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3.1 46 Reviews

Car Hire UK Complaints Summary

24 Resolved
22 Unresolved
Our verdict: While Car Hire UK has an above-average resolution rate, there’s room for improvement. Investigate common issues reported by customers and understand how they were resolved. Be prepared to follow up on your queries if needed, and keep detailed records of all interactions.
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Car Hire UK reviews & complaints 46

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ComplaintsBoard
J
7:41 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Car Hire UK Car Rental Scam

One of the guys scammed by Car-Hire-UK.com put this on another forum, hope it helps some of you get your money back from Michael Stephen Goodwin AKA Car-Hire-UK. I think we should all pay Mr Goodwin a visit...to his real address!

Tracking down Car-Hire-UK.com

Did a domain name search and found the website is registered to

Car Hire UK
165 Masons Hill
Bromley Kent BR2 9HY
Administration Contact
Michael Goodwin (same address)

After researching at Companies House(UK Companies Register) I found the following. There is no company registered as "Elsinore Garage Ltd" but there is a company registered as "Elsinore Garage and Company Limited". I purchased a number of documents from Companies House and got the following infromation.

Elsinore Garage and Company Limited
Company number: 575284
Company Secretary: Michael Stephen Goodwin
Registered Company Office:
Mattison & Co
Chartered Accountants
10A Royal Parade
Chislehurst, Kent
BR7 6NR.
Company Business: Car Hire.

They breach The Companies Act as all business they must use Full Company Name, Registered Company number, and Registered Company Office.

This makes the Rental Contract void.

Read full review of Car Hire UK and 10 comments
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Phil Newman
, TH
Sep 19, 2018 9:07 am EDT

why these reviews so old? its like 10 years ago if they were true company would of closed back then

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Barri
, FI
Feb 22, 2017 7:06 pm EST

I have had the same experiences, deposit not returned, fuel charges, car parking charges to get the car out of the airport etc,
I am attempting to get my money returned visa.
However I do think Karhma will catch up with these people especially if we help it along.

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Corruption-buster
, TH
Jun 21, 2014 9:57 am EDT

This company uses most deceptions already known. They have a slick website which slips in terms a user is not aware of. Eg "full" insurance with a contradictory £500 excess. Don't pay the £500 deposit to guarantee this as likely you won't get it back. Why? Because they will invent some damage after the hire and refuse to repay. My car came with fuel tank one-third empty. Also I was told to pay a £10 car park charge to drive away. If you ever get back any deposit it isn't until one month after the end of the hire. And they collect deposits one month before the hire. They don't have an airport desk and reputable companies have never heard of them. I'm told their office is in Hastings and that they don' t have a compound anywhere. My "new" car had done 40, 000 miles. Tell your friends. Save them from being cheated. Help get rid of this garbage.

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Corruption-buster
, TH
Jun 21, 2014 9:50 am EDT

For anyone seriously interested in tackling this car hire garbage, the following from Network Solutions maybe helpful. I suggest inundating the 'abuse' email with complaints. Both the domain holder and the webmaster will be liable for aiding and abetting fraud.

Domain Name: CAR-HIRE-UK.COM
Registry Domain ID: NA
Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.domainpeople.com
Registrar URL: www.domainpeople.com
Updated Date: [protected]:08:47Z
Creation Date: [protected]:30:26Z
Registrar Registration Expiration Date: [protected]:00:00Z
Registrar: DOMAINPEOPLE, INC.
Registrar IANA ID: 65
Registrar Abuse Contact Email: abuse@domainpeople.com
Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.[protected]
Tech City: LONDON
Tech State/Province: LONDON
Tech Postal Code: E14 9HE
Tech Country: GB
Tech Phone: +44.[protected]
Tech Email: HOSTMASTER@HOSTWAY-UK.COM

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JW1975
, US
Nov 17, 2011 2:42 pm EST

Agree with all of the above. Going through Credit Card reclaim process now for GBP680. What this company is doing is criminal. No email responses and they cut me off their 'helpline' when they recognise me. Anyway, not giving up.

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Micky T
, KY
Jun 15, 2011 10:17 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have just noticed these complaints and then also today they withdrew 570pounds from my account without authorisation for a so called excess, which was never mentioned, I am not even due to pick the car up for a month I would strongly avoid using this company

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mikey11
, GB
Nov 02, 2010 2:36 am EDT

Car Hire UK wouldn't give me back my £1000 excess deposit or my £100 fuel deposit. Every time I called I was either cut off, not answered or told that my payment would be completed in the next few working days. But this never happened. It got to the point where I could only get through to them if I witheld my number. They never reply e-mails, or letters in the post sent recorded delivery, or messages sent through the contact form on their website. They are awful. Avoid like the plague. I eventually got my money back through my credit card company. It took over 2 months.
T E R R I B L E!

