Bestor's Blog
- Details
- Category: Car Rental in Europe
This story perfectly illustrates a very important reason you should book your European rental car through us.
Last week, we received an email from our customer "Jack" saying his rental had gone very well except that he had been 2.5 hours late in returning the car and had just gotten a notice from the supplier in Italy (one of the top three rental companies in Europe) of a $290 charge for an extra day of rental.
The rental voucher we issued to Jack through Auto Europe prior to his trip to Italy called for a daily rate of $51, including all taxes and insurance. He assumed that if he was a couple of hours late the most he could be charged would be one full day...at his current daily rate of $51. Sorry. Big, nasty surprise.
The supplier took the position that the voucher covered only the 17-day rental and the extra 2.5 hours constituted an 18th day to which the voucher did not apply. For that added day, they imposed their local rate...a price they would charge to a customer who walked up to the counter to rent a car for a single day.
Jack turned to us for help. We took his case to Auto Europe who told us the supplier was within their contractual right to charge the local rate as the 18th day was outside the voucher dates. However, at our request they agreed to take Jack's case to the supplier who agreed to accept Auto Europe's proposal for a new 18-day voucher at the original daily rate. The supplier then refunded Jack's $290. The charge for the extra 2.5 hours thus became $51, not $290.
Why would the supplier give back $239 when it didn't have to? Because the supplier's best customer asked them to. And why would Auto Europe ask the supplier to return money that, by contract, they had the right to keep? Because one of their top customers for 17 years, Gemut.com, requested they do so.
So remember, when you're a Gemut.com customer, we've got your back. When you book with us, it's not just you alone vs the rental company; you have strong, influential advocates on your team, Gemut.com and Auto Europe.
Get a quote on a European rental car.
- Details
- Category: Car Rental in Europe
Check these rental car prices (actual bookings made by our travel services department):
- France, economy, 28 days, $440 or $15.71/day;
- Germany, 42 days, fullsize (Mercedes C-Class or similar), $852 or $20.29/day; and
- Dublin Airport, compact car, 14 days, $78 (not a misprint) or $5.57/day. All these includes taxes and unlimited miles.
- Details
- Category: Car Rental in Europe
Those who plan to rent a car in Germany in 2012 should really reserve now. Book a compact car (VW Golf or similar, 4 doors, air, manual) for a week for as little as $151, INCLUDING 19% value added tax. Get a guaranteed intermediate to fullsize upgrade (Mercedes C-Class or similar) for a week for just $166, including tax.
The above two deals are for cars picked up prior to April 1, but there are some great rates for rentals between April 1 and December 31.
For example, check these one-week rentals in Germany (all include the 19% VAT):
- Intermediate (VW Passat or similar): $211
- Compact Station Wagon (VW Golf Wagon or similar): $210
- Intermediate Station Wagon (VW Passat Wagon): $259
Rental car prices are more volatile now than at anytime in the 22 years I've been in the car rental business, so lock-in early with a credit card. If your plans change you can cancel and not lose a penny. An early booking carries zero risk.
Get a written quote or phone Andy, our car rental manager, at 800-521-6722 x 1.
Remember, too, that we can book a car for you anywhere in Europe.
- Details
- Category: Air Travel
Lufthansa has just announced discounted fares on flights to Europe, the Middle East and Africa...but you must act quickly. As usual there are restrictions but these are great prices for those traveling this winter/early spring.
Sample fares include:
- New York to Frankfurt - $727
- Chicago to Barcelona - $771
- Atlanta to Vienna - $869
- Los Angeles to Prague - $867
- Seattle to Munich - $927
Many other destinations are included in the sale. You must purchase by Wednesday, January 11 and depart the U.S. between January 23 and March 22. Travel must be complete by April 22. Some blackout dates apply. The above fares are for midweek travel and include taxes. Weekend surcharge and service fee may apply. Seats are limited and may not be available on all days/all flights. Travel can be on Lufthansa, United, Continental and Air Canada.
Call Laura Riedel at 800-521-6722 x 2 for a quote or to check availability. You can also request a written quote.
