British holidaymakers are being caught out by shock car hire charges hitting their bank accounts weeks after returning home, with some facing bills of £300 or more.
The Post-Holiday Shock
Dozens of travellers have reported receiving unexpected debit card transactions from rental companies long after their trips ended. The charges typically appear between two to three weeks following vehicle returns.
Why This Happens
Industry insiders explain these delayed charges usually relate to:
- Toll road fees from automated systems
- Late-reported traffic violations
- Cleanliness or damage assessments
- Fuel discrepancies
How to Protect Yourself
Travel experts recommend these precautions:
- Photograph the vehicle thoroughly at collection and return
- Keep all rental paperwork for at least six weeks
- Use credit cards rather than debit cards for rentals
- Check your bank statements regularly post-holiday
Consumer rights groups are calling for greater transparency from rental companies about potential delayed charges. "Travellers deserve to know all possible costs upfront," said one campaigner.
