06 Nov 2012 6:08 PM:

 

 

I want to let others know of my recent experience with what I consider an unfair fuel policy by some hire car companies. I have recently hired a car in mainland Spain and the company which is part of Europcar charged me, via my credit card, 75 euros for fuel and told me to bring the car back empty. I queried the cost and was told the car, a Hyundai 120 had a fuel capacity of 50 litres and the petrol costs 1.50 euros a litre. I looked up the fuel capacity and found it does not hold 50 litres but max 45 and that most people were getting less than that. The petrol at the local petrol station in Benalmadena was also less than 1.50 euros. I returned the car empty and then received an invoice for 90.75 euros which had been taken from my credit card. The extra money was due to 21% VAT being charged. I complained to Europcar because I believe I have been overcharged, one by the fact the fuel tank capacity is not as stated and also because VAT is paid on the price at the pump and so I have paid the tax twice. They have been less than helpful just stating that it is their policy for rentals over 7 days and that this policy is for the benefit of the customer. I believe that this is done so money can be made on the overpricing and the fact the fuel tank will often be returned with some fuel so they can overcharge the next customer.  I suggested that a fairer policy would be to have the car returned with the same amount of fuel as rental companies such as Avis do. I suggest that anyone booking a hire car checks the fuel policy. I certainly will not be using Europcar again.

Thread: Beware unfair fuel policies car rental companies

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