In September 2004 I booked a car for 10 days. The rates on the holidayauto site were very competitive so I ordered there. More important, holidayautos promise,that there are no hidden charges. It turned out that I got a voucher from Alamo-National . It also turned out, that the insurance I had bought was not a real insurance ( as the Alamo man put it), that I had to add 5GBP a day ( I hope the sum is correct) to get reasonable protection from third party liability and that many a customer had been tricked that way by holiday autos (again, according to the Alamo rep). The rep even saud that they had repeatedly asked holidayauto to stop this practise because the customers get angry but that holidayauto refuse to do so.
P.S. After returing hoe I sent holidayautos an email complaining. I received an automatic "thank you for writing and please be patient" but have not yet received a serious reply. Alamo-National were fine but be aware of holidayauto !
I would like to add details based on your questions and responses. 1. I have no trouble with charging more for insurance, rental or anything else. I just think the company should be up front with it and not claim there are no additional charges when there are. The reaction of the gentleman who gave me the car proved that many customers have felt tricked as I did. 2. If I understand it correctly, holidayautos do not actually own cars but buy vouchers from a number of companies thus being able to sell for cheap. Again, no trouble. I personally do not mind who provides the car as long as it is safe but please be honest about hidden charges ! 3. The booking process over the net was easy and I got a prompt mail confirming my booking. In gross comparison to that I am still waiting for holidayautos' reply to my complaint.
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I am reading these again, having used the company again. With regards to additional insurance, I was offered Personal insurance when I picked up the car. However that is not compulsory and probably duplicates travel insurance anyway. Also their website is very clear about what is included.
sue.51 24.10.2004 12:53
Hi, this op does need more information on the company and booking process, but this actual extra insurance charge is not that uncommon, as someone who until recently, hired cars quite often, even when booking direct with the company rather than through an agent. Many companies provide a basic insurance, but have a very high excess (around £500 - £1000) and will take this as a deposit on the credit card until the car is returned safe and sound. Personally, I believe it is worth paying the extra to reduce the risk, hope things get sorted.
Sue
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
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Advantages: Time Saving, Cost Competitive, Leading Car Rental Companies Disadvantages: as there is a third party involved, there is a risk the booking process might go awry
helencbradshaw 14.06.2006 (14.06.2006)
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Review of holidayautos.com
Oct 22nd, 2004
(Nov 11th, 2004)
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