Dispute with a French car rental company over a withheld deposit - Recocash

Marania

I’m seeking some advice regarding a dispute with a car rental company over a withheld deposit.

Last year, I hired a vehicle from a well-known car rental company in France. Upon returning the car, I asked the staff member inspecting it whether everything was in order. The vehicle was in immaculate condition, and I was told, in broken English, that everything was “OK.”

However, a few months later, I noticed that the rental company had charged my credit card approximately £900. I attempted to contact their customer service but was passed from pillar to post for several days without being able to speak to anyone who could properly explain or resolve the issue.

I then contacted my credit card provider, explained the situation, and they refunded the amount.

More recently, I have received a letter from a company called Recocash, who are now demanding payment of this sum.

I would be grateful for any advice on my position. Should I respond to the debt collection agency, or refer them back to my credit card provider? Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

I am also concerned as I have another holiday booked in France later this year, and I am worried whether this issue could cause any problems when travelling.

Any guidance would be very much appreciated.

eskbanker

It may help to name the "well-known car rental company" but if they're a substantial enterprise then you'd presumably have been issued with some paperwork, either physically or by email, confirming the condition of the vehicle on return and whether or not there was any new chargeable damage?

It sounds like your card company processed a chargeback, which has the benefit of retrieving your money from the merchant but has no legal standing and leaves you open to debt recovery action - it's effectively the same as 'stopping a cheque' and doesn't actually resolve a contractual dispute as such.

ellenvan

Not sure which company you used.

But next time book through Zest. Then you have someone to sort out any problems.

Marania

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81942245#Comment_81942245

I rented from Europcar. When I left the vehicle at the end of the holiday the person who examined it gave me an Ipad to sign which I did. Everything was in French. Nothing was mentioned of any damage to the vechicle. I never received any email correspondence from them. I booked the rental car via OrbitCarHire.

born_again

https://www.ecrcs.com/

If they are listed.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6661813/dispute-with-a-french-car-rental-company-over-a-withheld-deposit-recocash

Your credit card company has nothing to do with it, a chargeback has no legal basis it just moves the onus of chasing from you to the merchant and hence why they have passed it on to debt collectors.

Not paying a debt isnt a criminal offence in France but is a civil matter like in the UK. Therefore going to France again is unlikely to be any problem but obviously dont try and rent another vehicle from the same firm.