Guides

How charges after a car rental work, and how to dispute one.

Rental companies

Goldcar damage charge after return: how to dispute it
Charged by Goldcar for damage after you returned the car? What to ask for, which free routes are open (ECRCS probably is not), and how to use your card issuer.
Disputing a Sixt damage claim
Sixt sent a damage claim after you returned the car? What to ask Sixt for, how ECRCS can help with a cross-border rental, and when to involve your bank.
Hertz damage charge after return: how to dispute it
Hertz says you damaged the car after you returned it? What its EU damage policy promises, the evidence to ask for, and the free body that can bind Hertz.
Europcar damage charge: how to dispute it
Disputing a Europcar damage charge? The 14-day challenge window, the light damage price list, what evidence to ask for, and how ECRCS can bind Europcar.
Avis and Budget damage charges: how to dispute one
Charged by Avis, Budget or Maggiore for damage after the rental? Where to send your dispute, the evidence to ask for, and the free service that binds them.
Enterprise and Alamo damage claims: how to dispute one
A damage claim from Enterprise, Alamo or National after your rental? Who sends it, what to ask for, and the free UK and European services that can bind them.
Centauro, Record Go and OK Mobility damage charges
Charged for damage by a Spanish budget rental firm? Why ECRCS does not cover them, the Spanish complaint routes and deadlines, and your card issuer.

Car hire damage charge after Malaga or Alicante
Charged for damage after a hire car at Malaga or Alicante airport? Which free route fits your company, the Spanish rules to use, and what to ask for.
Car hire damage charge in Faro or elsewhere in Portugal
Charged for damage after hiring a car in Faro or elsewhere in Portugal? The official complaint book, arbitration up to €5,000, ECRCS and your card.

Key drop-box return and a damage charge
You left the car out of hours and dropped the key in a box. Now there is a damage charge. What the rental company has to show, and the evidence to ask for.
Wear and tear or damage on a rental car?
Charged for a small scratch or chip on a hire car? There is no European size rule, but wear and tear is not chargeable. What the rules say and how to use them.

Rental car damage charge: disputing it with your card issuer
How to dispute a rental car damage charge with your bank: what Visa requires from the company, why "I did not authorise it" fails, and when to call.
Car hire deposit not returned
Car hire deposit not back, or part kept for damage? The difference between a hold and a charge, what the card rules say, and how to get it back.
Excess insurance claim or dispute the damage charge?
Charged for damage and you have excess insurance? When to claim, when to dispute the charge first, and why the same evidence helps with both.

ECRCS: how the European Car Rental Conciliation Service works
ECRCS is free and its decisions bind the rental company. Who can use it, which brands are in, the 12-month limit and the mistakes that get cases turned away.