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JBRow
Texas City, US
Feb 23, 2010 3:06 am EST

I find this complaint to be crazy, I decided to ignore your hyped up lies and go with car-hire-uk anyway and I am pleased I did, I returned with no problems did take 16 days for deposit but that was nothing compared to the excellent service I received. I can only presume you had a genuine error or much like your post suggests you are trying to gain some kind of compensation for nothing that went wrong, like many holiday makers which seem to think they can beat the system everytime.

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JIm James
Faversh, GB
Nov 16, 2009 7:26 am EST

I agree - I got stung for GBP600 for the deposit and can't get any response from these people.
The site looks real and the car was fine - but they charge the deposit to the card in advance. When I complained they said that it was just for billing purposes and would be refunded.
As for dropping the car in the lot - I guess I know wonder if they actually owned the car.
BE AWARE
Annoyed of Beijing.

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Martin Freeman
, DO
May 13, 2009 11:01 am EDT

Totally agree, avoid this company like the plague or you will never see your deposit again!

ComplaintsBoard
R
3:09 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Car Hire UK No Refund Complaint Review car-hire-uk.com

We booked a Group C Ford Focus for pickup for 7 days for the advertised £109.00 with waiver SCDW so low excess of £75.00 which was really good value. We were met on arrival by a very highful young lady who really made us feel at ease, the rental went fine and no problems. When we returned our vehicle we forgot to refuel the vehicle. We have called the company numerous times to tell them we have not received our fuel deposit back, and they tell us that they cant refund the fuel, as we returned empty, however we didnt mean not to refuel the vehicle, and think it is most unfair to charge us the full £45.00 for fuel, it could not cost more than £40.00 to refuel. Although this was our only complaint we feel it fair to let people know our experience although very good, the small print does say mind you about this. hopefully next time the service will be better for us

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A Nabi Altayeb
, BH
Dec 17, 2007 12:00 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

They charged me £75 Fuel Deposit
£70 Deposit
£42 Exta for GPS hire

Since july 2007 no refund yet as they promise. Calling them they start disconnecting my calls. Beware of this scam!

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Andrewcro
, FR
Feb 09, 2015 4:12 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi how have to got on, have you had any luck getting your money back! Im in tthe same boat, since july 2014

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carrentalscam
, AT
Sep 13, 2014 4:53 am EDT

Hi, can anyone tell me if this information is still valid?
I'm out 600+ GBP and I live in Austria, so it's not easy for me just to drive round to the head office and get my money back.

CAR RENTERS beware, you will be scammed by these people (putting it politely) and I am referring to www.car-hire-uk.com !

First time I have ever gone for the lowest price and trust me it will be the last and I'm over 50!

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hotel900
worthing, GB
Jun 22, 2011 7:39 pm EDT
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COMPANY DETAILS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name & Registered Office: Company No.: [protected]
ELSINORE GARAGE AND COMPANY LIMITED
10A ROYAL PARADE
CHISLEHURST
KENT
BR7 6NR Date of Incorporation: 06/12/1956
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Status: Active
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Type: Private Limited Company
Nature Of Business (SIC(03)):
7110 - Renting of automobiles

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Accounting Reference Date: 31/12
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL) Next Accounts Due: 30/09/2011 Last Return Made Up To: 23/05/2010 Next Return Due: 20/06/2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mortgage: Number of Charges: 5 ( 1 outstanding / 4 satisfied / 0 part satisfied ) Last members list: 23/05/2010

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previous Names
No previous name information has been recorded over the last 20 years.

COMPANY APPOINTMENTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Registered No.: [protected]
Name: ELSINORE GARAGE AND COMPANY LIMITED

Address: 10A ROYAL PARADE
CHISLEHURST
KENT
BR7 6NR

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Appointments: 3 / Resignations: 5
Resignations
To view details of other appointments held, click on the appropriate underlined name.

