MEP launches campaign against 'blank cheque' car rental charging

9.49.37am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Aug 2008

Local Euro-MP Liz Lynne is calling for more accountability and transparency among car rental firms, after receiving letters from many constituents angry at being charged money when they return from their holidays, without notification or permission, for alleged damages to vehicles they have hired. Liz was recently charged without permission for damage she did not cause to a hire car.

Car rental customers are often required to sign papers, sometimes in other languages, which allow companies to charge extra without further permission if damage is found after the car is returned, with little or no requirement to provide evidence of any damage.

Speaking today Liz Lynne MEP said:

"The forms and credit card slips that some firms make customers sign can mean hefty unknown extra charges due to mistakes in damage reports, or even deliberate over-charging.

"Luckily for me I realised the day I returned the car so I was able to complain to the company, who after some discussion agreed a refund after admitting they made a mistake. But the fact that companies take extra money from customers without letting them know or asking further permission is totally unacceptable.

"I have now written to the EU Commissioner for Consumer Affairs to see if this contravenes any EU legislation as I am sure this is a widespread problem.

"If anyone has suffered a similar fate I urge them to contact me, especially if they have had no luck getting money back from the company."

Advising people to be vigilant when they rent a car, Liz continued:

"But in the meantime we need to keep our eyes pealed. Customers need to make sure any previous damage is reported to the rental company before setting off. Also, taking photos of any damage at the start and end of your trip can provide valuable proof if you are charged extra."

ENDS