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By James Bryce
HOLIDAYS can be an expensive business.
With costs such as buying new clothes, booking flights and arranging accommodation – many of us have already forked out hundreds of euros before we have even felt the sun on our face.
And more often than not, the list of expenses also includes car hire.
Queuing up to collect the keys on arrival at a foreign airport is a familiar holiday routine as hiring a car is often the only realistic option for getting around.
But while there are genuine bargains to be had, some of the less charitable companies are being accused of cashing in by taking advantage of what is a captive market.
Following the Olive Press’ recent stories about Brian’s Rent a Car and One Way Van Hire, we have been inundated with calls and emails from readers complaining about being similarly ripped off when hiring a vehicle.
We told how both companies had provided sub-standard vehicles and failed to return deposits, despite customers denying having caused any damage.
Among the biggest complaints levelled at car hire firms are the hidden costs, which often leave consumers with a far higher bill than they had anticipated.
The true cost of this practice was exposed earlier this year, when it was revealed holidaymakers were being forced to pay up to three times as much for a hire car than the original advertised price.
According to a survey by consumer group Which? Travel, many are being forced to pay for a full tank of fuel on arrival that would ordinarily be expected to be included in the price.
The car must then be returned with an empty tank with no refund being given for fuel left in the car.
“Consumers are not being given the full facts about these extra charges,” said Which? Travel spokesman Rochelle Turner.
To compound the problem, the hire firms who have adopted the ‘full-empty’ policy are seemingly charging a hefty premium for the fuel, with customers handing over up to €20 more for a full tank than they would at a petrol station.
This policy is becoming more and more common in Spain, as hire companies come under increasing pressure to make a profit in what remain tough economic times.
But not all have adopted it, with some firms keen to distance themselves from the more mercenary suppliers.
“We clearly inform our clients that the car will be delivered with a full tank of fuel, which is paid for on arrival, so they don’t have to worry about trying to find the nearest petrol station,” Christine Fleischer, marketing manager at Malaga-based rental firm Helle Hollis, told the Olive Press.
“We refund any remaining fuel to the nearest quarter of a tank and we clearly indicate on our website what is included in the rental price so there are no nasty surprises on arrival.”
One of the firms which does have a ‘full-empty’ policy, Record Go, are also at the centre of another controversial hidden cost being levied on travellers – a ‘mandatory’ insurance payment.
This is said to act as a damage excess waiver, but it has provoked anger among many customers who claim to have separate insurance policies which deem the extra payment unnecessary.
But some firms are allegedly refusing to hand over the keys until the payment is made, with customers who refuse to pay having up to €1,200 frozen on their credit cards to cover possible damage.
Record Go, a hire company operating out of Malaga airport, is among the worst offenders for using this tactic, which has caused angry scenes at pick up desks due to the insurance demand.
Rival company Goldcar has also been accused of ‘ambushing’ customers with the hidden charges.
One Record Go customer, who asked to remain anonymous, was forced to queue for nearly two hours behind other disgruntled customers before being told he would not be given the keys until he paid.
“I explained that I was here on business and I didn’t want the insurance because I have annual cover, but they told me I couldn’t take the car without paying,” he told the Olive Press.
“I eventually paid a deposit but I have since demanded a refund, which I have been told I will receive soon.”
Phil Walker, from Saddleworth, was also forced to wait in a long queue at the Record Go desk before being made to pay a fee which nearly doubled the total cost.
The 54-year-old, who runs a lifestock supply company, had booked through car hire broker Holiday Autos.
But on picking up the vehicle from Record Go for a three week holiday in Malaga with his wife, he was forced to hand over an additional £174.
“I thought I’d got a good deal because it was only £175 for the whole trip, but I couldn’t believe it when they made me pay the extra charge,” he said.
Holiday Autos acknowledged the ‘industry wide issue’ of companies charging hidden fees and vowed to end its association with any firms found guilty of wrongdoing.
“We are very aware of the ongoing industry wide issue whereby low cost suppliers push their insurance products locally on collection,” said Jo King, Head of Brand and Marketing Communications at Holiday Autos.
“We will review our relationship with any supplier found to have been engaging in this practise of selling customers additional extras they do not require.”
She added: “We take these complaints very seriously and are constantly looking at ways to improve our business to ensure customers are treated fairly by our suppliers.”
A Goldcar spokesman said: “Goldcar takes these claims very seriously and we are continuously looking for ways to improve the information provided to the customer.”