GOODWIN, MICHAEL STEPHEN SECRETARY
OAKLEIGH
RYE ROAD
RYE FOREIGN
EAST SUSSEX
TN31 7SX Appointed: 09/01/2008
Country/State of Residence: UNITED KINGDOM Appointments: 4

GOODWIN, MAURICE WILLIAM MR DIRECTOR
SWAN MEADOWS MAIN STREET
BECKLEY
RYE
EAST SUSSEX
TN31 6RN Appointed: pre 23/05/1991
Nationality: BRITISH
Occupation: COMPANY DIRECTOR
Country/State of Residence: UNITED KINGDOM
Date of Birth: 10/05/1946 Appointments: 2

GOODWIN, MICHAEL STEPHEN DIRECTOR
OAKLEIGH
RYE ROAD
RYE FOREIGN
EAST SUSSEX
TN31 7SX Appointed: 01/09/2006
Nationality: BRITISH
Occupation: VEHICLE HIRE DIRECTOR
Country/State of Residence: UNITED KINGDOM
Date of Birth: 10/11/1978 Appointments: 4

GOODWIN, ANDREW DENNIS SECRETARY
14 COLEBROOKE ROAD
BEXHILL ON SEA
SUSSEX
TN39 3PY Appointed: 26/11/1996
Resigned: 17/12/2007
Occupation: SHOP MANAGER Appointments: 4

GOODWIN, CHRISTINE MARGARET MRS SECRETARY
0WAN MEADOWS MAIN STREET
BECKLEY
RYE
EAST SUSSEX
TN31 6RN Appointed: pre 23/05/1991
Resigned: 26/11/1996 Appointments: 4

GOODWIN, ANDREW DENNIS DIRECTOR
14 COLEBROOKE ROAD
BEXHILL ON SEA
SUSSEX
TN39 3PY Appointed: 26/11/1996
Resigned: 17/12/2007
Nationality: BRITISH
Occupation: SHOP MANAGER
Date of Birth: 15/08/1975 Appointments: 4

GOODWIN, CHRISTINE MARGARET MRS DIRECTOR
0WAN MEADOWS MAIN STREET
BECKLEY
RYE
EAST SUSSEX
TN31 6RN Appointed: pre 23/05/1991
Resigned: 26/11/1996
Nationality: BRITISH
Occupation: SECRETARY
Date of Birth: 07/08/1953 Appointments: 4

LAMB, DENIS AUSTIN MR DIRECTOR
BACKFIELD PLACE
RECTORY LANE
WINCHELESA
EAST SUSSEX
TN36 6AB Appointed: pre 23/05/1991
Resigned: 30/04/1997
Nationality: BRITISH
Occupation: COMPANY DIRECTOR
Date of Birth: 24/01/1924 Appointments: 2
MORTGAGE DETAILS

Company Number: [protected]
Company Name: ELSINORE GARAGE AND COMPANY LIMITED

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of Charges: 5 (1 outstanding / 0 part satisfied / 4 satisfied)

The following details relate to all outstanding and part-satisfied charges for the company together with charges satisfied since 01/01/1987. Charges are displayed with the oldest first.

View charges from: to:
Satisfied

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Description: MORTGAGE
Charge is Satisfied Satisfied date: 14/11/1998
Person(s) Entitled: NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC

Acquisition Date: Created: 03/09/1962 Registered: 11/09/1962 Form Type: Not Known

Amount Secured: ALL MONIES DUE ETC. Short Particulars: 3 UPPER PARK ROAD, BROMLEY, KENT. PRESENT AND FUTURE TOGETHER WITH FIXED AND MOVEABLE PLANT MACHINERY FIXTURES IMPLEMENTS AND UTENSILS

Forms registered against this charge: TYPE DATE
403a 14/11/1998

Description: MORTGAGE & GENERAL CHARGE Charge is Satisfied Satisfied date: 14/11/1998
Person(s) Entitled: NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC

Acquisition Date: Created: 03/09/1962 Registered: 11/09/1962 Form Type: Not Known

Amount Secured: ALL MONIES DUE ETC. Short Particulars: OVER GOODWILL ASSIGNMENT OF GOODWILL CONNECTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BENEFIT OF ALL LICENCES HELD IN CONNECTION THEREWITH UNDERTAKING AND ALL PROPERTY AND ASSETS PRESENT AND FUTURE INCLUDING UNCALLED CAPITAL

Forms registered against this charge: TYPE DATE
403a 14/11/1998

Description: CHARGE SUPPLEMENTAL TO A MORTGAGE DEBENTURE DATED 3.9.62 Charge is Satisfied Satisfied date: 14/11/1998
Person(s) Entitled: NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC

