Europcar Ireland Knock West Ireland Airport review: Hire car

Formal Complaint Report Regarding Europcar Hire
This report details numerous discrepancies and false statements made by Europcar employees in relation to hire agreement 2316072.

Europcar Ireland,35 Northwood Court, Northwood Business Park, Santry, Dublin 9 No.: 14387

Damage Photo Capture Date:12/05/2024

RECORD DETAILS
RA NUMBER: 2316072 REGISTRATION 241d19306 DAMAGE DESCRIPTION
front door 5cm scratch
FORM CREATION DATE AND TIME: 12/05/2024 11:39:55
PHOTO 1 12/05/2024 10:38 AM
Europcar insurance policy scam:
Debit cards will only if either (1) a credit card is also provided to cover the excess; or (2) the customer purchases our Super Collision Damage Waiver product, which reduces the excess to €250. (SCAM)
Policy Amendment Proposal:
My wife holds a credit card that was not accepted, and a change of driver was also not permitted to avoid the additional charges. This strict policy requires reconsideration. The current policy of not accepting debit cards should be discontinued. Europcar should mandate that all car rentals be paid for using a credit card at the time of booking. Additionally, Europcar should inform customers of the available alternatives if they do not possess a credit card.
Firstly, I would like to highlight that we booked this rental through an online broker/agent called Holiday Autos, which your Europcar utilizes under the budget brand name of Keddy. It is worth noting that this broker also offers additional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) excess cover by AXA, that cost £30.60.
This cover was not accepted by Europcar, (SCAM) this we only found out when arriving to pick up vehicle.
So, we had to purchase through Europcar additional cover for the cost of £250 euros. (SCAM)
In my opinion, since your company uses this broker for business, it would be beneficial to inform
customers about this discrepancy. This questionable rip-off FORCED us to accept the Europcar terms, as it would have delayed our journey to an important family meet. This looks like a dodgy tourist capture SCAM, unlucky for us it cost us an extra £327.64. (SCAM) Also Please also explain what the 82 euro for personal benefit membership was for?
From: AA_UK_SM_CarHireClaims
Date: 14 September 2024 at 10:45:57 BST
To: [protected]@btinternet.com
Subject: CAR HIRE INSURANCE
Good Morning,
Thank you for your email. Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
Under your damage refund insurance policy you do not need to take any additional insurance. The policy from the rental agency might be for different coverage to your damage refund policy but you would need to check this with the rental agency but another policy is not needed to be taken.
Kind regards,
Georgia
Car Hire Claims Team
AXA Partners
Email statement from Killian Kane 14/05/2024 11:37
I am writing to you in relation to the vehicle you rented on Rental agreement number 2316072 with registration number 241D19306 which was returned on 12/05/24 at our Knock location. When the vehicle was inspected following its return to us, new damage was found in addition to the damage already recorded on pick up under Check Out.
Statement of Discrepancy:
During the ‘Pickup’ process, it was claimed that there was no pre-existing damage to the Corsa. This claim contradicts the lack of any evidence of such damage in the check-out document in our possession. No existing damage was noted on the damage pick-up document signed by both us and a Europcar employee prior to the commencement of our journey. We hold a copy of this document, which indicates no record of pre-existing damage. I believe this constitutes the initiation of fraudulent activity.
We seek clarification, regarding whether the statement specifically referred to the scuff on the driver’s side door, which we believe may have been overlooked during the pickup process. We are convinced that this scuff was preexisting and may have been present at the time of pickup and was possibly missed during a previous hire return damage inspection. The scuff on the door was not readily visible and could have been easily overlooked by the damage inspector from a previous hire. It appears that the responsibility for this possible missed damage is being unfairly attributed to the subsequent hirer, when it could very well be Europcar employee incompetence.
Notably, Killian Kane insisted that we caused the scuff on the door, despite our belief that it did not result from another car door impact. (their general accusation excuse) Prior to leaving the Europcar centre, we diligently re-inspected the vehicle, so not to be charged for any further damage that could falsely be blamed on us. Finding no additional damage except for the previously identified and reported tar spots reported to Killian Kane. These tar spots serve as evidence that the scuff on the door might have originated from a stone chip encountered during roadworks, by us or a previous hirer. Killian Kane’s outright denial of this possibility raises concerns of potential fraudulent practices. In no way was the scuff on the door caused by another car door, this is completely false.
The pickup damage document provided to us upon leaving the Europcar office did not include the alleged new damage found in addition to the damage already recorded under Check Out. No previous damage was recorded on any documents at the time of pickup. The scuff recorded on the accident report form attributed to us was unsigned by both parties, as well as the unsigned Pick up document. We question why we were given an unsigned pickup damage document and subsequently emailed a signed copy of the actual form three months later. Additionally, it is concerning that Killian Kane was hesitant to provide a copy of the accident report form until my wife insisted on obtaining a photocopy. What could be the reason for this reluctance?
As incredulous as it may sound, we were taken aback by the allegation that we caused damage to the Corsa. We exercised utmost care with the vehicle to avoid any additional charges related to damage. During the Europcar’s damage inspection, we firmly believed that the damage must have possibly pre-existed at the time of vehicle collection.
