Avis refunds thanks to the ACCC

[markis10]

So who is getting a refund from Avis, according the news report tonight it affects 20000 customers:

Avis changes website advertising

"write to all affected customers and refund the amount of additional fees and taxes paid by the customer, which were not disclosed at the time of making the reservation "

Took a while to hit the news!

 

[Mal]

I haven't rented through Avis for about 5 years - so won't apply to me.

It's good that the ACCC has made an example of a travel company that is not showing inclusive prices. Perhaps more websites will quickly resolve the issues with inclusive prices not being shown...

 

[markis10]

Wonder if hertz might consider showing what excess is payable on the rate being booked online, maybe I am drawing a long bow but if you were charged it after an accident would it be classed as a hidden fee at the time of booking, its obviously on your contract but so were the fees in question for the Avis undertaking.

 

[sampson]

I'd like to see the insurance 'exclusions' cleared up so apples are compared to apples.

 

[Mal]

Wonder if hertz might consider showing what excess is payable on the rate being booked online, maybe I am drawing a long bow but if you were charged it after an accident would it be classed as a hidden fee at the time of booking, its obviously on your contract but so were the fees in question for the Avis undertaking.

As much as I'd like it to appear and be fully disclosed at the time of booking, I presume it would be in the class of 'optional extra' (well maybe not optional when you have an accident!).

 

[N860CR]

Rental car companies seem to be able to get away with not disclosing fee's. Excess, under age fees (some do, some don't) or refueling fees.

I got hit with a several hundred dollar fee from Europcar for refueling a car and they never could actually point out where it said in the rental agreement that I had to. All it stated was "they have the right to charge for the cost of the fuel", which mean they can charge whatever they want (it was something like $400 from memory).

 

[markis10]

I would agree that it should be displayed , its not optional if your caught in a hail storm for instance as quite a few OOL renters found out recently, so it should be shown for comparison purposes!

 

[mick]

Rental car companies seem to be able to get away with not disclosing fee's. Excess, under age fees (some do, some don't) or refueling fees.

I got hit with a several hundred dollar fee from Europcar for refueling a car and they never could actually point out where it said in the rental agreement that I had to. All it stated was "they have the right to charge for the cost of the fuel", which mean they can charge whatever they want (it was something like $400 from memory).

That's sounds pretty steep. A couple of weeks ago, I rented a Hertz car and couldn't understand how they can charge the pre-purchase fuel option at $1.07/litre (which is pretty good value) and yet, if you don't take up the option and don't return the car full, they charge you a whopping $2.55/litre to fill it up!

Why not just charge $1.07/litre (or whatever the market rate is) and be done with it? You can't tell me the car isn't going to be detailed, etc. before the next renter gets the car, surely!

 

[markis10]

That's sounds pretty steep. A couple of weeks ago, I rented a Hertz car and couldn't understand how they can charge the pre-purchase fuel option at $1.07/litre (which is pretty good value) and yet, if you don't take up the option and don't return the car full, they charge you a whopping $2.55/litre to fill it up!

Why not just charge $1.07/litre (or whatever the market rate is) and be done with it? You can't tell me the car isn't going to be detailed, etc. before the next renter gets the car, surely!

If you compare the options you are probably paying $2.55L regardless, as the prepaid option is only worthwhile if you can return with the tank as close to empty as possible, anything left over is free to Hertz!