Europcar scam

europcarscam

I rarely post on forums but felt I needed to highlight Europcar's totally unprofessional service. I hired a car and thought it was strange that no one checked the car when I left the depot. On my return to the office 2 days later I was met by 2 Europcar attendants in the car park who swamped the car as I parked. Next thing I know 2 small scratches on the alloys are pointed out to me. I was in total shock as 100% sure that the damage must have been done by previous person that hired the car. Anyway to cut a long story short I got home and thought nothing of it. 2 weeks late I looked at my statement to find 2 debits on my account by Europcar for nearly £400. Firstly I was shocked that this had been done with no prior notification as to what this was for. I was very upset with the situation and called customer service, but to my amazement the office closed during the weekend. I finally lodged my complaint on Monday and then got no reply within the promised 10 day time frame, as clearly they had no solid evidence to prove the damage was done by myself. I also approached Barclaycard and they kindly resolved the issue on my behalf getting the money refunded quickly. My advice is don't be bullied by Europcar, in my opinion they must be doing this on a regular basis and making money because people don't know how to complain about such matters.

Best advice if you think Europcar have charged you incorrectly-
1) Please email or call - 0371 384 0235. Monday - Friday 09.00 - 17.15 to make complaint.
2) Contact payment card e.g. Barclaycard and see if they can get your money back.
3)Good luck!

This simply is not a company to trust simply Google - 'Europcar Trust pilot'

Here is the reply from Europcar-

Good Morning Mr XXXX


Thank you for contacting Europcar customer services with your query regarding your recent rental and the charges levied against on this occasion.

I have reviewed our records and can confirm that the charges relate to damages that were discovered on the vehicle upon rental termination.

However, we have queried these charges with Europcar XXXXX and they have not been able to provide sufficient evidence in order for us to uphold the charges. As this is the case, I can confirm that both of the additional amounts that were charged against you on this occasion have today been refunded and will show in your account within the next 3-10 working days.

I trust that this clarifies your query on this occasion.

Regards

XXXXXXXX
Europcar UK Group

eDicky

Can you please give the location?

AlexMac

Good result; but google 'Europcar scam' and you get 68,000 complaints like yours. As I rent several times a year, and have never been scammed I must be doing something right; by going through the UK-Manchester-based broker https://www.carhire3000. But I also take out annual multi-trip excess cover for about £40 with insurance4carhire.com in case a rogue operator punctures my smug bubble!

shoi

Our new version of the same story
Ebbsfleet
£1000+vat wow.
Already on the case with Europcar HQ, Visa and Excess Insurance company, actually I'll pass it on to Eurostar as well

shoi

Further to my post above £1000+vat, they've now charged it to the card without my authority. Is this a crime (please say yes)?

eDicky

You give no details, location or reason. If it is for damage 'found' on the car and your complaint to Europcar does not result in a refund you will have to claim it on your excess insurance, that's what it's for. You probably authorised having your card deducted when you signed, that's normal.

beckford

Six weeks ago I returned an Interrent hire car to Marseille airport with a puncture. The employee, without even opening the boot to look, reported that the car required a new tyre.
In consequence, I was charged £145.
Interrent is part of Europcar and despite phone calls and emails to both offices in UK and France, no reply has been forthcoming.
Will I rent from Euopcar/Interrent again? Not under any circumstances.

Gloomendoom

I wouldn't touch Europcar with a 30 foot barge pole.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/24/exclusive-europcar-accused-overcharging-customers-repairs/

PeacefulWaters

Cost of repair.
Cost of getting the car to the repairer.
Income lost while car is in for repair and not rented out.

It can add up.

Gloomendoom

The thing is that hire companies don't get the repairs done. I frequently rent vans and occasionally get charged for damage. It really !!!!!s me off to get the same van six months later with the damage they charged me for still unfixed.

Geoff1963

It really !!!!!s me off to get the same van six months later with the damage they charged me for still unfixed.

Not quite as bad as being charged for doing it ( twice ).

The last time a friend hired a car, I had a good look over it with the delivery driver, and pointed out the tiniest of imperfections. However, customers can't be expected to check over every hidden inch.