Acquisition Date: Created: 06/11/1986 Registered: 19/11/1986 Form Type: Not Known

Amount Secured: ALL MONIES DUE OR TO BECOME DUE FROM THE COMPANY TO THE CHARGEE SUPPLEMENTAL TO A MORTGAGE DEBENTURE DATED 3.9.62 Short Particulars: A SPECIFIC CHARGE OVER THE BENEFIT OF ALL BOOK DEBTS & OTHER DEBTS NOW & FROM TIME TO TIME DUE OR OWING TO THE COMPANY BUT SO THAT THE COMPANY SHALL PAY INTO THE COMPANY'S ACCOUNT WITH THE BANK ALL MONEYS WHICH IT MAY RECEIVE IN RESPECT OF ALL BOOK & OTHER DEBTS HEREBY SPECIFICIALLY CHARGED (SEE FORM 395 FOR FULL DETAILS)

Forms registered against this charge: TYPE DATE
403a 14/11/1998

Description: LEGAL CHARGE
Charge is Satisfied Satisfied date: 17/02/2005
Person(s) Entitled: BARCLAYS BANK PLC

Acquisition Date: Created: 21/08/1995 Registered: 31/08/1995 Form Type: 395

Amount Secured: ALL MONIES DUE OR TO BECOME DUE FROM THE COMPANY TO THE CHARGEE ON ANY ACCOUNT WHATSOEVER Short Particulars: ELSINORE GARAGE 3 UPPER PARK ROAD BROMLEY L/BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS

Forms registered against this charge: TYPE DATE
403a 17/02/2005

Description: LEGAL AND GENERAL CHARGE
Charge is Outstanding
Person(s) Entitled: ABBEY NATIONAL PLC

Acquisition Date: Created: 04/04/2008 Registered: 09/04/2008 Form Type: 395

Amount Secured: ALL MONIES DUE OR TO BECOME DUE FROM THE COMPANY TO THE CHARGEE Short Particulars: 4 ELLENSLEA ROAD ST LEONARDS ON SEA BY WAY OF FIXED CHARGE OTHER PROPERTY AT ANY TIME HEREINAFTER VESTED IN THE COMPANY ALL THE COMPANY'S UNCALLED CAPITAL FOR THE TIME BEING AND ALL ITS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND ALL OTHER F/H AND L/H PROPERTY THE COMPANY'S STOCK IN TRADE AND PLANT ALL IT'S LAND INTERESTS IT'S BOOK DEBTS BY WAY OF ASSIGNMENT THE RELATED RIGHTS THE COMPANY'S UNDERTAKING BY WAY OF FLOATING CHARGE

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Jakartamycountry
, ID
Aug 19, 2010 9:16 pm EDT
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Yes we were scammed too, fabricating lies that we had damaged their cars to ransom our 670 deposit that was taken against our knowledge or approval. They are crooks and liars. I am surprised that they are allowed to operate in a law enforcing and abiding country like UK. However we must not rest we will fight them even it means going to court...!

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UK Car Hire in Cahoot with Europcar
, DE
May 11, 2009 11:56 am EDT

Car Hire UK seems to be in cahoot with Europcar, national & Alamo, I boked a car on line with Car hire UK in April 09, the internet price was 278 GBP for 17 days. I ordered, however the email confirmation did not state the price only the mini catagory with a rent from Europcar & 17 GBP for car Hire UK ?. On picking the car up inEningburgh at Europcar I was given a car upgraded by 2 catagories for 366 GBP. According to Europcar .. Car Hire UK had ordered that catagory for me. Car Hire UK refuses to commnet & I was forced to pay 366 instead of the agreed 278 pounds. Europecar also refuses to comment or reply.

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unhappy customers
Grafton, AU
Feb 23, 2009 4:08 am EST

Thankyou so much! We are living in Australia and hired a car through Car Hire UK last August for 1 month.
On 16th June 2008 we paid Car Hire UK £706.11 for the hire of the car. We then discovered they had taken £670 as a deposit on 30th June 2008, and this has not been returned to us despite us returning the car full of petrol in perfect working order with no damage. We too live overseas and despite multiple follow up calls and letters and e-mails we have not received our money. We are continually fobbed off and we are very suspicious of this company. We have also handed this over to our credit card dispute section. We are only just aware that we are finding ourselves in this position alongside many others.

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Ola
, IN
Jan 28, 2009 10:03 am EST

Thanks Powderhound, car hire uk, responded after I sent a complaint to David.Bullar@bromley.gov.uk. My money is now refunded and I am a happy man.

