Budget car rental - get contract in English before you leave US
Feb 22nd, 2016, 02:23 PM
#21
Well, actually, just a tiny portion of the customers are English speakers unable to speak French. And I would like to know who has ever read every word of a car rental contract, even in your home country?
Feb 22nd, 2016, 02:56 PM
#23
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<i><font color=#555555>"just a tiny portion of the customers are English speakers"</font></i>
Wrong, again. The vast majority of customers at any European airport car rental counter are, in fact, English speakers. The numbers don't lie. "Tiny portion" is not a scientific calculation.
<i><font color=#555555>"Would seeing the contract in English have helped our OP?"</font></i>
Yes, legally, it would help his case with everyone concerned. Even though an English version of the contract is not legally binding in France, if the English version showed that he refused insurance, it would bolster his case. Without that proof, it's his word against the counter clerk's word. And the bottom line is: he signed a contract without knowing what he signed.
IMO, no company in the service industry should be permitted to hood-wink a customer. I view this tactic as extortion. The only way to stop it: customers must be willing to fight back.
As long as you have complacent customers (as evidenced in this thread), this style of extortion will never end. A smart customer arms herself with diligence, and when she's punched, she kicks back.
<i><font color=#555555>"I would like to know who has ever read every word of a car rental contract, even in your home country?"</font></i>
I have.
Wrong, again. The vast majority of customers at any European airport car rental counter are, in fact, English speakers. The numbers don't lie. "Tiny portion" is not a scientific calculation.
<i><font color=#555555>"Would seeing the contract in English have helped our OP?"</font></i>
Yes, legally, it would help his case with everyone concerned. Even though an English version of the contract is not legally binding in France, if the English version showed that he refused insurance, it would bolster his case. Without that proof, it's his word against the counter clerk's word. And the bottom line is: he signed a contract without knowing what he signed.
IMO, no company in the service industry should be permitted to hood-wink a customer. I view this tactic as extortion. The only way to stop it: customers must be willing to fight back.
As long as you have complacent customers (as evidenced in this thread), this style of extortion will never end. A smart customer arms herself with diligence, and when she's punched, she kicks back.
<i><font color=#555555>"I would like to know who has ever read every word of a car rental contract, even in your home country?"</font></i>
I have.
Feb 22nd, 2016, 11:24 PM
#25
I think English speaking at point of rent is a interesting point, at CDG I'd expect it, but certainly I've rented in many European places where English is a distant concept.
My view is, it's a dirty business, assume you are going to be ripped off and act accordingly. Get a mate called "Auto Europe" to stand by your side.
My view is, it's a dirty business, assume you are going to be ripped off and act accordingly. Get a mate called "Auto Europe" to stand by your side.
Feb 23rd, 2016, 12:44 AM
#26
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I doubt AutoEurope can refund charges that the renter signed up for it on the contract.
Did the OP make sure that the insurance was declined on the contract, by asking the rental agent to point out where it was declined? I also always decline the insurance as I have a yearly policy and I use AE 5/6 times a year. I've not had this issue. I might not read Swedish and Danish sufficiently but the rental agents speak English and can understand that I don't want insurance and they reflect that and point it out on the rental contract. Rental agents always ask you to initial various parts of the contract. You need to ask what you are initialling. Plus I am capable of spotting CDW/PAI & any unexpected figures next to it (this is the same in any language) on the contract and I can see if the total rental cost is what I am expecting or not. It's very difficult to query charges retrospectively.
Did the OP make sure that the insurance was declined on the contract, by asking the rental agent to point out where it was declined? I also always decline the insurance as I have a yearly policy and I use AE 5/6 times a year. I've not had this issue. I might not read Swedish and Danish sufficiently but the rental agents speak English and can understand that I don't want insurance and they reflect that and point it out on the rental contract. Rental agents always ask you to initial various parts of the contract. You need to ask what you are initialling. Plus I am capable of spotting CDW/PAI & any unexpected figures next to it (this is the same in any language) on the contract and I can see if the total rental cost is what I am expecting or not. It's very difficult to query charges retrospectively.
Feb 23rd, 2016, 12:52 AM
#27
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'I doubt AutoEurope can refund charges that the renter signed up for it on the contract. '
Exactly. Whatever the dreams of 'yes, rentals could print out an english version' etc, we must be realistic : locals will use local contracts. In local language. Unless forced not to (and you have no power as an individual).
now one can spend as much time bitching, it is so - best to do is the advice given : get a mate or use another rental.
But good luck to write to CEO or to Den Haag or the Pope : if OP signed a paper saying he agreed to pay for insurance, he signed...
As said, when I'm 'forced' to sign whatever papers I don't like, I add a few lines saying what I dont like...
OP didn't take any precaution and signed...
