A joint action from the European Commission and national authorities responsible for the implementation of legislation has resulted in the agreement of five major car rental companies to review the rental conditions they offer to customers.
These conditions will be re-established to give greater clarity on insurance policies, fuel options and price transparency as well as more equitable treatment in the event of damage to the rented car. The action is a result of the increase in car rental complaints received by European Consumer Centres over the past two years.
The following improvements that the car rental companies have agreed to is as follows:
Greater transparency for customers booking online:
- Clearer information with regards to obligatory fees and options
- Clearer information with regards to key rental terms, including guarantee deposits charged to the customer's bank card
Greater transparency on franchise cuts and optional insurance, including prices, exclusions and deductibles
- Better policies and transparency regarding fuel charges
- Clearer and fairer car inspection procedures
- Better response practices in the case of additional charges to the customer, with the customer now able to contest the damage before being charged a fee.
Photo by European Consumer Centres