It is noteworthy that we signed the paperwork before physically locating and inspecting the car in the parking lot. This may have placed us in a false sense of trust, believing there was no actual damage, as we did not expect Europcar to deceive us. This process appears to be a method of attributing previous, potentially unnoticeable damage to us, especially since most renters would not notice such an insignificant scuff.
Regrettably, Killian Kane the designated damage agent treated us with absolute disrespect, particularly considering our status as pensioners. Regardless of our age, we assert our right to be treated with dignity and not be perceived as lacking cognitive abilities.
After questioning the decision, I conducted a thorough examination of the minor scratch or scuff highlighted by the damage inspector. Upon closer scrutiny, it became evident that this alleged damage likely resulted from a stone chip, possibly kicked up by a passing vehicle. It is also plausible that this was pre-existing damage from a similar prior event. The presence of a tar spot directly aligned with the scuff, approximately 4 cm from its origin, further supported this conclusion. I diligently extracted a sample of the tar and promptly presented it to the agent. Regrettably, the agent summarily dismissed the evidence without further consideration. Despite my insistence that there were also tar spots on the front bumper splitter area of the Corsa, he refused to reexamine the evidence by a further inspection, regarding the tar spots. He was adamant that the scuff was caused by another car door, and that we were at fault. This dismissive attitude demonstrated a lack of respect toward both my wife and me, these type of agents with an authoritarian dismissive attitude, should not be customer facing.
When inspecting the scuff, I ensured it was not merely a smudge by rubbing my finger over it. There was no black primer visible; the only noticeable black was the tar spot. This is clearly visible in the attached image attached to this email. Our journey took us through a major road works on our journey to Westport and on the way back. Our journey to Westport was via the N5, there was extensive road resurfacing at the junction of the R321 in Bohola, which were unable to avoid. There is no doubt on reflection as to where the scuff occurred (If not preexisting). As usual with road works you could hear the extra noise created by areas of loose chippings, as we drove through.
Upon inspecting the vehicle following its return by us, it was notable that Killian Kane immediately went straight to and directed attention to the scuff, as if already familiar with its location. Curiously, the subsequent claim of ‘new damage’ purportedly discovered after our departure from the centre—was significantly more severe and conspicuous than the alleged door scuff damage.
I hold the belief that this additional damage was intentionally caused by Killian Kane as a form of retribution, stemming from our dispute over the responsibility for the scuffed door. Based on the attached images received via email from Killian Kane, both instances of damage were purportedly recorded at 10:38 for the door scuff and 10:39. For the splitter damage. However, these images raise suspicion, as we were still present in the Europa Car office during that timeframe. Notably, the image I personally captured of the door damage occurred at 11:15 to 11:26, just before our departure. There was no other new damage on the Corsa when we departed.
At the time of inspection, Europcar failed to present any evidence substantiating the additional damage claim. Notably, the image depicting damage to the front of the Corsa would have been conspicuously visible to the agent, given the meticulousness of his examination. The additional damage was approximately 13cm long, and 2-3cm in depth, which was far larger and far more obvious than the scuff on the door. Curiously, the alleged new damage image, timestamped at 10:39 am, remained undisclosed to us during our presence in the office.
This delay raises suspicion, particularly considering the potential manipulation of image timestamps. Personally, I inspected the Corsa’s front and informed the agent of other tar spots on the vehicle. Regrettably, he made no effort to examine these tar spots, seemingly anchored in his misguided assumption that the damage resulted from another car’s door impact. Given the absence of any other visible front-end damage, I deemed it unnecessary to photograph it. It is pertinent to note that we did not capture images of the front of the Corsa upon our departure, an omission that may well have been observed by Mr. Killian Kane. I raise significant concern regarding his outright refusal to inspect the tar spots. Such refusal suggests the unsettling possibility that the purported additional damage was intentionally staged after our departure, thereby preventing us from disputing its existence. Moreover, Mr. Killian Kane’s omission to promptly disclose the existence of this more substantial damage, especially in comparison to the minor scuff on the door, while we were physically present constitutes a departure from professional courtesy. Such behaviour reflects disrespect, raises suspicions of intentional fraud, and represents a breach of his professional duty as a representative of Europcar toward its customers.
We assert with utmost clarity that Mr. Killian Kane’s conspicuous reluctance to reinspect the front section of the vehicle gives rise to significant suspicion concerning potential illicit activity. The belated revelation of this newly identified damage, while we were still physically present within the confines of the Europcar centre, further amplifies our suspicions. Such covert conduct hints at vindictiveness and a deliberate pursuit of persecution, an inference that likely emanates from our prior face-to-face disagreement regarding the alleged car door scrape. Moreover, the damage inspector’s outright refusal to reinspect the vehicle in our immediate presence underscores a calculated and potentially corrupt modus operandi. It is noteworthy that during Mr. Kane’s initial inspection of the Corsa, he not only conducted a perfunctory walk-around but also meticulously scrutinized the undercarriage and sills. If the additional recorded damage had indeed materialized after our departure, it would have undoubtedly caught Mr. Kane’s diligent eye during his thorough examination.