Exactly. Whatever the dreams of 'yes, rentals could print out an english version' etc, we must be realistic : locals will use local contracts. In local language. Unless forced not to (and you have no power as an individual).
now one can spend as much time bitching, it is so - best to do is the advice given : get a mate or use another rental.
But good luck to write to CEO or to Den Haag or the Pope : if OP signed a paper saying he agreed to pay for insurance, he signed...
As said, when I'm 'forced' to sign whatever papers I don't like, I add a few lines saying what I dont like...
OP didn't take any precaution and signed...
Feb 23rd, 2016, 07:48 AM
#28
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<i><font color=#555555>"I've rented in many European places where English is a distant concept."</font></i>
I've never encountered an airport car rental facility in Europe where no one spoke English. I believe it's a job requirement. However, there are many car rental offices throughout Europe that do not employ English-speaking counter help. Tourism is not dominant everywhere. If you are a tourist and plan to visit an office that does not do much business with tourists, you need to be prepared to communicate as best you can.
<i><font color=#555555>"it's a dirty business"</font></i>
I wouldn't want to go back to the 1970's, but even today, the car rental business seems worse than ever. The business took a serious hit after the 2008 crash, and some companies are still struggling to recover.
The "dirt" isn't just in Europe. I needed a vehicle for a recent job in Florida. From a well-known company, I encountered the most obnoxious counter representative. Not only did I sense he hated women and took the aggressive posture that assumes all women are stupid and gullible, he insisted on delivering a high-pressure insurance up-sell, using language like "death" and "financial catastrophe." None of my responses mattered to him.
I stayed calm and relaxed through his outrageously offensive performance, but he did not know I was recording the exchange. When I did not give in to his up-sell, he walked me to the garage and tried to convince me that a damaged vehicle was all he had left. That's when I pounced. The second he found out that I had recorded our time together, his face and manner changed faster than a bottom-feeding flounder. Miraculously, the vehicle I wanted to rent appeared.
I wrote the car rental's CEO after I had returned home. Within two weeks, I received a full credit for my rental plus a sizable gift certificate for another week's rental with the same company.
<i><font color=#555555>"I doubt AutoEurope can refund charges that the renter signed up for it on the contract."</font></i>
The contract may not be as black-and-white as perceived. Readers need to check out the link I provided above. Of course, any sales business is going to enjoy a pacifist customer, a customer who has doubt or a customer who hates confrontation.
AutoEurope is the largest car rental/travel agency in Europe. They have more industry clout than anyone else in the marketplace. If you can convince them of your legitimate claim, they will do whatever they can to resolve the issue. If you paid for your rental with a credit card that provides unique protections, you will have further assistance when making your case.
A lot of jet-lagged people make innocent mistakes. There is no way to predict how jet lag will effect your ability to think clearly and rationally. There are some businesses who will exploit the vulnerable. IMO, no innocent customer should have to surrender to extortion, even if you signed a contact that you were not able to read and did not ask appropriate follow-up questions. The bottom line is: no signed contract, no car. You have to sign the contract. The customers who do their research and read this thread will also know how to inquire, or double check, that their signature indicates "no extra insurance."
I've never encountered an airport car rental facility in Europe where no one spoke English. I believe it's a job requirement. However, there are many car rental offices throughout Europe that do not employ English-speaking counter help. Tourism is not dominant everywhere. If you are a tourist and plan to visit an office that does not do much business with tourists, you need to be prepared to communicate as best you can.
<i><font color=#555555>"it's a dirty business"</font></i>
I wouldn't want to go back to the 1970's, but even today, the car rental business seems worse than ever. The business took a serious hit after the 2008 crash, and some companies are still struggling to recover.
The "dirt" isn't just in Europe. I needed a vehicle for a recent job in Florida. From a well-known company, I encountered the most obnoxious counter representative. Not only did I sense he hated women and took the aggressive posture that assumes all women are stupid and gullible, he insisted on delivering a high-pressure insurance up-sell, using language like "death" and "financial catastrophe." None of my responses mattered to him.
I stayed calm and relaxed through his outrageously offensive performance, but he did not know I was recording the exchange. When I did not give in to his up-sell, he walked me to the garage and tried to convince me that a damaged vehicle was all he had left. That's when I pounced. The second he found out that I had recorded our time together, his face and manner changed faster than a bottom-feeding flounder. Miraculously, the vehicle I wanted to rent appeared.
I wrote the car rental's CEO after I had returned home. Within two weeks, I received a full credit for my rental plus a sizable gift certificate for another week's rental with the same company.
<i><font color=#555555>"I doubt AutoEurope can refund charges that the renter signed up for it on the contract."</font></i>
The contract may not be as black-and-white as perceived. Readers need to check out the link I provided above. Of course, any sales business is going to enjoy a pacifist customer, a customer who has doubt or a customer who hates confrontation.
