Held at ransom at car hire desk in Italy

bagand96

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82052751#Comment_82052751

That's not my experience. I've used third party brokers for many years, saved me hundreds if not thousands.

It goes back to understanding what is booked and what you'll be expected to do at the desk.

Third Party Excess isn't a waste of time. You'll find the rental company's own Zero Excess options significantly more expensive.

However booking direct and selecting a Zero Excess option is the ultimate worry and hassle free option. If not seriously more expensive.

brianposter

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82052751#Comment_82052751

You appear to have come to all the wrong conclusions. I normally use a UK broker but sometimes book direct when something unusual is happening eg Covid. The most important thing is to read the various T & Cs and understand them.

In this case the T & Cs would be important were it not for the fact that VIP cars appears to be based in Spain.

eskbanker

In this case the T & Cs would be important were it not for the fact that VIP cars appears to be based in Spain

Why does the company being Spanish render the Ts & Cs unimportant?

brianposter

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82053724#Comment_82053724

Assuming the OP is based in the UK enforcing the T&Cs becomes difficult, particularly as the evidence is not straightforward. It is possible to use an EU claims system or even the Spanish complaints system but both appear to require an unusual level of persistence.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82055377#Comment_82055377

Sure, pursuing foreign companies in court isn't without its challenges, but that doesn't mean the Ts & Cs are unimportant!

brianposter

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82056713#Comment_82056713

It appears from the OPs account that he/she has not actually contacted VIP cars so to that extent the T&Cs remain relevant. He/she should certainly contact VIP cars if those terms have been breached.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82056769#Comment_82056769

Yes, unless they conflict with statutory rights, the Ts & Cs will be crucial in determining the outcome of any dispute, initially with the trader but potentially later with ADR, and/or ombudsman/trade schemes (e.g. ECRCS here), and/or card providers (where applicable), and/or ultimately courts (potentially UK ones if Rome regs apply), so they're clearly not unimportant simply because the company is based overseas.

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82052751#Comment_82052751

Third party excess insurance is definitely not useless, and will save you significantly overall, but you need to understand how it works. You are still on the hook for any excess up front with the hiring company, you just claim it back from your insurer afterwards. So you will still need to pay out, but you get the money back later.