Unfair car hire charges revealed by EC

Drivers who use rental cars on holidays abroad this summer could be being unfairly overcharged, according to a report from the European Commission (EC).

The Commission has found evidence that suggests car rental customers are paying different prices online for the same service depending on where they live in Europe.

The charges are varying even though, in many cases, vehicles are being picked up from the same locations and via the same operator.

According to the EC, such residence-related discrimination brakes the EU’s single market rules.

In one case cited by the EC, a driver saw the price of a hire car double after entering Germany as their country of residence in an online form.

EC vice-president Michel Barnier said: "The single market should be a daily reality, not only for major international companies, but also for consumers of Europe.”

While drivers have been urged to shop around for the best deals, car hire companies and trade bodies have vowed to tackle the issue.

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