AutoEurope

Yep. This is exactly why I've been recommending them for years. They've fixed a few snafus for us, and now you know to call them, not the rental companies. Reps from the companies work right in their Portland, Maine office. Last year Europcar put a drop fee on the bill, but AE just made it go away.

The car rental company is Europcar (no e in the middle) and you may like to re read the final paragraph because you seem to have praised the culprit!

But this leads us on to a much bigger issue

http://www.autorentalnews.com/channel/rental-operations/news/story/2017/07/europcar-accused-of-overcharging-customers-for-repairs.aspx

maybe AutoEurope could consider this as well, who knows how much has been overcharged to their clients!

Fixed - thanks.

That's exactly something AutoEurope would take on. I didn't click on the link but the title conveys rumblings I've seen in the US against several rental companies. Personally, last year, for the first time, I found Europcar hardselling and upselling just as much as the worst of the US companies. This was for 2 separate rentals originating in 2 different cities.

I've used them at least once and had no complaints, but I've also booked directly with other agencies too and had no complaints. The best advice I'd give someone is take lots of pictures of the car when you pick it up and when you drop it off. It's always good to have evidence that damage either existed when you picked it up or didn't exist when you dropped it off.

There are many rental car operations in Europe that just don't operate as smoothly as U.S. car rental companies. Some of the bad ones also use the same names as rental car companies in the U.S.--as franchise holders. (I won't mention brands, however.)
When I rent a car, I'll check AutoEurope including the pickup location address. Then I'll Google the address to figure out what brand of rental car I'd be getting. I'll then go online to the rental company's direct address and compare the rates. Sometimes AutoEurope has the best rate and sometimes they don't. (Note: Join the rental company's frequent renter program and you can get some discounts and online offers.)
I try to avoid picking up rental cars in airports as they always have additional fees and taxes--worldwide. You can turn a car into an airport and not have those upcharges, however.
And my preferred brand is Hertz, as the European stores are usually company owned--not franchised.

I use AutoEurope and often select the Europcar option. If you select the zero insurance deductible option, only Europcar and Hertz have that option through AutoEurope. I always recommend to get the zero deductible. It's less than $4 a day extra, and nobody tries to stick it to you with some damage scam. That's a tactic they use. Since the deductible would otherwise be over 1000€, they claim you caused some dent or something to get you to pay for some damage that was probably already there when you rented the car.

(Hertz) company stores are usually owned - not franchised

Nope, not in Italy. I had a bad experience with them a few years ago. The only response I got from Hertz USA was that Hertz Italy was a different company. The customer service email for Hertz Italy didn't work, and neither did the phone number. I avoid them if I can.

I have used Hertz for many years in Europe with no problems,they give you very low milage cars and I use Amex car insurance $17.95 for $100,000 for up to 42 consecutive days rental,it is a comfortable feeling knowing that that scratch on the door is not coming out of your pocket although we have not used it.
Mike

Great to read a good news story, thanks for sharing, Matt.