Interent Europcar damage charges and dispute

thescouselander

agrinnall wrote: »

Good grief, signs in Italy written in Italian, who would have thought it? It makes you proud of all those polyglot UK city directions signs doesn't it?

Well, they could just use the internationally recognised roadsigns like everyone else - except the scam wouldn't work as well then would it?

agrinnall

thescouselander wrote: »

Well, they could just use the internationally recognised roadsigns like everyone else - except the scam wouldn't work as well then would it?

Do those signs also work in Paranoia, which seems to be where you live?

4372

I think you may be able to chill, based on my experience only. I returned a (Europcar) car in NZ in pristine condition in 2014. Made a point getting it checked over and Ok'd before the flight home. Six months later got demanding looking letters from a credit reference agency ( of dodgy provenance) wanting several hundred pounds in respect of damage to the car. The letter said I could phone and pay by card (Lol). Had another letter several months later. Got on to Europcar via Twitter to resolve it. But to this day, I am convinced it was a first rate scam, and would never have gone to court. I would follow the advice about let them take you to court, and be prepared for a long wait.

thescouselander

agrinnall wrote: »

Do those signs also work in Paranoia, which seems to be where you live?

I was over there at least once a month for 3 years and I think I've got a pretty good measure of the country. The assessments of corruption in Italy speak for themselves and the OP is by no means alone in their experience of being ripped off.

Most people don't realise the scale of the problem over there and think they're just visiting another Western European country - in reality visitors need to be extra vigilant and take proper advice to stay safe.

Personally I wouldn't want to go on holiday there having to worry about hire car shenanigans, random and extortionate service charges every time I go somewhere for a drink or food, or over charging taxis and tourist attractions or the endless other wheezes that go on. Each to their own though I suppose.

agrinnall

thescouselander wrote: »

Personally I wouldn't want to go on holiday there...

This I agree with in more general terms, I have found Italy to be one of the least welcoming and most unpleasant places to visit anywhere, haven't been there for over 20 years and have no desire to return.

Keep_pedalling

thescouselander wrote: »

Well, they could just use the internationally recognised roadsigns like everyone else - except the scam wouldn't work as well then would it?

What is the international sign for a restricted traffic zone?

I wonder how many hire cars get hit for not paying the Dartfird Crossing fee within the 24 hour period allowed.

thescouselander

Keep_pedalling wrote: »

What is the international sign for a restricted traffic zone?

I wonder how many hire cars get hit for not paying the Dartfird Crossing fee within the 24 hour period allowed.

It's a red circle with a blank inside.