Car hire UK, came up with accusations of harassments and report over speeding against me when they responded to my email.

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powderhound
, SG
Jan 25, 2009 2:39 am EST

I fully understand the distress this has caused. I also waited for a long time for my refund. But about a month later, after all those emails to customer service, i finally scored some success. This was achieved only after I 'd copied all my emails to the Area Trading Standards Officer for Bromley, David.Bullar@bromley.gov.uk.
I'm willing to help in any way I can.

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SMc
, TH
Jan 23, 2009 2:06 am EST

I am another victim of this scam. I hired a car from them on Dec 5-6, 2008. The agreed rate was 131 pounds. My visa card was charged 810. I have sent numerous emails, made phone calls, sent registered letters and have now handed this over to the Visa Card Dispute section to deal with. I think they deliberately prey on people that are coming to the UK from overseas, as it is harder for us to follow up complaints. Perhaps we could collate a list of people that have been scammed and submit it to the Office of Fair Trade, or some such organisation. Please get in touch with me if you would like to be included.

ComplaintsBoard
M
3:52 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Car Hire UK refund carhireuk

We hired a Brand New mercedez from car-hire-uk.com the online support and telephone was brillant, and we could not fault this. We booked a Ford Ka in the Group A range for £99.00 however when we arrived we were met at heathrow airport by a pleasant young lady, who kindly took us to our car, to our horror they had upgraded us with out warning to a sparkling C-class mercedez which was far to big for us, we complained to the girl and she called through to a manager, who apologized and offered a goodwill gesture, however it was not good enough, we booked and paid for a small car, and we had this big car which we had not booked.

Although there service was nice and the staff helpful, you cant upgrade people like this, if we booked a small car this is what we should of had. A manager has promised to ear mark our next booking time will tell

there site is www.car-hire-uk.com

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coralh
, AU
Feb 15, 2016 5:03 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I hired a car from Car Hire Uk, and had 600 pounds taken out of my account. They were not there to collect the car on its return, and sent me an email with dodgy pictures (pdf. and muddy)..(it was a glorious day) saying I had damaged the car. I went to my bank who after investigation and statement from a Citroen dealer that these pics were NOT of a citroen they refunded t me the 600 pounds. However now Car Hire UK say they are issuing a summons for this amount plus costs.
If anyone has had these same dodgy pictures sent to them with purported damage to their car please let me know.
Thanks.

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mapleleaftimber
Nordegg, CA
Jan 22, 2010 1:33 pm EST

I wish I would have seen these complaints before renting my car from this company, I am still waiting on my deposit 45 days after returning th car.

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Dave ST
, NZ
Aug 28, 2009 6:43 am EDT

we just had Car Hire UK take 560 pounds from us 1 month before we even picked up the car for 'insurance and fuel' we pick up the car next week - seems we are likely to have the same issue others have had - there are lots of posting complaints about this company - shame we didn;t see them earlier

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JohnDoe
Worcester, GB
Apr 23, 2009 9:54 pm EDT

Sounds like another troll by Car-Hire-UK.com. This company is a scam, once they take your deposit you will never see it again!
If you don't believe me search the web for Car-Hire-UK.com SCAM and contact trading standards in Bromley.

ComplaintsBoard
L
5:50 am EST

Car Hire UK Non Refund of Deposit

In 2017 I hired a car from the above mentioned company. A debit for the full amount was taken from my credit card and 2 weeks before taking the car a £ 670.00 deposit was also deducted from my credit card. The car was taken on 2nd Sept and returned on 29th September with no issues.

Despite about 30 phone calls and emails, and every excuse in the book, we have still not received our £ 670.00 deposit. They do not answer emails and they lie and cheat when on the phone - using every possible excuse.

I fully intend to take this issue further as they are not going to get away with this. Only today have I seen so many other people with the same complaint about the same company.

If you have the same issue please drop me an email.

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Jerome
, US
Oct 16, 2009 4:00 pm EDT

I live in Cyprus & needed a car during a trip to the UK. Hired & paid GB£455.50 for a car hire from this internet based company on 18/07/08 for my stay of 16/10 - 02/11/08. On 16/09/08 a further GB£670.00 was taken from my bank account as a "Refundable Deposit". This was GB£600.00 on the car & GB£70.00 diesel. I was assured by the man handing over the car to me at the airport (upon my arrival to the UK) that this deposit would be back in my account within 48 hours of my returning the car at the end of my hire. The car was returned in the same condition as hired. As of today's date (01/12/08) I have not recieved my returnable deposit from this company. Phone calls were initially answered & passed around the office. As of one week ago, they now hang up on all calls from me. I am polite & willing to give any info they require but they seem to not wish to co-operate. We have paperwork to back this up.

