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“Avis\ Budget conveniently forget to mention congestion...”

written by on 11/07/2013

I hired a car from the Euston branch of Avis Budget in London and I would
liek people to read this as i would not want anyone else to fall victim to this company and they way they do business.

I received a letter from Avis\Budget car rental saying i had to pay a £65 fine by the previous day AFTER the date on thier letter they sent me, so it was too late to pay. They left it nearly a month to inform me i had a congestion fine and charged me £42 admin fee before I received thier letter and I could challenge it.
I had to get this payment period extended another 14 days which they at least did.

The Avis \Budget premises are right on top of the congestion zone but whilst in thier shop the staff do not mention this at the point of car hire (which you would think they would do) and remind people and give them a opportunity to buy cover for it. Or is it policy to make money on admin charges when the fines come in. Not every one knows London.
They got my address wrong and the colour of the car wrong on the agreement and the letter they sent me.
They continually ignored my question about why at the point of hiring the car do the staff not remind people to take out congestion zone cover and i never received a answer for this. The staff were too busy pushing you along for the next customer for you to read the paperwork before you sign it and get you off the premises.
The staff on the call centre talk over you and they still do not answer your questions , merely saying your case is being reviewed.
Thier paperwork has small print in 2 words about congestion zone which is easy to miss and not informative in any way. Its always the same, get you ti sign the paper work and off the thier forecourt and you never get chance to read what you've signed.
I had no choice but to pay thier admin fee and the tfl fine. If they had mentioned the congestion zone at the time i would of paid it there and then. Why would I risk a £65 fine up to £190 for the sake of another £10 cover or so.

Also the price you are quoted for the car hire also jumps on arrival.

Really unhappy with the way they do business