CAR HIRE - Failed Experian Credit Check - Still had to pay for hire!

rudekid48

Thomas_Russell wrote: »

Ok, funny you should say this. We just checked her Experian credit report, she was in the 800s out of 999 which is rated in the upper end of 'fair.'

It then comments on the negatives against the name which are that she has no negatives. Shes never been in debt so has never settled any debts, this is held against you and makes you a risk. So for this we have been penalised. Its not fair.

Don't get too hung up on the 'credit' part. What she failed was their security check, which is a combination of many things - credit is just one part. All rental companies have tightened up their security checks for one simple reason - terrorists tend to move around in hire cars.

Others have already mentioned the electoral role - this forms part of checks to validate an address, there are also other databases that are searched to verify identity. It is much more likely that she is not listed somewhere against your address.

Examples of common issues that could cause problems are;

Recently moved house
Name change due to marriage / divorce
Out of date information e.g. old address/name on drivers licence
Incorrect data on the electoral role

Not an exhaustive list but a few examples.

Your fight here is with the Broker not Avis. Just because something is in their T&C's doesn't mean that it is enforceable if the term can be challenged as unfair.

Another poster has already made the point about Avis losing out on the rental - this is similar to hotels where you lose the money if you cancel. You need to challenge the Broker to see if this is the case - it may prove difficult to challenge if it is, but if not then they will have a really hard time justifying keeping ALL of your money.