The failure to identify any additional damage during Killian Kane’s meticulous vehicle inspection raises significant questions. Curiously, this ‘new’ damage was reported only after our departure, as we were flying back to the UK. Such timing suggests the possibility of retribution for our questioning of the inspector’s authority and his dismissive attitude. Furthermore, the alleged additional damage appears contrived, and an obvious deliberate action to impose further financial penalties on us. We disagreed with the assertion that it resulted from another car door while the Corsa was parked; instead, we maintain it could have been caused by a stone chip encountered during unavoidable roadworks, or pre-existing damage from a previous hire, that went undetected, damage inspectors are not infallible!

Notably, Europcar staff did not inform us of any roadworks or alternative routes when we collected the Corsa, leaving us with no option but to navigate the N5 or other routes affected by roadworks. The only advice Craig from offered was to direct my claim about the scuff’s possible cause to the authority responsible for maintaining the road network in the Republic of Ireland. What a completely contrived excuse from Craig from [protected]@europcariehelp.zendesk.com. So, tourists from foreign countries will have to chase up local road maintenance authorities to claim for any preexisting damage attributed to them by Europcar’s incompetence.”

The alleged damage to the Corsa falls within the realm of Force Majeure, as it resulted from unavoidable stone chips. Our journey through roadworks on the N5 to Westport and back adhered to speed limits. We cannot be held accountable for loose tar-covered stone chips propelled by our Corsa or other vehicles. These road conditions in Ireland left us with no alternative but to navigate them, given that Europcar did not provide any documentation or simple advice to avoid roadworks.
This unequivocally indicates that the damage arose from an unforeseeable and uncontrollable event. Consequently, we assert our right to retain our £327.64.
Regarding Killian Kane’s actions, the assertion that the damage occurred due to a car door opening onto the Corsa lacks foundation. Rejecting this explanation and falsely accusing us of causing the damage appears calculated, with the apparent intention of unjustly charging us £327.64. The damage did not result from another car door scraping it!
Email statement from Killian Kane 14/05/2024 11:37
On your rental agreement, you are liable for an excess amount of €250 in respect of any damage caused to the vehicle during your hire period. As we have stated in our, Terms and conditions of Hire the excess amount is the maximum amount you will be charged provided you have complied with your obligations under both the T&C and all applicable law and road traffic regulations. The cost of repair at €383.14 and has been deducted from your excess of €250.
(How can you deduct €383.14 from €250? Also Please also explain what the 82 euro for personal benefit membership was for?)
“Often damage occurs to vehicles when the driver is away from the vehicle, e.g. When the vehicle is left in a car park. Unfortunately, we hold the renter responsible for any new damage on the vehicle upon return. We have a 12hr amnesty period for reporting any additional damage / issues in relation to the condition of the vehicle.
I wish to formally assert that we duly reported the presence of tar spots on the front splitter of the Corsa. Regrettably, our report of the tar spots was disregarded by Killian Kane. Subsequently, it appears that additional damage occurred after our departure for the terminal. I reiterate emphatically that no discernible damage was evident on the front splitter at the time of our departure, or anywhere else on the Corsa.

