Until now, the companies concerned had not fully implemented some of their commitments in order for the European Commission and EU consumer authorities to consider them fully compliant with EU consumer law.
The assessment published today notes that Enterprise and Sixt have now made all the required changes.
Avis has committed to making remaining changes by May 2019. Europcar, which now includes Goldcar, will implement the remaining changes by June 2019. Hertz have committed to make all the necessary changes at the latest by the first quarter of 2020.
Vera Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, said: “Thanks to our pressure there will be no more unpleasant surprises at the check-out desk when you’re renting your car. It’s really frustrating to start your holidays by having to pay unplanned extra costs and read complicated contracts. I want European consumers to enjoy their holidays to the maximum, without having to worry about nasty surprises with final bills.”
Among the stipulations agreed to by the companies are that all charges are included in the total booking price, meaning consumers will now be offered a headline price on the website that matches the final price they will have to pay.
This fee willl include all additional costs such as specific fuel service charges, airport fees, ‘young driver surcharges’, or the ‘one way fee’ if the return location differs from the pick-up location.
Companies will also have to be clear, in the price offer, the price and details of optional extras, in particular for insurance waivers that reduce the amount due in case of damage. What is covered in the basic rental price regarding damages and notably what the driver may still have to pay should be clearly indicated. If additional insurance or damage waiver is purchased, what is or is not included should also be clearly indicated before the consumer signs up.
That's all very well, but what about addressing the problems faced by customers returning cars. The small dents and scratches that are found, tiny marks on the windscreen, damage found under the sills etc, etc. These small dents and other damage are never repaired, but customer after customer is charged for the damage. This is a much bigger problem, the consumer has been ripped off for far too long by rental companies. The alternative is to purchase their rip off, expensive insurance. It's time these problems were addressed by the relevant authorities.
By Christopher Suckling from UK on 30 Mar 2019, 12:37
Totally agree with Christopher Suckling's comments on being charged for damages to a rental car that existed prior to taking possession. The European Commission and EU consumer authorities should add this to their auto rental compliance list to be implemented ASAP!
Ian Vaz
Toronto, Canada
By Ian Ian Vaz from Other on 03 Apr 2019, 02:31