National Cars

[Hoink]

Hi all,

Hopefully this is a quick one and I will try to keep it short.

I picked up a hire car from National Cars and paid the £250 deposit on my credit card as required. On returning the car the office was very busy and so the lad on the desk just asked me to leave the keys. I was a little concerned as I was expecting him to check the car for damage, petrol, etc. All of this was okay though so I wasn't worried - he also said that this didn't need to be done. Again, I pushed him and asked about my deposit and he said that the money would be put back onto my card when the car was processed. Being tired (it had been a long drive and I had missed a nights sleep), I agreed and left - without a receipt (I know, I know...).

Jump forward two days and there is no sign of the deposit on my card and so I have emailed the company to query this.

Does anyone have any dealings with hire cars? Should I be concerned?

Thanks in advance!

[Teebs]

They just tried to stuff me for damage that I didn't inflict. wkers.

[littleandy0410]

It can take a while for card transaction refunds to show on your account, so I wouldn't go publicly naming and shaming until you know there is an issue.

[The Moose]

littleandy0410 said:

It can take a while for card transaction refunds to show on your account, so I wouldn't go publicly naming and shaming until you know there is an issue.

He didn't publicly name or shame - he's just asking if he needs to be worried. I don't see the problem?!

[littleandy0410]

Fair enough, I suppose you're right, I was just pointing out it can take a while for refunds to be processed sometimes.

[PigFilth]

Hire car companies use damage on cars as a profit centre and it has to be apportioned to a driver. Quite common for them to try it on with our company for damage we didn't cause - once we had a letter alledging damage for a car we hadn't even returned (figure that out...). IMHO it is a massive scam.

[The Moose]

littleandy0410 said:

I was just pointing out it can take a while for refunds to be processed sometimes.

This is certainly true!!

[Sir Bagalot]

When picking up take a good 10-12 pics and a walkaround video. When dropping back do the same.

Have you actually checked what was charged to your CC? I ask as normally they take authorisation for money but usually only charge what they are owed.

[Hoink]

Thanks all, I will wait and see what happens.

As this is the first time I have hired a car in the UK I must say that I am far from impressed as the whole process seems rather slow - a shame really as the first part of the rental was very smooth.

On checking my statement online, the amount has been charged....the reason being they have added the deposit to the one way tax that I was charged for the pleasure of driving a 1.6 Astra 360 miles!

I will just keep my fingers crossed and will see what happens over the next few days.