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A hire car firm claims a car was returned late and has charged for it - what can we do?

An Australian friend hired a car in UK and was upgraded. The car was returned in perfect order with a tank of fuel and he has copies of the contract and documentation. Back in Australia, money was taken from his bank account claiming he returned the car two days late (he has proof he did not), yet the bailiffs have been threatened. The company still will not acknowledge the details on the contract and are still disturbing him He is now worried they may not be able to hire on their next visit. He has tried to find the European Helpline, Ombudsman etc, and they have found all excuses not to be able to help. Can you advise please?

Asked on 22 June 2018 by Angela Shannon

Answered by Honest John
The alleged 'offence' took place in the UK so he needs to take this matter to the Small Claims track of the County Court in the UK: www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/ His first move should be to threaten this to the rental company not only for the amount they have falsely claimed, but for his travel expenses to return to the UK for the court appearance.
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