By country

For a car hired in the UK, start with a written complaint to the company and give it reasonable time, Which? suggests 14 days. If the company is a BVRLA member, the BVRLA runs a government-approved dispute resolution service once the member's own complaint procedure is exhausted. EU residents cannot use their European Consumer Centre against a UK company, so card protection such as Section 75 or a chargeback becomes more important.

Many Portuguese motorways have electronic tolls without booths. Since Decree-Law 84-C/2022, rental companies must fit each car with an on-board toll device and a payment system, so tolls are usually charged through the rental company. Unpaid tolls are an offence with a fine of at least five times the toll and at least 25 euros. For damage claims, the general European rules apply: ask for the evidence, object in writing and go to your home European Consumer Centre if needed.

In Italy, the most common after-rental surprises are fines for driving into a limited traffic zone (ZTL), the rental company's fee for passing on your details, and damage charges. ECC France and ECC Germany explain that ZTL fines can arrive up to about a year and a half after the trip and can be contested within 60 days. Italy's competition authority found in 2022 that certain admin fees for passing on driver data were not permitted. For a damage claim, object in writing and ask for the evidence, then go to your home ECC if needed.

Iceland's roads include long gravel stretches and highland F-roads with unbridged rivers. Safetravel, the travel safety service of the Icelandic search and rescue association, warns that no insurance covers damage to a vehicle while crossing a river, and that off-road driving is strictly forbidden. Many Icelandic rental companies sell separate cover for gravel or sand damage, so read what your contract excludes before you drive. Iceland is part of the ECC Network, so you can complain through your home European Consumer Centre.

ECC France advises checking the car with the rental company at pick-up and return and keeping copies of every report. After an accident with a rental car, call the police, fill in the European Accident Statement (constat amiable) and contact the rental company. In 34 mountain départements, winter equipment is required from 1 November to 31 March. If you dispute a damage charge, ask for the evidence, object in writing and use your home European Consumer Centre if the company does not move.

The Spanish European Consumer Centre has flagged charges for minor damage or cleaning after the car was returned, sometimes checked without the customer present. Object in writing, preferably in Spanish and your own language, and ask for the inspection photos and invoice. If you live outside Spain, your own European Consumer Centre can help for free.