Car Hire Scam -beware

taitTait

We have been scammed at Faro Airport , Algarve. Car hire company 'discovered' marks on the car, on return, that they said had not been there at outset. As the car had a number of marks and scratches we had been careful before signing off but failed to notice this. It was very minor but they immediately said we were liable for the full excess of 1000 euros. No estimated repair costs - just the immediate full excess taken from my credit card. We had hardly used the car and had no collisions or scrapes at any time. However, you have no redress or method of appeal as they have your card number.
If your hire car has any blemishes at all I would photograph them and carefully study the car making sure even the smallest fault is on the thing you sign. This was so obviously a scam so beware of friendly smiling car hire reps!!
Even the extra CDW insurance only covers you if you have notified your damage to the police-who is going to go to the police with say a sone chip on the bonnet?
It is apparently a common scam - highway robbery . So only hire a car if you absolutely must.

Baz_2

You should have asked to see the hand back report for the previous hirer. Sometimes these marks have been charged for more than once. Surprise surprise.

Lezanne26

taitTait - name and shame this company so we can all avoid them!

Irish_Cailin

Lezanne26 wrote: »

taitTait - name and shame this company so we can all avoid them!

Wonderful idea

cte1111

You made my heart skip a beat then, as we hired a car at Faro airport last week. We didn't have any problems when we returned it though, so sounds like we were lucky. (We hired from Sixt, the only problem with them was that the cheap car hire from them has a £900 excess so you are then offered an 'upgrade' for £60 inc excess waiver.)

Can't you write to the hire car company challenging the charge, then copy this to your credit card company to try and stop them paying it? I'm sure someone will be along with more exact advice, hope so.

Donnie

Car Rental Excess Insurance 1

Car Rental Excess Insurance 2

taitTait

Im not going to name the hire company as I dont think it would be helpful to you. From the net I gather it is increasingly common for hire companies to discover damages not just in Portugal but the UK, USA, france etc etc.
Most of us rush off the plane and are ready to roll! But Ive now learned that I must slow down and do a thorough check of the car and refuse to be put off from having everything noted on the fault diagram.
Let the renter beware!

Nordictat2

Husband and I always check over the car AND take pics too just in case!

I think YOU SHOULD name the company so that others in the future can watch out for the company and do a really good look over when they rent from that company.

We are here to help each other out, no?

BillTrac

Can't see why you won't name and shame. If you feel scammed then tell all so no-one gets ripped off.

Newbie just joined to post about a scam but won't name the scamming company

What is the point of the post?

neilbond007

taitTait wrote: »

Im not going to name the hire company as I dont think it would be helpful to you. From the net I gather it is increasingly common for hire companies to discover damages not just in Portugal but the UK, USA, france etc etc.
Most of us rush off the plane and are ready to roll! But Ive now learned that I must slow down and do a thorough check of the car and refuse to be put off from having everything noted on the fault diagram.
Let the renter beware!

I'm not sure it's on the increase, or a common problem.
I've rented probably 150 cars. The only time I've been "charged" for damage was at LAX about 5 years ago. Dollar claimed there was some damage on the car. In fairness the whopping great dent down the side was a bit of a giveaway. I had all the insurances so never paid a penny.

I also agree with the above posters. Name them

will-in-estoril

The OP refuses to name the company. This renders the thread almost worthless.

I hire cars about 10 times a year in Portugal: cheaper than owning and running one.

I would recommend using Holiday Autos or Auto Europe, as they use the reputable companies. (Should you be placed with an unknown company telephone customer services and ask them to change to one which is well known.)

I would thoroughly recommend Insurance4carhire (£10 off via Tiscali website.)

Definitely check for scratches etc and make sure the red triangle and hi-viz jacket are not missing.

I have never had a bad experience: if you do, ask for the complaints book (livro de reclamações) which all establishments must hold by law.