Portugullible

I hired a car in Faro 3 weeks ago from www.myalgarvecars.com. The rental company took a swipe of my credit card as deposit. When we returned the car intact a week later, there was no one to check it in or tear up the credit card slip (we were told to leave the ignition key on the sun visor). I have now received a charge of £400. I telephoned the hire company who say that the windscreen was broken when the car was collected. I am sure this is a scam, and wondered if there is any redress for me? If not, perhaps others could be warned.

Asked on 13 February 2010 by K.C., Lyndhurst

Answered by Honest John

Okay, I'll run with a general warning ALWAYS to go over the car with the rep and the sheet with a fine toothcomb before taking it away. ALWAYS go over the car with the rep and the sheet when you drop it off. ALWAYS allow extra time to do this between arriving at the airport and checking in. If the desk tells you to just leave the car with the keys on the visor, then make them sign a sheet of paper stating they accept the car back in whatever condition with no further liability to you and any further deduction from your credit cards will be regarded as fraud. Then as soon as you get back, contact your credit card company, check what deductions the credit card company has made, and cancel any you don't agree with.

Tags: hire cars driving legal issues

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