October 2003

Watch for rental rip-offs

Business travellers are being warned to look out for car rental rip-offs.  The rise in complaints by clients about supplementary invoicing by car hire companies is up by 20 per cent with the biggest area of dispute being alleged damage to vehicle.

Leamington-based Travel Management Group claims the rule appears to be "charge if the damage looks recent" regardless of firm evidence incriminating the last renter.

Fuel is another source of complaint with renters receiving supplementary invoices whether or not they have returned vehicles with a full tank.  Dropping off cars in a different location is fine if arranged beforehand and agreed in writing but TMG has warned travellers to avoid a drop-off at a location other than the pick-up point.  Dropping off a car in a different country is to be avoided above all.

David Moore, director of business travel operations at TMG, said: "Renters should check for damage at the start of the hire period and allow time for a thorough inspection in the presence of the the rental agent when the car is returned.

"It is also advisable to obtain written confirmation of no damage and a full fuel tank from the rental agent."  "People should keep a sharp look-out for any additional charges creeping on to their credit card statement."

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