1 reviews | Active since Nov 2024
EUROPCAR WARNING!!
On July 8th, I rented a car from Europcar, paying R2510.00 in total—R2000 as a holding deposit and R510.00 for a 30-day rental through my insurance.
On July 31st, a small rock hit the windscreen. I immediately informed my insurer, who contacted Europcar and spoke to Funeka. Funeka assured her that a windscreen issue wasn’t a concern and advised me to return the car for an exchange.
On August 2nd, I received a message from Europcar about the exchange. However, when I arrived at the branch, I was told there were no automatic vehicles available. The staff member said the windscreen damage wasn’t severe and that I could keep the car for the remaining rental period without any penalties. I explicitly asked about costs and was assured there would be no charges.
On August 12th, I returned the car and once again confirmed there would be no penalties for the windscreen damage. I was told my deposit would be refunded.
By August 22nd, my insurer escalated the refund request (Reference No: ***), but to date, no response. Then on September 3rd, I received an SMS stating I owe Europcar R3855.55 for damages!
No one from Europcar ever contacted me to discuss the windscreen damage. Replacing a windscreen for this car costs approximately R1000, yet they are keeping my R2000 deposit and demanding an additional R3855.55.
This is completely unacceptable. It seems like Europcar’s business strategy is to **** customers out of their hard-earned money. The way this situation has been handled is beyond unprofessional, and I would strongly advise others to think twice before renting from Europcar.
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Please check your email, we have sent you a message.
Kind regards
Europcar
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Please check your email, we have sent you a message.
Kind regards
Europcar
Nevertheless, I am proceeding with my case at the Ombudsman and will ensure that everyone I come into contact with is aware of my experience, discouraging them from using your services. In hindsight, I am actually grateful for this situation, as it led me to choose a reputable vehicle rental company for our business. This decision now provides our managers with a reliable and trusted travel solution on a weekly basis—truly a bullet dodged.
Of course, I doubt this will matter to a company of your size, but I can only hope that others recognize your ********* practices before becoming victims themselves. This has been one of the most unprofessional and ********* experiences I have ever encountered with a company.
Nevertheless, I am proceeding with my case at the Ombudsman and will ensure that everyone I come into contact with is aware of my experience, discouraging them from using your services. In hindsight, I am actually grateful for this situation, as it led me to choose a reputable vehicle rental company for our business. This decision now provides our managers with a reliable and trusted travel solution on a weekly basis—truly a bullet dodged.
Of course, I doubt this will matter to a company of your size, but I can only hope that others recognize your ********* practices before becoming victims themselves. This has been one of the most unprofessional and ********* experiences I have ever encountered with a company.