------ Original Message ------
From: [protected]@europcariehelp.zendesk.com
To: [protected]@btinternet.com
Sent: Sunday, July 21st 2024, 14:28
Subject: [Europcar Ireland] Re: Re: Re: Fwd: Re: [Europcar Ireland] Re: Europcar at Knock Airport (RA:2316072): Return damage complaint
Craig D (Europcar Ireland Help
Dear Steve,
Thank you for your patience. We understand your concerns regarding the damage charges for the rental vehicle. After a thorough review, we must inform you that the charges for the damage will be upheld. Here are the key points:
I have diligently addressed and rectified the ambiguities by Craig which is present in the statements and points highlighted in red text below.
Liability for Damage:
The damage found on the vehicle was not listed in the pre-existing damage section of the rental agreement. By signing the agreement, you acknowledged that the listed damages were the only ones present at the time of rental.
What were the listed damages that were the only ones present at the time of rental? Could this possibly be the door scuff? We wish to assert unequivocally that the Corsa that was provided to us was chosen by Europcar, probably because of our age. This knowing that we would not be getting down on our hands and knees to inspect this scuff, if it was pre-existing. The assertion attributed to our alleged acknowledgment is demonstrably false. Furthermore, we raise a pertinent question: If the scuff on the door was pre-existing damage, why was it not recorded and annotated on the pickup document? Is this the reason why Killian Kane immediately focused on the scuffed door, because he already knew its location?
Road Conditions and Weather:
If the damage was due to poor road conditions, you may wish to take this up with the relevant road authority. However, if the damage was related to weather conditions, it was your responsibility to make safe driving decisions based on the prevailing weather.
Our driving decisions during the roadworks were prudent, adhering strictly to speed limits and safety protocols. Now, Craig another Europcar employee is urging us to pursue the relevant road authority in Ireland, an action we consider was just in case our initial assessment of the cause of damage to the Corsa proves accurate. This employee’s stance raises the question: Could they possibly share our perspective instead of the door excuse?
It is incumbent upon the principle of fairness that tourists should not be burdened with the task of pursuing compensation from the authorities of a specific country due to adverse highway conditions. Again, the alleged damage to the Corsa does fall within the realm of Force Majeure!
Insurance Options:
At the time of rental, you were given the opportunity to purchase insurance to limit your liability. unfortunately, you declined this option
As a matter of fact, the assertion made in the afore mentioned statement is inaccurate. We had previously procured supplementary insurance, which, regrettably, Europcar did not acknowledge. Consequently, we were compelled to acquire an additional policy, a policy that Europcar explicitly represented as refundable. It is essential to emphasize that we never declined this alternative at any juncture. The perplexing circumstances surrounding this insurance scam matter, warrant urgent clarification. Based on my recent interactions with Europcar employees, I have observed that their understanding of procedures and policies appears inconsistent. Regrettably, we have witnessed Europcar employees making accusations without sufficient evidence. Additionally, it appears that their primary approach revolves around retaining deposits from customers who were compelled to make those payments. Their entire modus operandi revolves around this approach.

Proof of Pre-existing Damage:
Unless you can provide photographic evidence showing that the damage was pre-existing, we are unable to reconsider the charges.

I hereby declare my intention to furnish photographic evidence in conjunction with my formal complaint email addressed to [protected]@europcar.ie. Said evidence shall include attachments depicting the initial recorded damage, as reported to us during our presence at the Europcar office on return. Notably, this documented damage differs from the images attributed to us by Killian Kane. This photographic evidence which appears to have undergone digital enhancement or deliberate physical alteration, as well as time stamp alterations with the images. It is crucial to emphasize that no other damage was evident on the Corsa vehicle at the time of our departure to catch our flight. Our extensive history of renting vehicles during our travels, spanning not only the United Kingdom but also numerous other countries, has never exposed us to a car hire company as reprehensible as Europcar. Their policies appear reminiscent of an opportunistic scheme aimed at unsuspecting tourists. Fortunately, we have used respectable car hire companies in the past, unlike Europcar and have never been subjected to such a fraudulent money grabbing Scam.
I have photographic images of the Corsa timed at:- [protected]_ 111515, 112516, 112423, 112425, 111529, 112433, 111529. These images are all still on my Mobile phone, for proof of the actual period that we were still present at Europcar, when this supposed additional damage was already known, according to the document sent to us on the 8th of August 2024.
Yours Sincerely
Steve Fitzgerald