Other extras which holidaymakers are regularly finding themselves shelling out for include child seats and additional drivers.
As with all things, the best advice is to shop around and to establish exactly what is and is not included before hiring a car.
Helle Hollis checklist for car hire:
1. What does the rental rate include?
2. What insurance is included?
3. Which fuel policy is applied – and what is the fuel price charged?
4. Can I only pay with credit card?
5. Shall I prepay the rental?
6. Do the staff speak my language?
7. Does the rental include 24 hour road assistance?
8. Can I hire baby seats, GPS or other extras?
9. Is the extra driver for free?
10. Is the office open 24 hours 7 days a week?
11. Are there minimum age requirements?
12. Are there upper age limit requirements?
13. Where do I pick up my rental car?
14. Will I be driving a new car?
I rented a car through do you spain on several occasions but you know how good a company are when something goes wrong. they put me in touch with choice rent a car Ibiza. so far they have done nothing to help get my £700 insurance deposit returned and I have to get my card company to get my money back. they seem a good option when you take out the rental but after 6 weeks of returning the car and not getting the deposit back it has cost me over £1000 to rent a car for 10 days. not a good option, not as cheap as it seemed, no support to get my money back and they are still advertising this company to other customers
they also do the petrol scam charging £90 for a tank of fuel and although you ask for a type of car give you a battered something else that they say is “better”
I will never rent a car through do you spain again as their support is zero or use Choice rent a car.
I have been trying to call them using their 971192478 phone number which is never answered (not sure if this is they block UK calls or just don’t answer when they see the number displayed
we recently rented a car in ibiza with Recordgo. It was a horrible experience from the beggining. I contracted online a car with full insurance and when we arrive to pick up the car they wanted us to pay for another insurance bcs they said the one we booked online is not valid for us. After many arguments and time wasted wr managef to cancel the reservation and book through other website w no insurance…but many people were not this lucky.
We gave back the car with full tank and still they charged us 6€. Also the car we got was full of scrachtes and dirty.
Horrible company anf horrible customer service. We will never book anything w them
I am facing a serious problem with Recordgo. I hired a car in Malaga. I was charged €24 admin fee, €40 late pick up fee and €48 fuel charge inspite of paying for car hire. They blocked €1200 on my card towards insurance. I returned the car without any damage and when I returned the key to their office I was told everything is ok and my card will be unblocked and I will receive a refund for remaining fuel in the car. The guy didn’t come to check the car and dint give me a closing report. On my return to UK I have realised they have charged €1200 on my card without my consent and without informing me. When I called them they said the amount was charged due to damages and I will get an email regarding the same. I have raised the matter as a dispute with my bank as this is a fraud. Kindly advice me the way to get my money back.
If your bank cannot recover your money, you may be advised Prakash, to wipe your mouth and walk away. These people will drive you crazy, they have no shame. Their raison d’etre is to make money in any way they can and, you, as a customer, can go to hell as far as they are concerned.
Read some of the previous posts on here, you will realise the swamp you are in.
As everyone knows, there are a miriad of DISASTER car hire companies in Spain ..
However there IS one I can definitely recommend .. MALAGACAR (of course in Malaga).
I have rented there several times and found it 100% ok and in reviews by others my experience is pretty normal. Good cars, good price, no rip-offs, no large amounts blocked off your card (€100 security that you always get back) and quick service.
I’ve had just once a minor niggle when they hadn’t emptied the ashtray but we got another car immediately because I didn’t like a smokers car anyway.
Who the hell smokes in a car; what a disgusting habit.
I have exactly the same problem with RecordGo. They refuse to refund my €1200 credit card payment because I supposedly damage the car. The car was damaged when I picked it up etc…..Is anyone interested in joining me as I am preparing to issue summonds against them for recovery of my money?
Johannes Strydomn-Roth
I recently booked a car with Do you Spain, at Valencia airport, the company they put me with was Dickmanns, similar thing, I took out the Platinum insurance with Do you Spain, and was informed would not need to their insurance. At the rental office, wouldn’t hand keys over without either taking the insurance or leaving a deposit of 1048 euros, which I reluctantly did. Upon returning the car, it was checked and I was fully expecting the deposit to be refunded. to cut a long story short, it took 7 weeks and numerous calls and e-mails before it was finally returned less £75, which was apparently tax. Do you Spain were aware of Dickmanns practices, but still put custom their way. I would advise anybody to give these 2 companies a very wide berth.
With regard to car hire in Malaga Spain.
