You rented a car on vacation? The company can charge your card for thousands of gold for “micro-rays” upon return

Renting a car for a vacation is synonymous with freedom and comfort for many Poles. The anticipation of freely discovering picturesque corners, without dependence on public transport, is worth its price. Unfortunately, for the increasing number of tourists, this vacation dream turns into a financial nightmare long after returning home. This happens erstwhile a sudden, unauthorized charge on the credit card message appears several 100 euro and sometimes even for thousands of PLN. Reason? Alleged vehicle damage, frequently described as barely visible ‘micro-ray’. It is simply a business that has become a scourge in the car rental manufacture and a business model for dishonest companies, preying on ignorance and the rush of tourists.

Modus Operandi: How does the scratch fee mechanics work?

The mechanics of action is simple and based on 2 pillars: deposit on credit card and information asymmetry.

1. Card lock (deposit): all reputable rental company makes on our credit card pre-authorization for a certain amount (from respective 100 to respective 1000 euro). These are not collected but blocked “just in case”. This gives the company a warrant that in case of problems it will be able to collect the charge without our additional permission.
2. Inspection of vehicle without witnesses: The problem most frequently occurs erstwhile we return the car in a hurry or out of office hours, leaving the keys in a peculiar box ("key-box"). We're not here for the final vehicle inspection. A fewer days or weeks later, we receive an email.
3. Message with "proofs": The email contains information about uncovering fresh harm – it is usually a tiny scratch on the bumper, door or hubcap. A photograph (often about to make the scratch appear bigger) and a cost estimation of repair from a friendly workshop, which is worth an astronomical amount, is included.
4. Flashcard load: Before we can protest, the company, utilizing previously blocked funds, collects the full amount from our card. Our money's gone, and we're stuck with the problem.

Unfair companies frequently "find" the same long-established "micro-rays" for subsequent customers, making this a permanent origin of additional income.

Your protective shield: Documentation, documentation and documentation again!

We are not defenseless in dealing with specified a crime, but our defence must be prepared before There will be a problem. The key is the iron consequence in documenting the condition of the vehicle. That's the most crucial advice you'll always hear in terms of hiring a car.

Step 1: car pickup – become a detective

• Never choice up a car in a hurry. Take 10-15 minutes.
• Enable advanced resolution video recording on your phone. Walk around the full car slowly, recording all element: bumpers, doors, thresholds, mask, roof, mirrors, and especially rims and hubcaps (they are the most common goal). Close to all, even the smallest existing scratches, spatters or dents.
• Take additional pictures any existing damage.
• Check the interior: Upholstery, dashboard, seat condition.
• Compare it to the transfer protocol. Make certain EACH, even the smallest damageThe 1 you found is recorded in the protocol you signed. If your worker says it’s nothing, insist on entering it. If he refuses, do not answer the car or note this fact on the record.

Step 2: Return the car – repeat the procedure

• Plan a refund during office hours. proceed to have the worker inspect in your presence.
• Re-record the video and take pictures the full vehicle at the point of return to prove the state of return.
• Request signature of refund protocol with the endorsement that the car was surrendered without fresh harm (‘No fresh damage’). This is your most crucial proof.
• If you gotta return the car outside of working hours, Your video and photograph records are becoming even more important. evidence a video showing the state of the car and the minute the keys are thrown into the mailbox.

What to do erstwhile the company has already collected the money?

If you inactive receive a call and are charged, don't give up.

1. Send a formal complaint immediately to the rental company, attaching its photograph and video documentation from the reception and return of the vehicle.
2. If the complaint is rejected, contact your bank and apply for chargeback (return charge).
3. Under the chargeback procedure, submit to the bank all the evidence: lease agreement, protocols, correspondence with the company and, most importantly, your photos and videos that undermine the rental claim. Banks frequently side with the client if his argument is solid and supported by evidence.

Unfair rental companies prey on our vacation mood. We are relaxed, excited, we rush to the beach or to the airport. Under these conditions, it is easy to wave your hand at the formalities, sign the minutes without reading and believe the worker at the word. It's the biggest mistake.

Car rental should be treated as a major business transaction. Your scrupulousness and pedantism at the reception and return phase is the best investment in a quiet vacation and an even more peaceful return. Remember, in this game the rental company has your money as a hostage. Your occupation is to gather specified strong evidence that an effort to take over them illegally is doomed to failure. Documentation is your only and most effective insurance policy.