Similar reviews From Knock

Previous Europcar trust pilot reviews
Many users of Knock Airport are foreign travellers who may find it challenging to change bookings with another company or pursue damage claims against unscrupulous inspectors. This situation leaves them vulnerable to potential scams by such businesses, when they have limited vacation time. Reviews indicate that 31% of the feedback for Knock Airport consists of one-star ratings. It is likely that there are additional negative experiences from tourists with limited English proficiency. These travellers often face similar treatment when disputing alleged damages while trying to return home. Consequently, they may reluctantly give up, as time is precious during their holiday. Upon reviewing additional Trustpilot feedback for other Europcar locations in the Republic of Ireland, similar instances have been reported. The reviews copied below are for Knock only________________________________________

Instances of questionable practices have been reported in Europcar’s operations at Knock Airport, particularly concerning tourists.

We hired a Corsa from Europcar at Knock Airport, Ireland (RA:2316072, Reg: 241D19306). We had purchased insurance through Holiday Autos, which Europcar uses under the Keddy brand. We also took out Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) excess cover by AXA for £30.60. Europcar did not accept this, requiring us to purchase additional cover for €250, this felt misleading. We then inspected the allocated Corsa that we never signed off on its damage-free condition. We have the original pickup document that has no signature from Europcar, and no signature from me. I believe this was the start of the damage scam.
We did not take photos of the Corsa as it would have required a detailed inspection using a magnifying glass, and crawling on our hands and knees to find this very small scuff, approximately 20cm’s from the ground. Upon returning the car, the damage inspection agent Killian Kane, went straight to the Corsa immediately pointed out a small scuff on the driver’s side door, and then meticulously inspected the whole of the Corsa. We argued that this damage must have been present when we picked up the vehicle. Killian Kane insisted that the damage was caused by another car door. Upon inspection, I identified the scuff as a tar-covered stone chip possibly from roadworks on the N5. I scraped off some tar and showed it to him, also pointing out the tar spots on the front of the Corsa. He refused to reinspect the car and continued to claim it was caused by another car door. His attitude was dismissive and condescending. I took pictures of the scuff he claimed we caused and inspected the rest of the car for any additional damage that might be attributed to us after we left to catch our flight, and there was none. The image sent to us of the damaged door differs from my photos. It appears that the damage has been altered, possibly through digital enhancement or physical means, as it now shows scratches down to the primer. After thoroughly inspecting the Corsa for any additional damage and finding none, I was shocked to receive an image showing more significant deliberate damage to the front of the car. This new damage on the front splitter body, was far more noticeable than the initial scuff on the door, that I have an image of. Strangely Killian Kane sent an image of the new damage, which is much greater than the small scuff on the door, this had no measuring card within the image. This raises serious concerns about his response to being told he was wrong about the initial damage. The fact that he refused to re-inspect the Corsa when asked suggests that the damage may have resulted from an unforeseeable and unavoidable event beyond our control, is it because of the legal position of ‘Force Majeure’. We have lost our deposit, plus with the extra fabricated cost, total of £327.64. Scam? Fraud? Theft? Yes Definitely. I have images that prove the corrupt practice by this so-called Damage agent from Europcar Killian Kane. Below, I’ve outlined similar incidents from Trustpilot that we’ve experienced, which also highlight the unsatisfactory behaviour of Europcar Knock, and the serious questionable actions of the damage agent, Killian Kane Date of experience: May 12, 2024
Date of experience: 12 May 2024
Angie and Steve Williams
19 reviews
GB
Aug 24, 2024

We hired a car from the company at…

We hired a car from the company at Knock Airport (West of Ireland) in July 2024. Upon returning the vehicle the agent who carried out the inspection immediately pointed out a ‘black smudge’ above the near side wing mirror, I had checked the vehicle myself just minutes before and everything was fine. I was in shock when this ‘damage’ was pointed out, I began to rub the mark and it began to rub off, the agent became quite rude and instructed me not to continue as it would make it worse. I ended up having to pay 260 euros as it was classed as minor damage! Although I did not actually witness this I believe that the mark was actually made by the agent himself. My advise is to make sure that you remain beside the agent as they conduct their inspection. I will definitely not be using them again.
Date of experience: July 16, 2024
Updated Aug 20, 2024

