Car Hire Spain be aware

I booked a last minute deal on 30th June going to Malaga on 2nd July to 9th July sorted flights and a nice apartment Just the car to sort out.

I booked a car on the internet with (30th June) with Malaga Airport Guide turns out to be a company called Car Trawler, I needed a 7 seat car they sent me a conformation e-mail saying they were checking with suppliers (they are a broker) anyway they sent me an e-mail on 1st of July cancelling the order saying they could not get a 7 seat car would I like two smaller cars I replied saying no and thought that would be the end of it.

Oh No

When I got back from holiday they had sent two e-mails under a different contract number, one on the 2nd of July @ 10.35 saying I could pick up my 7 seat car that day and (on a plane at this time) another 3rd July 12.35 saying I could pick up the car that day (in a bar having lunch at this time)

What I did not realise was they had charged my credit card £57.77 booking fee. Now they say they wont refund as my cancellation was within a 24hr period (terms and conditions) although I pointed out to them that they in-fact cancelled the contract and I merely informed them that I would find it difficult to drive two cars they are still insisting on keeping the money.

I have informed my credit card company who are sending me a form to complete to try and get the money back.

And this is only the start of it.

As still needed a car I booked one via Car Jet 1st July (used them before no problems) got an e-mail back same day saying they could not provide a 7 seat car. Went back on the net booked a car via Economy car they sent an e-mail saying they could not provide a 7 seat car.

Finally I went to a company direct (one I had used before) Helle Hollis they sorted the order over the phone with payment due by credit card when I arrived.

My credit card only has a limit of £1,000 don’t like credit cards as I have got into debt with them before. Any way when I arrived to pick up my car the nice lady put my card in the machine and it was declined. I telephoned the card company who informed me that I had outstanding approval of.

Car Trawler £57.77
Car Jet £268.00
Economy Car £264.00
Total £589.77

So I had insufficient credit to pay for this hire I pointed out to the card company that I was only ever going to hire one car and the other transactions would be cancelled, the card company agreed that would be the case and my limit would be back in credit with these items within the next seven days Oh and told me off for not telling them I was going to Spain.

Thankfully the nice lady at Helle Hollis who could see my frustration agreed to accept a debit card this went through no problem after a little joke from the lady saying it was declined.

Anyway I hope this helps if you are booking car rental in Spain be aware.