In recent months, consumer advocates have issued urgent warnings about cost traps that rental car vacationers can encounter, particularly on popular vacation destinations such as the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Reports from the European Consumer Centre (ECC) indicate that there has been an increase in disputes between car hire customers and car hire companies, particularly regarding clutch damage. This issue is not only limited to Madeira, but also affects other mountainous holiday islands such as Tenerife, Mallorca and Crete, where steep roads place a great deal of strain on rental car clutches.
The problem of clutch damage
According to the EVZ, clutch damage to rental cars is "not uncommon" in these regions. Since many holidaymakers venture out onto the roads of these breathtaking landscapes without any prior knowledge, the strain of tight bends and steep climbs can lead to significant problems.
If the clutch breaks down, this can be expensive for the affected travelers. Car rental companies in these holiday areas often consider asking customers to reimburse the repair costs. The argument of "improper use" is often brought into play, which further reduces the chances of a fair solution.
insurance coverage and liability
A central aspect that leads to problems is insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance does not apply in many cases, which is confirmed by the large car rental companies such as Sixt or Europcar.
These companies point out that damage to the clutch is often considered negligent behavior on the part of the renter, which means that the cost of repairs must be borne in full or in part by the renter. One example of this is the Dertour Group, whose vacation car division explicitly excludes general payment for clutch damage, although it stresses that such damage occurs "extremely rarely."
Alternative providers: Sunny Cars
On the other hand, there are providers like Sunny Cars that stand out from this trend. The Munich-based company also offers reimbursement for clutch damage as part of its all-round protection package.
Managing director Thorsten Lehmann emphasizes that Sunny Cars is one of the few providers that takes responsibility in these cases. However, he admits that clutch damage is "special" because it is not possible to trace the previous use of the vehicle by other customers. This shows that even with transparent insurance, the history of a vehicle can be crucial.
Advice for rental car vacationers
With this in mind, consumer advocates advise holidaymakers to be fully aware of the insurance policies and conditions before booking a rental car. It is advisable to specifically look for providers who offer protection against clutch damage or who explicitly mention this in their terms and conditions. A thorough inspection of the vehicle before taking it over and recording any damage in the handover report can help to avoid later disputes.
In addition, holidaymakers should find out about the specific road conditions at their destination in advance in order to minimize potential risks. Avoiding risky driving maneuvers and adapting your driving style to the conditions can also help to avoid problems with the clutch.
Enlightenment is the key
The issue of clutch damage in rental cars is a complex and often overlooked problem, but one that can have significant financial consequences for affected holidaymakers. It is very important that travellers are well informed and actively engage with the contract terms and insurance coverage. Comprehensive information can help to avoid unpleasant surprises during the holiday and ensure that the joy of travelling is not spoiled.
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