Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
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Hi,
I have been charged just over £100 for getting the keys out after being locked in the car.
When the keys were locked inside I called the hire company and their rep said it was covered by the Breakdown recovery cover which was included in the car hire. There was no mention of any charge being involved.
A month later I get an invoice and receipt in the post where they have billed my card without my consent.
I spoke to their head office and they said as it was human error then I am chargable and that they didnt need to inform me.
Please could someone let me know where I stand legally as it just doesnt seem fair that I have been billed such a high sum without being informed beforehand and in fact being told otherwise beforehand too.
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They have posted me the contract that I signed which states the below:
By signing below I agree to the terms and conditions on pages 1 to 4 and authorise you to obtain payment of all amounts due or which may become due under this rental agreement by debiting the credit or debit card presented for security at the time of rental.
They didnt include pages 1 to 4 but my argument is that I was told that the AA call out was included with the Breakdown Cover.
Please could you advise if I have any legal standing on this issue? :cry:
You'll find that they can legally remove the money from your card - in much the same way if you kept the car an extra day, didn't refuel it or any of a myriad of issues.
The AA cover is never 'free' - some hirers even publish a set fee for key recovery, other don't - but the trick is never to involve your hire company. If you used your own AA membership, or called out your own contractor, you pay them and that's an end to the matter.
They did provide this additional service for you so challenging it on the grounds you were unaware of the cost won't be successful.
If you were charged to a VISA debit or any credit card, I would call your card provider to initiate a chargeback on the basis that they told you there would be no charge. On that basis the charge did not become due, therefore they don't have the right to charge you it.
If you were charged to another debit card, or your card provider refuses to initiate a chargeback, come back here and I'll try to help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All the information I impart is my advice based on my experience. It does not constitute professional advice. If in doubt, always consult with a professional.
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on the grounds you were unaware of the cost won't be successful.
I'm not disputing solely on the grounds I was unaware, but that the rep implicitly stated that recovering the locked in keys was a part of the Breakdown Cover that was included in the rental, which left me in no doubt about there being no charge for this service.
It was a Natwest debit card, can I still initiate a chargeback?
It was a Natwest debit card, can I still initiate a chargeback?
Natwest is the issuing bank. Does it have a VISA logo on it? If yes, then yes you can initiate a chargeback. If it's a Mastercard or other then unlikely, but worth a shot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All the information I impart is my advice based on my experience. It does not constitute professional advice. If in doubt, always consult with a professional.
If you feel my post has been helpful, please click my scales.
Charged for locking keys inside hire car
recovery cover which was included in the car hire. There was no mention of any charge being involved.
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Re: Charged for locking keys inside hire car
All the information I impart is my advice based on my experience. It does not constitute professional advice. If in doubt, always consult with a professional. 
If you feel my post has been helpful, please click my scales. 
Originally Posted by buzby