Returns supervisor was very difficult

Knock. Employee overseeing returns is very unhelpful. Argumentative and challenging rather than a sympathetic customer service attitude. 'I'm right and our systems are perfect.' Charged over €300 for small scuff on wing mirror (from roadside vegetation?) they can make up an charge they like. Ensure you have excess insurance, but not from their company
Date of experience: August 20, 2024
________________________________________
Useful1Share
AN
Andrea
9 reviews
GB

________________________________________

Jul 21, 2024

1 star too many

1 star too many!
Bunch of thieves
My partner purchased his own insurance and upon arrival they tried very
hard to sell theirs. He didn't buy it.
On our last day the car wouldn't start at our airbnb. We repeatedly called the rescue number. No response. We got a cab to the airport and left the car behind. . On arrival at the airport they said that because we did not have their insurance the cost of recovering the car and repairing it would be at our expense despite the breakdown not being our fault and also causing us so much stress.
On return to the uk they not only charged us for breakdown of car - attributing it to 'driver error' but also scratches to hub caps. Since read, this is one of their regular scams. Fortunately my partner was reimbursed by his insurance company. Tbh surprised any insurance company is willing to take a risk on insuring any car from European at Knock.
Do not use . Costs you financially and emotionally and lots of other hire companies at Knock airport to use. Staff also rude and jobsworth clearly taking joy in others stress.
Date of experience: May 28, 2024
________________________________________
Useful1Share
MM
michael mcswiney
6 reviews
GB

________________________________________

May 21, 2024

Where did the charm and customer care go?

Have been hiring cars at knock airport for 30+ years. Provided with an i10 with plentiful damage. I have often insisted on checking the car and paperwork before taking the cars previously only to be reassured that, although absent on the paperwork, ‘these small scratches don’t matter.’ On this occasion the queue was 8 deep so we decided not to revisit the office…….big mistake.
Today we met Killian from Europcar at Knock. A less charming, bureaucratic young officious type it would be hard to imagine. He would be better placed, with keys hanging from his waist, in a Siberian political jail. He found a paint scratch measuring 1.4cm to disclose the undercoat.
Last time we’ll use Killian el al and Europcar. Our worst experience of hiring cars in 40 years, much to do with his manner.
Date of experience: May 20, 2024
________________________________________
Useful4Share
KM
KENNY73 Masterson
2 reviews
GB

________________________________________

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Thief at Knock

My experience was a complete nightmare, absolute disgrace.
Knock Eurocar, with the exception of Anne (lovely Lady) has an arrogance in hiding a dirty thief amongst them.
Earlier in the year I rented from them, ive done bussiness with them through my Company associates for years.
Had to rush in returning the car to Knock Airport Eurocar. In my haste, I left a really decent pair of Vintage, California imported Raybans, not your usual rubbish in the rental car. Realising my error I called the very same day and was assured they'd be safe upon my return stored in the Managers Safe.
6/8weeks on and I enter Knock Office and no Sunglasses, and loads of different reasons, wouldn't call the manager and they palmed me off. Weeks on and continued to ring the Knock Office threatening to report the theft, and down to Anne they miraculously appeared and again would go in the safe. Weeks.on now and the same thing, enter the office and not a clue where the glasses are, I was blazing.
Ask for someone to ring Anne and they were stonewalling me with excuses. I pursued the matter and finally the glasses where return,thank God.
But wait, all the lenses scraped on both sides, what and absolute disgrace, it's obvious someone had been wearing them without a care for there value. Bear I'm mind they came in the case with cloth exactly how they were bought.
What scumbags!
Date of experience: July 05, 2024
________________________________________
Useful1Share
EB
EBK
1 review
GB

________________________________________

Apr 2, 2024

AVOID

AVOID - Car rented out Europcar Knock Airport with multiple dents, scuffs and scratches, it was also filthy - photos taken but unfortunately missed the back of the driver wing-mirror which had a tiny (smaller than my nail) scuff. 25/03/24 on return, they insisted the mirror scuff was caused by me in-spite of the significant damage to the rest of the car before I had it. Charge for repairing scuff - Euro 231.64! Cost of replacing a complete wing mirror plus labour on 27/03/24 in London £135.00. Definitely a scam to collect more money. This company should be avoided. Photos available to support this review.
Date of experience: March 25, 2024
________________________________________
Useful3Share
MO
mo o'donnell
6 reviews
ES

________________________________________

May 25, 2024

EUROCAR/CAR HIRE...BEWARE!

