The Antitrust has fined over 18 million euros (in total) six car rental companies for having included some unfair clauses in contracts with customers, i.e. particularly unbalanced conditions to the detriment of those who rented a car. Among the companies involved, there are Avis Budget Italia, Hertz Italiana, Centauro Rent a Car Italy, Green […]
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Antitrust he sanctioned for over 18 million euros (overall) six car rental companies for having included some in customer contracts unfair clausesor particular conditions unbalanced it’s at downside of those who rented a car. Among the companies involved, there are Avis Budget Italia, Hertz Italian, Centauro Rent a Car Italy, Green Motion Italy, To rent And Drivalia Leasys Rent.
Specifically, the six companies imposed “a unjustified fee to the customer for the management of fines and omitted parking or toll payments”, the Authority informs. Furthermore, the removal of these clauses from the contractual forms was requested “because they can cause significant imbalance of rights and the obligations borne by consumers”. The clause, in fact, contained in the contractual documentation adopted by each company (and published on the respective company websites) provided for the obligation of the lessee of the car to pay a lump sum to manage the administrative procedure connected to each fine imposed for traffic infringement or failure to pay parking fees or tolls during the period in which the car is rented. This additional amount, explains the Antitrust in a note, “is not justified in light of the obligations due in the event of a fine attributable to the contractor. In fact, car rental companies only have to transfer the infringement to the investigating body customer identification data“.
“We are satisfied with the Antitrust decision,” he says Martina Donininational president of Udicon, the Consumer Protection Union. “The practice is unfortunately not new in the sector, but transparency and fairness they must be fundamental pillars in commercial transactions, so consumers should only pay for the services actually used”. “This is an important victory for users against the car rental giants – he adds Gabriele Melluso, president of Assoutenti -. The Authority’s decision takes on enormous importance, especially in view of the upcoming summer holidays, when thousands of Italians will rent cars in holiday resorts”.