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gatt
, US
Aug 26, 2011 3:01 pm EDT

I booked a hire car for 2 days in December 2017 with this company over the internet. I gave my credit card details to someone (I now believe they were in a call center, possibly not in the UK at all) I was met at Heathrow, by a friendly individual called Terry, who took us to the car in the airport carpark. We dropped the car off the following evening in a London Hotel. Terry met us there and took the car - there were no problems with the car. When I got home I saw that my credit card had been overcharged.. The quotation was 131 pounds and my card had been charged 810. I made numerous phone calls, sent emails, even registered letters. The phone system kept me in a queue for over 30 mins and on the two occasions that I spoke to someone, the cut off the call when I explained the situation. I have now sent all the details to HSBC Visa card disputes department and they are investigating.

There are several other reports on the internet of exactly the same situation occurring. I am not going to let this matter drop. If anyone has managed to resolve a similar case, please let me know.

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angry.com
, GB
Aug 16, 2011 9:36 am EDT

I rented a car from this company on 24th May for 2 weeks, after many chasing phone calls they finally collected the car a week late. They charged me £271.66 to hire the car and £690 insurance and fuel deposit which was to be refunded providing the car was returned undamaged and full of fuel. I am still waiting for my refund 2 months later along with many other people. I have called them 12 times, emailed and filled in a complaints ticket 3 times and still no refund. They cut you off when you call them, and don't answer any emails. I have informed my local Trading Standards Office, Consumer Direct, Barclaycard and my next stop is the Police.

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K Icelli
Hoddesdon, GB
Jun 03, 2016 8:26 am EDT

BE WARNED CAR-HIRE-UK.COM iS A DISHONEST AND FRAUDULENT OPERATION EMBEZELLING MONEY FROM HONEST CUSTOMERS USING A CAR HIRE SERVICE AS A FRONT! We are British but residing in Barhain. My wife found this company on the net and booked a weeks care hire for gbp159 for a ford fiesta on the 9th February; only to realise that a deposit has been taken for gbp590 followed by gbp9.99. When we called the company they have admitted it was a mistake and promised to refund the money as soon as possible. We are still unable to account for our money. After various calls and emails we still have not got our refund to date. The call centre staff are trained to provide minimal information, always evasive and non committal with their answers. They never return calls or take any action. The registered address is 156 Masons Hill in Bromley - which is a fradulent address, no one can do anything about. I called the London Met Police, because we are residents outside the UK all they told us is to go to the local police in Bahrain to report the incident and they will forward the case on - which is a totally useless advice to us because the policeforce in Bahrain are not that proactive and are struggling to manage the cases in their own country. In a nutshell we will never get our money from these people.

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sandeeppatrika
, IN
Jul 11, 2011 3:06 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I hired a car from this company in April 2017. I have been trying ever since returning the car to get my deposit of 670 pounds back without success. I have sent numerous emails and called them more then many times and all I get is promises of a refund but nothing happens.

Is there a Tourist Complants office in the UK. What do I do?

TwinkleTwinkle
TwinkleTwinkle
Liverpool, GB
Jun 03, 2016 8:26 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Would your bank not be able to help? Have you contacted trading standards in the uk to inform them?

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Davielad
Darlington, GB
Oct 10, 2010 8:02 am EDT

Thrifty/Dollar at Stanstead airport ripped me off for an extra 13.40GBP per day as i had ordered the car from a US website instead of a UK one!, . No mention of these hidden charges on the internet. I had to search for them at the airport, no meet and greet, called the US car hire who gave me the UK number, another 30 minutes stood in cold and rain waiting for the so called courtesy taxi to arrive, i managed to track him down in the car park in the end he said he came for someone else but took me to the office eventually. Attitude of the older woman was servile and she ripped me off trying to sell me an upgraded car which i refused so she then charged me this extra daily insurance charge. Also said i would pay the first 500GBP of any damage!. So was the car insured in the first place?. Do not use them, i will never again.

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Dr. Bern
, MY
Apr 23, 2009 11:08 pm EDT

I also got cheated by Car Hire UK, They still keep quite about my deposits(560 GBP) recently.

