Budva, 21st June 2024
As summer arrives, tourists flock to popular destinations, eager to enjoy their vacations. Many of these travelers depend on rental cars to explore their chosen locales with freedom and convenience. However, the rental car industry has been notorious for employing a range of deceptive practices, often targeting unsuspecting tourists. These scams can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare, leaving travelers feeling cheated and frustrated. This article explores some common scams used by rental car companies and provides examples to highlight how these tactics exploit tourists, especially during the busy summer season.
1. Hidden Fees and Surcharges
One of the most pervasive scams in the rental car industry is the inclusion of hidden fees and surcharges. Travelers often book their cars online, lured by seemingly attractive prices. However, once they arrive at the rental counter, they are confronted with a litany of additional charges that were not clearly disclosed during the booking process.
Example: A tourist books a rental car for $30 per day, but upon picking up the vehicle, they are informed of mandatory insurance, airport fees, vehicle licensing fees, and additional driver fees. The final cost balloons to $70 per day, more than double the quoted price.
2. Fuel Charges
Rental car companies often offer two options for fuel: prepaying for a full tank or returning the car with a full tank. Both options are fraught with potential scams.
Example: A tourist opts to prepay for fuel, believing it will be more convenient. They return the car with half a tank of fuel remaining, only to realize that they have paid for a full tank at a rate much higher than local gas stations charge. Alternatively, if they choose to return the car with a full tank, they may be charged an exorbitant refueling fee if the tank is not completely full, even if it is only a fraction of a gallon short.
3. Insurance Upselling
Many rental car companies pressure customers into purchasing additional insurance coverage, often through high-pressure sales tactics that exaggerate the risks of not buying their insurance.
Example: A tourist arrives at the rental counter with a comprehensive insurance policy that already covers rental cars. The rental agent insists that this policy is insufficient and that without purchasing the company’s insurance, the tourist will be personally liable for all damages. Feeling intimidated, the tourist pays for redundant coverage at a steep price.
4. Damage Claims
One of the most contentious issues involves damage claims. Tourists are often accused of causing damage to the rental car that they did not inflict.
Example: A tourist returns a rental car in pristine condition, but a few weeks later, they receive a bill for a scratch or dent that was not there when they returned the vehicle. The company claims that the damage was discovered after the car was inspected more thoroughly. Without photographic evidence or a signed statement from the rental agent at drop-off, the tourist has little recourse but to pay the hefty repair fees.
5. Misleading Marketing
Many rental car companies advertise special deals and discounts that are either unavailable or come with significant restrictions that are not disclosed upfront.
Example: A rental company advertises a “Summer Special” rate of $20 per day. When a tourist tries to book this deal, they discover it is only available if they rent for a full week, include additional insurance, and pick up and drop off at specific times that are inconvenient. The actual cost for the tourist’s needs ends up being much higher.
6. Poor Customer Service and Dispute Resolution
When tourists encounter issues with their rental cars, whether mechanical problems or disputes over charges, they often find that customer service is unresponsive or unhelpful.
Example: A tourist’s rental car breaks down in a remote area. They contact the rental company for assistance, but the company is slow to respond and provides little help, leaving the tourist stranded for hours. When they return the car and request a refund for the lost time, the company refuses, citing a clause in the rental agreement that absolves them of responsibility for mechanical failures.
7. Geographic Restrictions and Extra Mileage Charges
Some rental agreements include geographic restrictions and mileage limits that are not clearly communicated to the customer.
Example: A tourist rents a car for a road trip across multiple states. Midway through their trip, they discover that their rental agreement includes a clause prohibiting travel outside the state where the car was rented. They are forced to return the car or face steep penalties. Additionally, they are hit with extra mileage charges for exceeding a limit that was buried in the fine print.
8. Bogus Border Crossing Fees
Some rental car companies in specific regions charge additional fees for crossing international borders, claiming that these charges are mandated by law or required for insurance purposes. In reality, these fees can be entirely fabricated.
Example: In Montenegro, a tourist rents a car and plans to visit neighboring countries like Bosnia or Croatia. The rental agency informs them that they must pay an extra €50 for a “blue card” to cross the border. The tourist later discovers that this fee does not actually exist and was purely a way for the rental company to pocket extra money.
9. Unnecessary Equipment Rentals
Rental car companies often push tourists to rent unnecessary equipment such as GPS devices, car seats, or toll transponders, even when these items are either already included in the car or not needed.
Example: A tourist rents a car that comes with a built-in GPS system, but the rental company convinces them to pay an extra fee for a separate GPS device. In another scenario, a tourist is persuaded to rent a toll transponder for a trip where toll roads are minimal or non-existent, resulting in unnecessary extra charges.
10. False Claims of Late Returns
Some rental car companies accuse customers of returning the car late, even when it was returned on time, and charge them for an extra day or late fee.
Example: A tourist returns their rental car precisely at the agreed-upon time but is later billed for an additional day. When they dispute the charge, the rental company claims that the car was checked in late or that the return process took longer due to inspection, leading to the extra charge. Without proper documentation or proof of return time, the tourist is forced to pay the additional fees.
11. Unregistered Rental Companies
In tourist-heavy regions, especially during peak seasons, individuals posing as legitimate rental car companies may offer cars for rent. These unregistered operators use fake invoices, receipts, and contracts, posing significant risks to unsuspecting tourists.
Example: In Montenegro’s coastal areas, when summer tourism is at its peak, a tourist unable to find a car from established companies encounters an individual claiming to run a rental agency. They are presented with what appears to be a legitimate contract and receipt. However, if the tourist is stopped by authorities or needs to file an insurance claim, they may discover that the company is not registered, and the documents are fraudulent. This can lead to hefty fines and a lack of legal recourse for any disputes or issues.
Conclusion
The rental car industry is rife with practices that can trap unsuspecting tourists in a web of hidden fees, deceptive marketing, and unfair policies. To protect themselves, travelers should thoroughly research rental car companies, read the fine print of their agreements, and document the condition of their rental vehicles meticulously. By staying informed and vigilant, tourists can avoid falling victim to these common scams and enjoy their summer vacations without the added stress of rental car woes.