This is a comment not a question. We recently returned from England and Scotland. We rented a car for one month through Auto Europe and paid the fee. Beware, the amount you pay Auto Europe is NOT the entire rental cost. When we presented our contract at the rental agency at Heathrow, we wound up paying an additional $1000 which we did not expect. Also, they do not lease the car, but rather, rent the car. Just be aware of this when arranging to rent a car for a month or longer. Also, driving in England and Scotland is not like driving in the United States. The driver seat is on the right and you drive on the left. Also, some of the roads are not like those in the United States. For instance, if you drive in Cornwall, most of the "roads" are primarily lanes which means they are very narrow and traffic is two ways so you must be particularly careful because you are sharing the lane with oncoming traffic and although there are (pull overs, "laybys"), you may have passed it and may have to back up. Also, traffic laws are strictly enforced, so when your sat nav warns you of a speed camera coming up, take heed because it knows what is ahead! Driving in England and Scotland can be a pleasure because the motorways, and for the most part the lanes and small roads are in excellent condition. But remember, you are not driving in the United States.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Please give some details and background for others. How much was the original price, as you understood it? Is there a reason you did not (or did you?) simply go to another counter and/or attempt to cancel?
Auto Europe spells out three charges which will be charged on pick up on the current agreement I have for September, in France. A flat 40 euro charge, and two different per day assessments totaling about 5 euro per day, all spelled out in my agreement.
To come on and say they charged you an extra $1000 is not really fair without explanation. Please explain for others' benefit.
Posted by
Everett, WA
1299 posts
What reason were you given for the additional $1000? Was it for Collision Damage Insurance? We have rented a car through Auto Europe for September and will be driving in England and Scotland. I have used them multiple times, and have never experienced any additional charges that were not disclosed ahead of time. (For example, my contract says there is a daily road fee that I have to pay on site, but shows what that fee is. I also have a drop off fee since I am leaving the car at a different location). Just wondering how your additional $1000 broke down since I do not want any surprises. Thank You.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
So "driving in England and Scotland is not like driving in the United States". Well, there's a surprise for you.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Something's up.
A small rental in the UK is about twenty bucks a day, twenty-five max.
That's, at most, $750 -- toss in another fifty for a second-city drop. You're still way short of a grand.
All that's left is a gps rental -- unless you paid for cdw since your credit card only covered less than thirty days or something.
Even crappy AE shows what's left to pay at the counter right before you hit the final button -- unless you did it all over the phone and didn't hear something.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Welcome back Norma!
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3857 posts
"Well, there's a surprise for you." Norma, I love your wit! We've missed you! Glad you are feeling better!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Thanks both!