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Jill
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Nov 26, 2008 9:22 pm EST

I hired a car in the UK Thrifty at Stansted to be exact and was tole some rubbish about buying prepaid fuel, which at the time I did prepay my stupid mistake, no one said any unused portion would be credited I just assumed it would out of courtesy, another mistake, I used a quater tank of fuel and never credit anything back and whats rude is they would have charged the next customer the fuel again, bloody theives and I will NEVER NEVER rent from them again

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Phillip
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Nov 21, 2008 4:32 am EST

we hired a car from 1car1.com and they charged us the same, apparently if you return the vehicle with any marks or damage they charge you 600.00, i wont use 1car1.com ever again, when you hire a car you should take out the excess insurance.

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6:09 am EDT

Car Hire UK No refund!

This company met us at Heathrow airport in June 2007 with an upgraded car and we signed a car and fuel deposit of £670 which they charged to our card and never returned. The car was returned in good condition and they confirmed this. I have rung them maybe 30 times and each time they promise it is a mistake and they will refund the money immediately but they never do. My bank is investigating but seem powerless to do anything without a "refund" voucher from the company, which of course they will not issue. A google search will bring up numerous complaints on this company. They have no physical address only a very professional looking website. If anyone has any idea how to get this money back or get them closed down please let me know! Beware!

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Jon B Georgsson
, IS
Aug 18, 2011 11:52 pm EDT

It is now 2011 and they seem to be still at it. I am from Iceland and was taken in by their professional looking website and rented a car in July 2011. The car was returned undamaged with a full tank but my 670 pound deposit has not been refunded despite numerous calls and emails. They don't even bother to give a reason any more. I am now contacting VISA, the police in Bromley, Kent where they operate and some UK government agencies. It's amazing that such a scam has not been closed down but I guess they are quite clever at selecting their victims. I was careful to have photos of and witnesses to where and how the car was returned.

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Mike Woods
, NZ
Jan 24, 2010 4:35 pm EST

I am living in New Zealand. I filled out the booking form on their fancy website for a 32 day rental period. Unfortunately I forgot to tick the box for cancellation protection. However I soon realised my mistake and phoned them within 12 hours and asked for cancellation protection to be added for another 29 pounds. They said that was not possible as the payment had already been taken from my Visa card. I appealed to the supervisor who told me the same thing. I asked them when does the 670 pound excess and fuel deposit have to be paid. They said this amount would be charged to my Visa card one month before the commencement of the rental. At this point I smelt a rat, and contacted the UK Office of Fair Trade. They told me that I had seven days to cancel the contract if I was unsatisfied. I put this to the company and said they would not refund the rental amount of 604 pounds.
I contacted my bank and canceled my Visa Card.
I do not intend to let them have any more of my money. This company should be closed down.

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mapleleaftimber
Nordegg, CA
Jan 22, 2010 1:31 pm EST

I am going through the same issue right now. I rented in late 2009 and still have not received my deposit refund.

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Jeff Leung
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Sep 22, 2008 3:47 pm EDT

Yes, this caught my eye, but not the right web address, its the Car Hire Co, which use to be thrifty car rental, and has now moved to Napier road, they now dont seem to have a web address, [protected] is the phone number for these ###,

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chris
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Aug 23, 2008 3:18 am EDT

I have experienced the same thing. A company called SELF DRIVE SOLUTIONS LTD. charged me 116.27 and tried to keep me on hold forever ... I am still fighting and have adviced my bank to deal with it. I have also posted this to the police.

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Wendy Keilani
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Jul 25, 2008 9:14 am EDT

I did finally get my deposit back. I guess if you show them you're serious, and your credit card company backs you up, they give in and return the deposit. So the bottom line is don't give up and get your credit card company to dispute the charge. It works!

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Roger
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Jul 06, 2008 6:19 am EDT

I have exactly the same experience as the US customer above. Car returned undamaged but security deposit and fuel deposit retained. Accident damage cited when queried, but it did not occur. Car returned on 26 May 2008, so scam still happening.
I will fight this one until the management go to gaol.
Glad to hear police are involved already.

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Wendy Keilani
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Jul 01, 2008 10:17 am EDT

This same scam happened to me, and I am trying to get my deposit back as we speak. My Visa company is going to dispute the charge. The exact same scenario happened - I was charged the 600 pound deposit plus 70 pound fuel deposit. I returned the car in perfect condition with a full tank of fuel. Numerous calls and hours spent on hold (from U.S. to UK - lot of $$) with the only piece of information that my account said "Accident" so the deposit was not being returned. They said the accounts people would return my call - nothing. No response from numerous emails as well. THIS COMPANY IS SCAMMING INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS WHO PAY A DEPOSIT IN ADVANCE. BEWARE THIS COMPANY.

