DO NOT BOOK CAR HIRE TILL YOU HAVE READ THIS.......

In October half term we booked car hire through Argus which ended up as Cartrawler,  we ordered a ford focus estate automatic and they required the money up front.

So we paid by credit card  but then after about 2 days we got an email saying they could not get that car and did not have anything else similar.  So we had no choice but to cancel it and so I phoned them up and did that.  Today we have just got our credit card statement with the refund but minus an amount of 25euros or 20 pounds so I have emailed them and awaiting reply.  As it was not our fault they should have given it all back.

We eventually booked with Auriga crown and we paid when we got there and decided to have a manual and was very happy.

So the moral of this story is do not pay up front for the car hire if there is a chance you may cancel, better to pay when you get there!!

If you get no joy your credit card company should refund the money and take this up on your behalf .

Your credit card company are "jointly and severally liable" In other words your contract is with them as well as the car hire company. 
Also following an house of lords ruling Credit card companies are still liable even if your purchase is made over the internet or in a foreign country.

I mention this because I have just had a similar situation with a furniture company and my credit card company have refunded all my money.

Contact your card issuer and explain the situation and ask for your money back. They have got to give it you as you received no goods or services.

Thanks all   sorry for the delay in replying  have taken on another part-time job during this credit crunch so I can buy my tv and washing machine when we go there again.

Yes I will get hubby to try that cheers all.

book through doyouspain.com and you pay on arrival not before.i must have got a special cos i had a kia for 47 euros last week and just tried to rebook for march and got quoted 74 euros-strange.

re weather-good news if you are going over now the cold north wind has died down and we played golf in t shirts.

An update>>>>  Good news contacted the supplier of the car company and they gave us a refund.  yippee  dont ask dont get.

We would like to have gone over for xmas but there is no tv and nobody around  could be pretty boring and quiet + I had knee surgery last week.  Oh dear will have to wait till easter.

Hi Ruth

Glad to hear you got a refund!   Hope your knee mends quickly I'm looking to go out Easter too so maybe get to see each other then?

Have wonderful Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!