Dirt tracks on car insurance - Page 2

David, I don't think you realise the point I have tried to make?

All the bad reviews you will read are almost always cases of where the customer has declined to accept the overpriced extra insurance that the car hire company pressure you into (and in most cases they knew nothing about until collecting the car).... then the car company "find" some damage and help themselves to your deposit.... 

A few years ago the Daily Mail did a large feature on this scam, and Malaga airport rentals were the main offender!

In the feature, ex staff reported that they were trained, and pressured, to sell these extra insurances which in some cases were more than the actual hire charge for the car.

I have over the years heard from so many holiday makers who fell foul of this scam, in my day to day business I meet dozens a week and they tell me (I don't ask) and although of course it happens in the UK... at Malaga Airport it is rife!

I did clearly say it is the small offices at the airport mainly, and your Heroes Helle Hollis... are not actually based at the Airport are they?.... so I did not include them although I think they obviously dip their top in a bit after reading some reviews,

I myself use a company near the airport, they are not crooks and unlike yourself I do not openly promote them like you seem to do with Helle Hollis.

But if asked I would happily give anyone the details.

Have a nice day David

One could write a whole essay on the pitfalls of car rental the many international brokers, internet sales, opportunists at airports. firms who use second hand vehicles, which are ex-rentals, charges for a full tank, you need to return empty, access insurance. Many people hunt for cheap deals and have fallen victim to last minute sales deals, having arrived at car rental desks within airline terminals. 

It's true there have been many scams over the years, however, experienced travellers will buy access insurance, book direct with a reputable firm' and generally get a good service with tip top vehicles, like most successful business a substantial amount of custom based on repeat business from 'customer loyalty' and recommendation. With regard to deposits, most transactions are credit or debit card based, a good reason to use a credit card which gives people extra protection, the transaction then being between the card company, giving more consumer protection in the event of a problem. 

In my case the hire debits and credits have always been spot on and I fill the tank when return the car to get the full credit, I learned many years ago to have 'access insurance' and not pay hire firms daily rates, I'm always carful to make sure any small damage logged correctly when take a vehicle. My family and friends never had any problems with H.H. also had some very good free upgrades when short of model booked, in all fairness, people like Malaga Car have also been good & used when H.H. fully booked and can be cheaper at times. Since Covid many of the companies depleted car stocks.

You are correct H.H. depot a few minutes away from the Airport terminal. like many other companies. but their bus only a few minutes away and they log people flights for collection. My contribution to the forum is my own experience and serval people have made the same recommendations, I am sure they will also appreciate any from you. 

David 

Interesting Spat between the two gentlemen!  EspaCar in Estepona DO NOT charge an insurance excess, their fee is insurance fully inclusive.  They do not not have an office at Malaga airport but pick up and drop off can be arranged.  Used multiple times over the last year (and returned with some damage, sorry) and they are brilliant. No I don't work for them!  Jeff

Hi Jeff,

You are correct about 

Companies that do exist like the one you use, I myself use one the same, not far from Malaga Airport, and no doubt there are many others as well.

I believe that most of the victim's that get conned at the Airport based firms,with the insurance scams, are probably first time visitors who maybe don't realise there are good honest hire car company's that will meet and greet you at the Airport and won't have your trousers down if there is a little damage..... and next time they visit, they may well avoid the crooks at the airport, especially if they have been informed of decent company's such as you have identified.