Before the 2026 summer holidays, ECC Germany and ECC Austria published new car rental warnings.
- ECC Germany described a 711 euro claim for a barely visible headlight scratch on Tenerife, and warned that a 'deposit' at the desk can turn out to be an extra insurance product.
- ECC Austria recommends liability cover of at least 1 million euros, a card that stays valid six months after the rental, a full-to-full fuel policy and checking the charge level rules for electric cars.
Every year, as the summer holidays begin, complaints about rental cars rise at the European Consumer Centres. In June 2026, the German and Austrian centres published fresh warnings, with a case that shows how fast a small scratch can become a large bill. Here is what they said, and what you can take from it for your next rental.
ECC Germany: the 711 euro headlight
ECC Germany described the case of a German tourist who rented a car on Tenerife. At return, staff noticed a barely visible scratch on the glass of a headlight. A few days later, he received an invoice for 711 euros, most of which had already been debited. He denied causing the damage. ECC Germany pointed out that the rental company bears the burden of proof, and had not produced evidence.
The case touches three things that often go wrong at once: a tiny mark, a high amount, and money taken before the customer could respond. Our guide on who has to prove rental car damage explains why the burden of proof matters.
A deposit that is really insurance
ECC Germany also warned about a tactic at the desk: staff mention a deposit (Kaution), but what is actually being sold is an additional insurance product. Before you sign, check whether the amount is a hold that will be released, or a payment for cover. See how a rental car deposit works and extra insurance at the rental desk.
ECC Austria: five tips for 2026
ECC Austria's press release of 30 June 2026 noted that complaints about unexpected extra costs, insurance disputes and pick-up problems rise each year at the start of the summer holidays. Its advice:
| Topic | What ECC Austria advises |
|---|---|
| Who you contract with | You often book through a platform, but sign the rental contract with the local company, so direct complaints to that company |
| Liability cover | At least 1 million euros; many providers offer 10 or 50 million for a few euros more per day |
| Damage cover | Full cover without excess, including glass, tyres and rims, if you want full protection |
| Card | The card should stay valid for at least six months after the rental; debit and prepaid cards are often refused |
| Fuel | Full-to-full is generally the fairest and cheapest policy; keep the fuel receipt |
| Return time | Being a few minutes late can cost an extra rental day |
| Electric cars | Often to be returned at 70 to 75% charge; photograph the charge level |
Electric rental cars
ECC Austria spends a whole tip on electric cars, which are now common in rental fleets. Besides the 70 to 75% rule, it advises not charging to 100% before a long drive, because charging slows sharply above 80%, and using a fast DC charger for the final top-up so you do not miss your return time. It notes that electricity prices vary widely, from about 0.30 to 0.80 euros per kWh, and that some providers charge by the minute while the car is parked at the charger. ECC Germany adds that you should check all charging cables are present at pick-up. Our post on renting an electric car has more.
Key boxes
ECC Germany advises avoiding key boxes where possible, because a return outside opening hours makes it hard to prove when damage occurred. ECC Austria likewise recommends returning during opening hours and asking for a return report. If a key box is your only option, follow our key box return checklist.
The call for EU rules
ECC Germany also reported that the European Consumer Centres Network is calling for EU-wide legislation for the car rental sector. Its position paper, "Driving change", documents damage disputes, opaque insurance models and questionable contract clauses, and has been presented to members of the European Parliament. Read our earlier post on ECC-Net's recommendations for car rental.
If a surprise claim reaches you
ECC Germany's advice for a surprise damage claim:
- complain promptly and in writing, for example to the company's head office;
- ask for evidence of the damage and a breakdown of the costs;
- if you paid by credit card, check whether a chargeback is possible;
- use free help: ECRCS if the company takes part, and your European Consumer Centre.
Our sample letters cover the first two steps, and the amount check helps you judge the price.
What it means for your trip
None of the 2026 advice is new in itself, but the combination is telling: tiny damage, high claims, pressure at the desk and new questions around electric cars. Ten minutes of photos at pick-up and return, a card with enough room for the deposit, and a clear look at what you are paying for at the desk still prevent most of the cases the consumer centres see.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the Tenerife case?
According to ECC Germany, staff flagged a barely visible scratch on a headlight glass at return, and a few days later the tourist received an invoice for 711 euros, most of which had already been taken from his account. He denied causing it, and ECC Germany notes that the rental company bears the burden of proof.
Why should my card stay valid for six months?
ECC Austria explains that the rental company may charge later for damage or fines, so the card used for the rental should remain valid for at least six months after the rental ends.
What charge level should I return an electric car with?
ECC Austria reports that renters are often asked to return an electric car at 70 to 75% charge, or at the level at pick-up. Check your contract and photograph the charge level at pick-up and return.