AutoEurope is the largest car rental/travel agency in Europe. They have more industry clout than anyone else in the marketplace. If you can convince them of your legitimate claim, they will do whatever they can to resolve the issue. If you paid for your rental with a credit card that provides unique protections, you will have further assistance when making your case.
A lot of jet-lagged people make innocent mistakes. There is no way to predict how jet lag will effect your ability to think clearly and rationally. There are some businesses who will exploit the vulnerable. IMO, no innocent customer should have to surrender to extortion, even if you signed a contact that you were not able to read and did not ask appropriate follow-up questions. The bottom line is: no signed contract, no car. You have to sign the contract. The customers who do their research and read this thread will also know how to inquire, or double check, that their signature indicates "no extra insurance."
Feb 23rd, 2016, 08:07 AM
#29
<i>just a tiny portion of the customers are English speakers"
Wrong, again. The vast majority of customers at any European airport car rental counter are, in fact, English speakers. The numbers don't lie. "Tiny portion" is not a scientific calculation.</i>
May I point out that 95% of the car rental agencies are not in airports? The numbers don't lie.
Wrong, again. The vast majority of customers at any European airport car rental counter are, in fact, English speakers. The numbers don't lie. "Tiny portion" is not a scientific calculation.</i>
May I point out that 95% of the car rental agencies are not in airports? The numbers don't lie.
Feb 23rd, 2016, 08:36 AM
#30
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<i><font color=#555555>"May I point out that 95% of the car rental agencies are not in airports? The numbers don't lie."</font></i>
You may, but it isn't going to make you appear any smarter.
1. Where do car rental agencies have the most real estate?
2. Where do car rental agencies employ the most people?
3. Where do car rental agencies have the most customers?
4. Where do car rental agencies have the most cars?
5. Where are you most likely to find a car with an automatic transmission?
6. Where are you most likely to find 24/7 open hours?
7. Where are you most likely to find an international customer?
The airport.
In an effort to provide good customer service, I see absolutely no reason why English contracts should not be available at all airport and train station car rental locations.
Make no mistake, car rental companies make A TON OF MONEY off unsuspecting people, jet-lagged passengers, insecure tourists, and passive people who abhor any type of challenge or confrontation. If they offer contracts in English, it becomes more difficult to dupe people, hence, less profit.
The numbers don't lie.
You may, but it isn't going to make you appear any smarter.
1. Where do car rental agencies have the most real estate?
2. Where do car rental agencies employ the most people?
3. Where do car rental agencies have the most customers?
4. Where do car rental agencies have the most cars?
5. Where are you most likely to find a car with an automatic transmission?
6. Where are you most likely to find 24/7 open hours?
7. Where are you most likely to find an international customer?
The airport.
In an effort to provide good customer service, I see absolutely no reason why English contracts should not be available at all airport and train station car rental locations.
Make no mistake, car rental companies make A TON OF MONEY off unsuspecting people, jet-lagged passengers, insecure tourists, and passive people who abhor any type of challenge or confrontation. If they offer contracts in English, it becomes more difficult to dupe people, hence, less profit.
The numbers don't lie.
Feb 23rd, 2016, 09:44 AM
#32
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If you will take a look at this link from the French national institute of statistics, you will see that 93.5% of car rentals in France are made by renters who live in France and only 6.5% are made by foreigners (including foreigners living in France).
http://www.insee.fr/fr/themes/detail...iche7711A.html
http://www.insee.fr/fr/themes/detail...iche7711A.html
Feb 23rd, 2016, 09:45 AM
#33
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I've never had this problem, but I read French so guess it wasn't an issue that I noticed, but I do wonder about Robertxxxx's statement that your credit card cannot cover CDW in France if it is American? That's news to me since the country exclusions typically do not include France. There is some minimal liability insurance you have to pay for, but not collision.
I have always rented through Autoeurope, but in one case, I did not take the CDW insurance from the rental company and I'm American. It isn't a requirement. I did have insurance through a travel insurance policy, in fact. No one asked for any proof of that. I also had a credit card as the second insurance on it.
The Visa coverage lists a few countries that are excluded (Israel, Ireland and Jamaica). It is true it says any other country where it is precluded by law, but this is the first I've heard that there is such a law in France. Anyone have info on that?
I have always rented through Autoeurope, but in one case, I did not take the CDW insurance from the rental company and I'm American. It isn't a requirement. I did have insurance through a travel insurance policy, in fact. No one asked for any proof of that. I also had a credit card as the second insurance on it.
The Visa coverage lists a few countries that are excluded (Israel, Ireland and Jamaica). It is true it says any other country where it is precluded by law, but this is the first I've heard that there is such a law in France. Anyone have info on that?
