Car hire, it's finally happened.

They really are getting worse aren't they!
It's coming to the point where we, as consumers, will have to start demanding full inspections with a representative present, with the car jacked up and specialist lighting provided so we can fully inspect the car beforehand. The lighting in the Alicante airport car park is particularly bad and why should we have to crawl about on dirty floors after a day of travelling? Of course, the minute you drive outside the barriers into natural light it is too late to state any damage was already there.
I would get my credit card company to query the charge, at the very least it will put a stop on the money until it goes through the process and  the car hire company will incur administrative fees.
I also think you were duped, from the girl on reception making a point to tell you that you were the first hirer, to the sudden drop to the knees during the car park inspection so we all need to fight back in any way we can. 

Thanks for your advice Cheryl.

I will contact my credit card company.

Yes, all very suspicious.

Hi Kenbo and welcome to a world that is riddled with Scams, you have lived a charmed life to make it this far without such an incident! 

However, this is where the fun begins! From here on in I speak with experience and success, NOT supposition and hearsay.

So, you will make a claim on your annual policy - that's quite easy, a few forms to complete etc. If it is a UK based company then it should be straight forward enough.

Next, I take it you paid for the hire by a credit/debit card of some description (please tell me you did, not many pay cash?!) You did? WINNER!

You need to contact your bank issuing the credit card. When you speak to someone advise them that you wish to make "A claim under section 75 of the consumer credit act" (CCA 1974 if you need to review it) Ah but, the car company is Spanish... YES BUT... you made payment with your UK bank card!

Under the terms of the consumer credit act the car hire company should do the following:

1) Provide you with three quotations for the work to be completed

2) Give you the chance to take the vehicle away and have the opportunity to get a quote or have the damage repaired

3) Demonstrate that vehicle DO get repaired.

I can tell you without asking that the company will fail on all three counts, so basically they are in breach of the CCA1974. You will have more forms to fill in, copies of documents to be sent etc, then wait... you WILL win.

So how do they get away with it? Well, people are typically, inherently lazy, so it's a numbers game. There are many scams these people run. I have posted on here as well as trip advisor and when I finally pull my finger out and finish it, I am doing a Guide to Car Hire, which I hope will assist others.

For anyone else reading this for future reference, as well as the Section 75 part which is important, other known scams include, but are not limited to:

Checking door locks with the keys NOT just the remote. Broken locks = €€€ (Who checks locks with keys these days?!)

Not issuing a warning triangle and/or high vis - charge you on return (It is the law they provide you with them but if you drive away without them... it's your problem!)

Damaged rims/alloys on the INSIDE of a wheel! 

Telling you to ignore a scratch or dent etc smaller than a certain size - make a note of EVERYTHING you see

They don't record everything you point out - CHECK what they issue you with against what you noted

They give you a blank sheet and you have to note everything!  Then they swap your info on to another sheet and they keep and dispose of your original, give you the copy, which they happened to miss one or two items on (Goldcar speciality!)

Make you inspect the car between parked cars or in a dark area... move it out! Get some light! Do not be fooled by their games.

My all time favourite - tell you 3 weeks later they found damage and charge you! (Dickmanns Special!) Thankfully in my case, my video and photo evidence exposed their lies. I presented myself and asked for their complaint forms and made them do a merry dance through the complaint process! I was close to going for a Denuncia for fraud, but had a long time in the UK planned I so couldn't be bothered!

The list goes on!

Ultimately. Keep copious notes, make notes of names and conversations, keep every scrap of paper. If they take some paper off you then take a photo of it. Video the car (inside and out) as well as photo specific problems. Read advice on Trip Advisor and Forums to make yourself aware of the scams.

Hope it helps! 

Let me know how you get on with your section 75 claim 

Another I fell foul of years ago was when returning the car it was pointed out that the antenna was missing, 45 Euros thanks.

I genuinely don't know if it was there at the start of the rental as I never use the car radio. Since then, when collecting the car the antenna is unscrewed and stowed in the glove box.

Thankyou Handyman

Firstly and importantly I always use hirecarsinspain to book my cars, customer service second to none.

They are currently in dialogue with Centauro, should I have to pay then yes I have an annual ins policy.

Should the insurers not accept the case then yours and Cheryls advice re credit card will be very useful.

Hi Kenbo

I always used doyouspain, for similar reasons - good customer service and of course, competitive prices.

It is unlikely you will get anywhere with your provider as they are the middle man. I will be surprised if you do.

The process is simply that Centauro will release your deposit less the claim amount. You need to pursue the claim amount back off your insurance providers. Even IF Centauro reduce the charge to 74€ I would progress a claim.

I would now progress the claim with your annual policy provider (I use icarhireinsurance - about £40 per year for annual European CDW cover)

I would also, immediately begin a section 75 claim.

It is likely BOTH will pay out.

May I add also, just for the sake of clarity, for other readers.

Car Hire comes with car insurance and is mandatory for the hiring out of the vehicles, in any country. 

The insurance you are referring to is known as Collission Damage Waiver insurance CDW.

If they want to get you. They will.

I video whole car asap.

 But still if theres a little scratch they know about youll never win. 

This is precisely why we bought a great runaround for 1,000€,  we have car on tap, cheap to run and we don’t mind scratches bumps etc, much more relaxed motoring and don’t worry when or where we park it.  I despise rental companies now after being stung too many times!