Consumer law and car rental
How do you avoid getting ripped off when you rent a car or van?
The single biggest problem, according to the European Consumer Centre in Dublin, is where credit cards are charged for damage to cars after they are returned to the rental company - yet the customers are adamant that they didn't cause any damage.
Another big problem is that the advertised basic price may be displayed as "inclusive" of essential costs such as insurance and tax, but often exclude "additional" key services such as:
- Hiring and returning the car to different places
- Returning outside business hours (this is not advisable anyway)
- Crossing a border to another country
Always read the small print
So it pays to read the small print, and you need to take sensible precautions when collecting the car and bringing it back.
Your consumer rights and obligations should be spelt out in your contract with the rental company, so always read this document very carefully and don't be afraid to ask about terms and charges that seem unclear. If you're booking online, the terms and conditions are sometimes listed under headings such as "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) or "Requirements".
Take the time to read information presented to you at the desk when picking up the car. This is not necessarily a rehash of the terms and conditions on the website - there can be very relevant information here so it should be studied before signing.
Even if you have made an advanced booking, remember that the rental contract only comes into being when you pick up the vehicle and inspect it.
Before driving away
Always check the state of the car thoroughly before driving it away. The rental company may give you a diagram showing any existing damage to the vehicle, so check that all the bumps and scratches and so on are included in the diagram. Take particular care that all lights are working properly and that there are absolutely no flaws in the windscreen.
These precautions are the best way of ensuring that the company doesn't charge you later for any damages that were already done to the car, or for a spare tyre or tools (such as a jack) that weren't there in the first place.
Before driving away, you need to sort out several other issues such as:
- Insurance cover for anybody in your party who will be driving the car. Think twice if they offer a price reduction for collision damage or other cover.
- Whether you are allowed to drive the vehicle into another country
- What documentation you need. A current valid national driver's licence might be acceptable in most EU member state, but some countries require an international driver's permit
- What fuel the car or van uses - petrol or diesel - and what the fuel gauge is currently at
Returning the car
The next main stage to worry about is when you return the car. Here, your obligations will be outlined in the rental agreement. For example, many rental companies add hefty charges to your bill if you don't return the car with a full fuel tank.
And always insist on having the car checked while you are there, so you don't end up having charges on your credit card for damage that you never knew about - or that never even existed. If there is genuine damage to the car, it is the rental company that decides how much the damage will cost, irrespective of whether you can find a cheaper quote.
Learn more
If you rent a car or van from an Irish registered company and you feel that you have been misled, the National Consumer Agency (NCA) can investigate your complaint.
Make a complaint using our online complaint form
For rentals from a company registered in another EU country, contact the European Consumer Centre Dublin
The Car Rental Council of Ireland also deals with complaints against its members