’s golden rules:
- Check with your insurer and your credit card company to be sure if you can waive the car renter’s CDW
- Check for damage before you leave; take pictures of the car’s condition
- Be sure you’re very clear on the fuel rules
