europcar hire and europdrive

olias · 15 February 2015 at 8:30PM

Just a vent really and after some info.

Recently booked a van through europcar to take some gear to france. Nowhere during the booking process does it mention an excess to take vehicle abroad. I then needed to change the booking so rang up their customer services. To change involved cancelling the booking and rebooking. I explained i needed to add a days hire in order to boost the mileaGe allowance allowed as i was taking the van on a long trip to france. Again, the standard payment was taken and no mention of any extras.

I pick up the van on monday and suddenly wondered if they provide the continental kit you are required to carry in france (warning triangle etc). I couldnt find the answer on their website so googled it and it took me to their terms and conditions, where buried 3/4 of the waydown the small print was something casually mentioning that if you took the van abroad, you had to pay for europdrive cover at a cost of £55. The van only cost £115!!!

Has anyone else had experience of this? The cover cost varies according to the van hire length. Does anyone know if you only pay for the days you are abroad, or do they sting you for every day of your hire?

Thanks.

Olias