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“No car on arrival at Newcastle airport but PREPAID IN FULL”

Written on: 22/04/2012 by remodg (3 reviews written)

In March 2012 I booked a vehicle for 2 days through Carhire3000 (also trading as Travel Jigsaw) and they in turn placed the reservation with Hertz. The car was paid for in full at the time of booking on a non-refundable basis.

When I arrived at the collection desk at Newcastle airport the customer services representative calmly told me that there were no cars available and advised me to try one of the other rental companies. She also told me I could try and recover my money from Hertz due the fact she couldn't supply me with my prepaid vehicle. I was gobsmacked to say the least and even more annoyed as she knew of the situation some 6 hours eartlier but couldn't be bothered to call and advise me so that I could make alternative arrangements.

The other companies, Avis and National, did have cars available at three times the price so I took the train instead which caused us long delays and a lot of aggravation.

I complained to Carhire3000 and I am still waiting for my refund a month later, though I have had an email apology indicating the rental amount paid would be creditied back to my card.

However, no compensation has been offered, so the thing to note is:
(1) IF YOU BOOK AND PREPAY FOR A CAR WITH HERTZ, DO NOT ASSUME YOU WILL GET IT.
(2) ANY INCONVENIENCE OR LOSS IS YOUR TOUGH LUCK, THEY WALK AWAY FROM THE SHAMBLES AT NO COST TO THEMSELVES.
(3) BE PREPARED TO WAIT A LONG TIME TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK.