Holiday Autos Issues

gmania

Hi

I used Holiday Autos in April this year in Lisbon. I booked a category H car which is described as a Mercedes C class or similar (Group H and photo of a Merc. C on voucher). When I got the Budget rental desk in Lisbon Airport they informed me that Holiday Autos had in fact only reserved a category E car which was a Ford Focus or similar. I called the Holiday Autos number immediately and they spoke to the Budget desk agent but the only help they could offer was to either accept a Ford Focus or pay €160 extra for a group H car. I had to pay as a Ford Focus was too small for 5 people with luggage and ended up with an Audi A4 Avant (which was group H).

I was advised by the Holiday Autos agent that there had been a mistake with the booking system and to contact Holiday Autos when I leave the car back and get my final bill. I contacted Holiday Autos 25th April and they have been 'investigating' ever since.

I have used Holiday Autos for years for the very reason that they protect you from questionable hire car company practices but it now seems with their sale to cartrawler and HQ relocation to Dublin (applicable law = Irish) that they offer no protection and have simply become another 'lowest cost' provider.

My refund request is ongoing with no commitment for a resolution at all. Dismal! Trading Standards say they cant help as Holiday Autos are now an Irish Company and my credit card company says Section 75 protection does not apply as you purchase a 'rental voucher' from Holiday Autos rather than the rental it's self.

Anyone had similar experiences or have any advise?

Thanks

Obviously_the_best

Holiday Autos have never protected you from questionable booking practises. They're a broker, they've always been there to make said questionable practises.

Brokers are not there for your benefit, they're there to line their pockets by using the cheapest car hire company possible, regardless of the actual cost to the customer.


ALWAYS book direct with the hire company. That way, you get told everything when you book, and there's never an extra layer of complication caused by bookings and complaints being dealt with by someone else.

ic

Did you book on credit card? Could you talk to your CC company about section 75? You didn't get what you ordered.