Car rental cancellation less then 48 Hours before collection . .

NorthDrum

Registered User
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Just a quick one.

My mother booked a car for the weekend (in Galway) through an agent today for a trip that is less then 48 Hours from when the car will be collected.

She wanted the car for friday, sat and sunday but was informed that Budget werent open on Sunday so they would have to return the car on Sat! She is crippled with her back and has to take the train down to Galway with my dad because she cannot handle the journey in a car.

Upon talking over it with my dad they decided to look elsewhere so she phoned back (20 mins later) to cancel and was met with an ignorant customer service employee who said she would be charged the full amount for cancelling less then 48 hours before the car was being picked up.

This was an agent, so she phoned up the car company directly who informed her that she could of gotten the car on sunday aswell as they are open in Galway.

To get to the point -

Has she any arguement for full refund as it appears she was misinformed about the availability of the car (sundays) and she booked the car within 48 hours of collecting it (therefore would not have the chance to cancel before this timescale).

I have written them a strongly worded email but not sure what to expect back. In the meantime just wondering if anybody had any advice or similar stories!
 
To me it looks simple. Budget (or Budget's agent -- you don't make it clear, but it doesn't really matter) told her that she could not have what she booked. They don't have an enforceable contract.

Anything she learned subsequently is interesting, but not really germane.

I don't think the 48 hour issue is relevant.
 
Even if the car hire office is closed there is always the option of dropping back the keys -that has been my experience. You have to be very careful when dealing with car hire companies, as I've found they can be very devious with their pricing/charges etc.
 
Thanks guys. Wasnt sure if the whole Mis-information thing would make a differance to the contract (although I brought it up in the email).

Sorry for not clarifying. She went through a car agent (who gets cheapest prices etc) and they chose Budget Car Hire but informed her that they couldnt rent her the car on sunday. Budget subsequently told her that this is not the case.

I will let you know what they come back with!
 
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