European Commission: 55% of car rental broker websites in violation of EU law
More than half of screened websites brokering rental cars do not comply with EU regulation, a recent set of checks coordinated by the European Commission shows. The rules call for transparent information on intermediary websites in order to protect consumers.
Consumers looking to rent a car often do so through intermediary websites. Think of general price comparison and booking websites or airline websites. In a recent sweep the European Commission and authorities from ten EU countries and Norway checked 78 online intermediary services. The checks show that websites often do not provide sufficient information, for example on:
- Who to contact in case of queries or complaints
A third of the screened websites did not provide clear information of who consumers could contact in case they had questions of complaints: the intermediary or the car rental company? - Insurances
Nearly half of the websites did not provide clear information of what was and what was not included in the insurance. - Accountability
27% of the websites did not clearly mention the name of intermediary service anywhere. 32% of website did not clearly indicate which party was bound by the rental terms and conditions: the broker or the car rental company. - Paid extra options
On 21% of the websites optional paid services had been pre-selected. - Mandatory extra costs
In certain cases information on mandatory charges was missing, such as fees for young drivers or one-way journeys.
Enforcement
The involved consumer protection authorities will contact the websites in question. If necessary, these national authorities also have the power to initiate enforcement actions.
Are you booking a rental car?
Always pay close attention to what it is that you are paying for and who exactly you are booking with. On our website you will read more about your rights when renting a car. We also give tips for renting cars abroad. Have you run into a problem with a rental car company or intermediary service? The European Consumer Centre provides free advices and provides assistance if you have a problem or dispute with a company based in another EU country.
Do you have an issue with a Dutch car rental company or intermediary? Then check the ACM Consuwijzer or the Juridisch Loket for advice (note: both websites are in Dutch).