Unfair treatment for car renting Brits

Many holidaymakers feel that they are discriminated against when hiring a car in Europe, suggests new data.

Travel Insurance News - 08/12/2005

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Many holidaymakers feel that they are discriminated against when hiring a car in Europe, suggests new data.

The feeling of being treated badly ranges from unfair contracts to last minute price changes.

Some travellers said that when they have returned cars with empty fuel tanks, they have been charged a far higher cost to refill the tank than the standard market rate.

The Citizens Advice, which runs the UK Office of the European Consumer Centre, also says that some holidaymakers have been charged for repairs on cars that had been 'damaged' and lost their deposits.

'These findings show that many people across Europe are being let down by car hire companies,' said Ruth Bamford, director of the UK European Consumer Centre (ECC).

'We want to see more work done to improve consumer laws so they are simple and consistent across Europe and people know their rights and can enforce them.'

Travel insurance is one way of limiting expensive bills.

If, for example, you urgently needed medical treatment while you were away, the travel insurance policy should pick up the bill.

Pre purchased travel insurance might also cover car hire.

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