Car hire – what are my rights in Europe?
There are no specific EU rules on car rental, but you have some general EU consumer rights.
The main ones are:
- Fair and clear information
- The price quote you receive for a booking must include all unavoidable charges (such as local fees and taxes, handling fees).
- The cost of any optional extras that you will need (such as a child seat or extra insurance) must be shown clearly and must not be misleading.
- Fair contract terms
- Your rental contract must not contain unfair terms which are illegal in the EU. For example, the seller cannot bind you to terms which you had no real opportunity to read before signing the contract.
- [!] If you booked your car online, the EU 'cooling-off period' does not apply, so you do not have an automatic right to cancel your booking within 7 days (though the company's terms and conditions may allow it).
Your European Consumer Centre can:
- offer more detailed online consumer tipson car hire in Europe to help you avoid problems
- advise you individually on your problem with a car rental abroad
- if you have a dispute with a car rental company abroad, they can handle your complaint and help you solve the problem.
ECC consumer tips on car hire in Europe
Based on the experience of European Consumer Centres advising consumers on car rental.
1. Before hiring
Check what is included in the price quote: pay special attention to airport and other local charges and the insurance coverage.
Always check the cost of any extras you will need during your rental.
Check the fuel policy.
Check the cancellation policy.
Check for any restrictions (e.g. on the allowed mileage or the countries where you may travel).
2. Collecting the car
If you booked online, take a printout of your booking with you.
If you are signing a rental contract at your destination, check if the terms are the same as in the booking you made earlier; keep a copy of any documents you sign.
Make sure you understand what is covered by your insurance.
Always ask about the company policy in case of breakdown or accident.
Check the car with a staff member for any damage. If you are not provided with a special checklist or diagram, make sure you note any damage and have it signed by an employee.
3. During the car rental
If the car breaks down, call the rental company and follow their instructions. Do not have the vehicle repaired yourself without their authorisation.
In case of an accident, note down the names and addresses of everyone involved. If anybody is injured or there is a dispute over who is responsible, call the police. Contact the rental company immediately.
4. Returning the car
Try to return the car during the rental company’s opening hours so you can be there when they check it.
An employee should make a note of the condition of the car. Both you and the employee should sign this. Keep a copy.
If you must return the car outside working hours, park it in the designated area. Consider taking photos of the car as proof that it was returned in good condition.
How the Centres helped others
Unfair trading: money back for extras (UK consumer / Irish car rental company )
A UK consumer booked a rental car from the trader’s website and got a confirmation through e-mail. The booking confirmation stated that the cost was the “total for your specific price” and “price is guaranteed”.
Read moreMoney back for fuel surcharge: Irish consumer / French car rental company
When an Irish consumer arrived to collect his car in France, his chosen car was not available.
Read more