Absolute joke of an organization.
We were 3.5 hours delayed from Liverpool and I emailed to inform them...we landed st 530pm on a Saturday afternoon at Knock airport to find the desk closed...the only desk in the airport that was!
We were stuck at the airport and had to use another car hire place which turned into the biggest nightmare ever...DO NOT USE HERTZ...we brought the over priced car back and they are charging us 1200.00 for a non existent scratch...we disputed it and was told they would keep the whole 3500.00 they had taken on my card for our cheek!
Be very careful when using either of these organizations
Date of experience: May 25, 2024
________________________________________
UsefulShare
BA
Badger
2 reviews
GB

________________________________________

Jul 17, 2024

Europcar Scam

Why can’t you give a minus review, NEVER hire from Europcar, I am personally convinced they are running a scam, especially from Knock Airport in Ireland. (don't deal with Killian Kane). We were so careful with the hire car, we even vacuumed before we returned it as there is a large sticker on the dash saying you would be charged £100 if it needed valeting on return.
After returning the car they said we had damaged the vehicle, we couldn't even see what they said we had done, only when I got my hands and knees looking up to the sky could you see a slight mark. (You do not inspect the car like that when you pick up a hire car). It was such a hairline scuff on the petrol cap that would have come out with T-Cut, however, they charged us £720. We even filled the car up with fuel on the way back to the car hire and we did not notice the mark, this is how insignificant it was. They knew it was there as they came back and told us within 2 mins of looking over the car, you could not see the mark just standing looking at the vehicle. Do they really not want repeat customers? They even told us they would not get the damage repaired until the car goes back to the lease hire company, they would not show us they had marked it on their paperwork for the next hirer, so how many other people will they get with that mark, and how many have they already got before us? It is definitely a scam.
As the mark was not visible with the normal eye sight you would not go back in and mention the mark to be added to the paperwork, this is how they are running the scam. Even though we had taken photos of the car on pick up it was raining heavily and marks like this do not show when wet.
I advise you, do not hire from Europcar, use any other company but them. I cannot attach photos on this review but have on Tripadvisor.
Date of experience: June 24, 2024
________________________________________
UsefulShare
CA
carmel
2 reviews
GB

________________________________________

Jan 14, 2023

Not relying to emails

£500 has been taken from my account for a small dent when I returned the vehicle. I am not contesting this but I am about the lack of contact from Knock carhire. I received an initial email on 29 November to say they would be charging me ( we returned the vehicle on Mon 14 Nov when the damage was pointed out) I was told to contact them for help in claiming the insurance if I have any. I have tried contacting them asking for an invoice etc that I need to claim for the insurance but they are not replying to my emails. I only have 3 months to claim so I am very frustrated.
Date of experience: November 14, 2022
________________________________________
UsefulShare
Reply from Europcar - Republic of Ireland
Jan 16, 2023
Hi Carmel, could you please share your reservation number and we will have our customer care team look into this for you. Thank you

shane mc evey
4 reviews
GB

________________________________________

Jul 16, 2024

Something rotten happening in Knock airport depot

Be forewarned of Europcar Knock Airport.
my rental experience started off as a positive one. I have been hiring cars from knock airport car rental branches for 9 years on average once a month since having moved to the UK for work.
I usually hire from Budget who i never once i had an issue with in all this time.
On this occasion i hired a small car from Europcar through a third party Keddy car hire. I left the excess deposit of 1500 euro on my credit card and took the risk of not taking the zero excess insurance offered by the gentleman in the office. I was handed a hire document listing existing damage on the car notably the left mirror cap was marked on the sheet as "Scuffed 2cm - 5cm"
I did walk around the car and noted some extra damage i felt may be on the car at the rear of the car which i photographed. I did not feel the need to photograph the damage already noted by Europcar on the hire sheet, this was a big mistake on my part.