As a home owner for 3 years on the costa Del sol. I hire cars all year round. I have hired from most of the cheap hire companies. I have had many bad experiences. I now use RECORD GO whenever I can. I have found their staff to be honest and helpful. They are least aggressive trying to sell you their fully comp insurance although they do point out what the costs are if you have a bump or a scratch. Their cars do have a few bumps and scratches but do not let this put you off as you will fit right in on the Costa. I have not yet had a car from them that has let me down. Picking up a car can be very frustrating, especially after a delayed flight, at least Record have developed a ticketing system so you don’t have to stand vigilant for an hour in case someone pushes in front of you. The only other company i could recommend is Centura their cars don’t have any scratches so are relatively more expensive and are off airport.
DEL PASO are thieves they should wear masks. If you do not take out their full insurance THEY WILL FIND SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR CAR. I have been charged 350E for a 1cm scratch that I couldn’t prove I had not done as the pics we had taken of the car were on my wife’s phone, which had been left at home. E180 for a dent in a wheel trim. Not even an alloy!.
I take out uk insurance excess waiver about £40 a year (QUESTOR) would recommend.
I have had to claim 3 times over the last 3 years for things as mentioned above. As long as you get all the right documentation they have been excellent. It’s a wonder these insurance companies are not getting wiser and do something about the ridiculous charges from these rip off Spanish car hire rogues.
Although I highly recommend RECORD GO. If you are not taking the full comp ins. Take a pic on your phone of every panel on the car. The car parks are underground and dimly lit. So allow time to move it to a better lit area. Any marks that aren’t on the damage go back and ask them to register. Having said that RECORD are the best company as they do not ask you to notice anything smaller than about an inch. Be very careful about that with any other companies.
Hired a car in Mallorca from Centauro.
Hired a car in Mallorca from Centauro.
I got a fine for parking in a public free parking. On returning the car to Centauro I spoke to the Senior Representative in the office about the fine. He confirmed the fine was a mistake, they will not pay it and therefore I don’t have to pay anything.
Two months after, I receive a note from Centauro informing me that I’ve been charged the amount of the fine. Despite numerous attempts to explain the facts to Centauro Customer Service, they still insist the charge will not be reimbursed.
Not the service I expected – Please Avoid this Company!!
I had so many problems of being ripped off in Spain that I sold my property last year and will never go back again after 12 years. The tricks that the hire companies use only started about 5 years ago.
I recently rented a car from rentacar Spain, 47 Conil de montanera, Malaga 29004. Tel. 647 863 974. Or. 647 863 981
I was searching online for a good deal and this seemed to be it. I regularly rent every month and during this time of year it can be difficult to get a cheaper rental, I live in Nerja but I work in UK , so hiring car for short periods suits me.
I rented a car to collect on 14 th July returning on 17 th July 2017, cost 66.00 euros,
The contract clearly stated 66.00 euros, NO DEPOSIT, just return will same amount of fuel as when given to me.
I had to keep phoning the representative as I could not find him at the airport. When I eventually got the, on phone , I had to go outside main arrivals as he stated they do not meet you with a board and my name on it!
But the message I got when booked stated….the representative will be standing with a board and your name on it ! Not the case.
He then walked me some way to where he said the car was parked, then stopped and said we could get paperwork done, to which he asked for my payment. I said can I pay by card, he said yes. I asked is it 66.00 euros, are there any extra charges or amounts, to which he stated NO , just 66 euros and leave car with same amount of fuel.
He took the payment, then he said, now I will need to block 200 in your card! I stated NO. This was not in contract, it stated NO DEPOSIT. I stated I did not allow for this as it was my debit card I had used , he then stated I should pay 200 euros for the rental. I said NO, the contact price was 66.00 euros, no deposit, bring car back with same fuel.
After a heated argument he left me standing at 21.30 hrs in Malaga airport, no car and no way home. Also he took my money, said it would be refunded, and as yet even though I have sent many email. Still no refund of my money.
I had to phone friends to come collect me, eventually arriving home after two the following morning.
The company refuse to respond to my calls, or emails.,
When I was in airport I had asked another company where I could find RentACar Spain, the response I got was ” they are bad company. They do not come into arrivals hall. Did you pay money to them ? Be careful, very bad “. I wish I had taken more notice of the comments.
Please can you make people aware or how can you stop these “type of sharks ”
It may have only been a small amount but it could also have been a larger amount….it’s the principal and the fact they get away with it .