Covid and campervan booking

AllyS

Hello
we had a campervan booked for June 2020 in USA but booked through a British car hire company, when it was obvious we couldn’t travel we moved it to June 2021.  I contacted them the other day to ask about what would happen and they replied that if the state was open we would lose the deposit regardless of whether we were allowed to fly to America or not! What are my options? Original deposit was paid by credit card. Thank you 

Westin

Have you read the terms & conditions of the (unnamed) car hire company regarding cancellations? 

The fact that you possibly can not enter the USA to pick up the car rental is not really the problem or concern of the car rental firm.

Many travel firms have been flexible on moving bookings. If the reservation terms and conditions which you agreed to do not permit a refund then you would be best take a conciliatory approach with them to seek a gesture of goodwill for a future credit.

AllyS

They they keep saying that the original terms and conditions are valid. So loss of deposit or £150 to move the booking. They are saying because I never asked to cancel and just moved the booking this is what will happen.  The reason I moved the booking in the first place is due to the fact we had to pay the final balance and may have lost 100% and they offered a free transfer, it seemed the safest bet at the time and fully intended on travelling this year.   

Thank you for replying. 

mattyprice4004

Yes, they're right - the fact you can't get there isn't their issue at all.
If they're open for business getting there is your problem, not theirs - sorry. 

AllyS

It’s a business I understand, none of this is anyone’s fault. I just wondered if there were any other options to try and keep the deposit? Or how to claim the deposit back in anyway? I am a bit loathed to move the booking at a cost of £150, that does seem a little steep. 

Thank you 

eskbanker

If you pull the plug and are unable to convince them to rebook free or refund, then the best remaining route would probably be to claim via your travel insurance.

Upsidedownandaround

Your only options appear to be the ones the campervan company has explained to you already unfortunately.

AllyS

Thank you everyone