Upon returning the car i was greeted by Mr Killian Kane.
Initially Killian made a swift 360 manuvre around the car then focused on a very slight black mark which i think was the remains of some tar from the road or a bugs remains on the bright orange paintwork, i was informed that this was paint damage and was chargable, i would be billed from my security deposit accordingly as it was outside of the companies fair use policy or something to that effect. Fortunately i was able to remove the majority of this mark by rubbing my finger over it for a few seconds which didnt seem to be the ideal scenario for him as it was now smaller than a 2 euro coin thus cutting out his payday which then prompted Killian to focus on the before mentioned passenger mirror that was already noted on my copy of the hire sheet as "scuffed". i was informed that this was chargable damage, no protesting woud be tollerated ... Basically computer says no!
I could not believe when the following morning i recieved an email from Killian letting me know that 270 euros was deducted from my deposit.
I am not one for writing negitively publically about people or companies but from reading previous reviews on various mainstreem review sites such as trustpilot etc where this seems to be a common scenario from this particular outlet.
I requested by email that i could be given any pictures of the damage taken prior to my hire and later recieved a photo date stamped almost 5 weeks previously!.
i also requested that a more recent photo and log of hires be provided to me so i could know hom many hires had taken place since this photo was taken but recieved no reply.
I am fully aware when i left my deposit on my card i was liable for damaged but i wrongfully assumed that i was delaing with a reasonable company and reasonable prople, If i caused legitimate damage i would accept it and move on to claim from my excess insurance cover.
Its deeply dissapointing to see these practices taking place at the front door of the great resource we have - Knock Airport and ultimately for tourists they will associate this negitive experience with the airport who work hard to provide genuine customer service.
Unfortunately when i signed up for this hire i was at the mercy of people who are a law on to themselves
Date of experience: July 01, 2024
________________________________________
UsefulShare
See if a website is trustworthy without leaving the page

Get Chrome extension
MI
Michael
3 reviews
GB

________________________________________

Feb 19, 2022

Don’t hire from Europcar!

Shame I had to select any star; Europcar don’t deserve any stars. We hired a car from Knock Airport which had a clean damage report but on return we were accused of causing damage that was immediately identified by the staff despite its insignificant nature. This damage was obviously pre-existing and appeared to be known to the staff. Be warned! Check your car before you drive away and make sure your paperwork reflects the condition. You’ll be needing a magnifying glass and a high resolution camera though!
Date of experience: February 19, 2022
________________________________________
Useful2Share
EI
Eddy in Sheffield
30 reviews
GB

________________________________________

Jan 31, 2019

Beware charges for being late and insurance extras

Europcar offices at Knock Airport close at 4pm. My Ryanair car-hire voucher said 5pm. Their own website says 8pm! Beware! They charged me 40 euro extra for arriving at 5.03pm, due to fog with all flights delayed. They are keen to get as much extra money from you as they can, such as pick-up or drop off delays, and car-hire excess insurance. This insurance you can buy online for a fraction of their charges.
Date of experience: January 31, 2019
________________________________________
Useful1Share

caroline
10 reviews
IE

________________________________________

Jan 3, 2019

Cowboys at Europcar Knock Airport to be avoided at all costs

Never again will I use this disgusting, money grabbing company. Europcar charged me 1.65 per litre INCLUDING the refuelling service charge of €20 and I ended up paying €109.10 on top of an already extortionate hire cost.
This must be the most expensive diesel in the Western hemisphere and the cheek to charge €20 for literally pumping fuel at the front door of the car hire offices.
DISGUSTING. welcome to Eurpocar Knock indeed. You are an absolute disgrace to the car hire business with your extortion.
Date of experience: January 03, 2019
________________________________________
Useful2Share
PL
Paul Lee
3 reviews
GB

________________________________________

Updated Jun 21, 2017

Their motto says trusted, I no longer do.

I have hired a car from Europcar Ireland many times from their different branches over the past years and never had a problem because I took out their insurance. On my last hire from Knock Airport, I did not take out their 20 euro a day insurance. They give me a car that had front bumper damage, so you tend to check this out. I noticed that the car was very clean but each of the wheels had lots of thick back oil on and they looked a bit old. When I returned the car, then straight away the Checker focused in on the front driver’s wheel and said it had been scratched. This was not done by me. In fact the wheel scratches still had some of the black oil in. The Checker almost admitted that the damaged may have been there before but if I did not bring it to their attention before I drove it away then I was liable. So it could be a nice little earner for them, (I shall report the matter to the Garda as it may fall within criminal law). No doubt the person that damaged the front bumper would have been charged for its repair but of course it was not done, and when they charge me for the damage on the front wheel will it be replaced, or would the damaged wheel be used again on another customer? So the upshot is Europcar lose a loyal customer, and I hope that this is a warning to potential customers. If I go to Ireland again it will be on the ferry with my car. I think it’s about time the Police or the Government stated to investigate all car hire companies as they seem to be a law unto themselves. And once the UK Government Petitions start again I will initiate one, so please sign it if this resonates with you.
Date of experience: June 21, 2017

View 0 more photos