See previous comments - the police in Bromley are apparently investigating.

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Emma Finchelsea
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May 09, 2008 1:23 pm EDT

I too disagree this is not true, you must be a competitor! what aload of rubbish

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Sidney Coutt
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May 09, 2008 1:22 pm EDT

this review caught my eye as leaving feedback on another company, never had a problem with them, and it was exceptional service excellent vehicle, so cant agree with this, although i dont know your full circumstances, but overall i found them good?

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2:59 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Car Hire UK No refund from deposit!

In December last year we hired a car and they offered a meet and greet service at the airport. In the car park we signed in good faith the receipt of 600 gbp deposit and 70 gbp for fuel. When our Visa statement arrived they had charged the full amount of over 900gbp. They are still doing business, but their customer service lines never reply, so a lot of time and money was spent ringing from Spain. Visa told me I would be reimbursed, and after investigating bank details, the company declared that we had been involved in a hit and run accident and they wouldn't be returning the deposit. There have been several complaints, involving the police and Bromley Borough Council, so Visa are eventually going to reimburse us, but only after a lot of worry and wasted time. Beware of this company - it is a huge scam and incredible to think it is still trading!

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Roger
,
Jul 11, 2008 5:06 am EDT

I had the same problem. Eventually amount owing was credited to VISA, but required threat of exposure and legal action to get it. I think I was lucky.

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s rogers
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Jun 15, 2008 5:13 am EDT

i too have the same problems with nationacar hire in the uk " lincoln region "

rude and bullying staff and discriination towards disabled people and ethnic people. and here is the list of problems i had with one vechicle they dropped off for me.

1. the car was dirty
2. off side rear full side scratches
3. off side front wheel trim chipped and damaged
4. near side front wheel trim chipped and damaged
5. sever damage to rear screen wiper and broken and missing bits
6. No dust caps on any wheel.
7. Engine oil level low and not showing up on dip stick, light visible on dash board.
8. Mileage did not match the paper work 4518 actual mileage 4539 on delivery.
9. The name was wrong on the documents.
10. And billing information supplied was incorrect.
11. And the collection document was wrong as well.
12. the bad attitude by the deliverer Paul
13. The rude and force full manner by the Lincoln manager and mouthy and rude manner by area manager carol on collection of vehicle.
14. Diesel fuel running down the side of the car and the fuel car lose or not connected properly fuel cap.
15. tires on the car not inflated to correct tire pressure
16. battery cover not on and floating around engine bay.

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Kevin Clarke
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Jun 10, 2008 4:53 am EDT

We have had a similar problem. We paid a deposit plus paid a deposit for fuel. Upon returning the car they said that the deposit would be repaid within 48 hours. We are still waiting. I have made numerous telephone calls, they promise every time to get back to us, which they never do.

I will contact Visa to start the process to reverse the charges.

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Andrew Maloney
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Jun 08, 2008 7:48 am EDT

I agree, rip off company, we booked a car at which point they deducted the full amount from visa, shortly after we cancelled due to medical reasons for not travelling and still no refund, no reply to numerous emails, wish I had read these warnings about this company beforehand... avoid at all costs

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Emma Finchelsea
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May 09, 2008 1:27 pm EDT

We hired a car, and this is rubbish, no problems

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Phillip Satachell
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May 04, 2008 12:23 am EDT

This must be writted by a competitor and i dont believe

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Susan Jenkinson
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May 03, 2008 11:33 pm EDT

We read your review and was nervous about hiring a car as we had already booked with this company, but now totally diagree with it, the service was exceptional we were supplied the latest high spec car, the meet and greet girl was brillant helpful, provided directions, advice on were to get a sim and map really was good, we returned our vehicle which was to T4 and had no problems with our deposit mind you we returned our vehicle undamaged and with a full tank as supplied, so i think your review is unfair, and caused me unnessesary worry

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jessica polinski
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Mar 21, 2008 12:58 am EDT

we recently hired in february and had no such problem found the service excellent, you should try contacting them, its obvious you have done somethink serious and hit and run quite possible injured someone, looks like you are being unfair, although im open minded and as i say had good service nice people

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