Small claims in Eastern Europe

[H20]

Hello

I was recently in Lithuanian. I hired a car for a number of weeks. On hiring the car I was informed that as I didn't have an international licence (post brexit) I had to take out their extra insurance cover. It was actually e30 a day, so it added up to e900. I already had additional insurance cover that I took out when I booked, but they said it needed to be theirs. I have seen online that they have pulled this scam with other people. What is my best path of action? I have emailed them and they have not replied.

I appreciate you reading and any feedback

[PallasAthena]

It may be a scam in the sense of commercial sharp practice but what makes you think it is illegal under Lithuanian law? I know nothing about Lithuanian law but I guess you would need to prove that their requirements breached local law on unfair consumer contracts or some such.

I assume you accepted their contract terms at the time and agreed to pay the additional insurance premiums.

[H20]

Indeed that's why I'm posting, I have no idea what the law is, or how best to learn it.And yes I had to accept the terms because he told me it was essential for the car hire. From the reviews they do a lot of other stuff as well. Not returning deposit etc. I've read 30+ claims of dishonesty and there are many more.

[PallasAthena]

I don't think you will find many Lithuanian lawyers here, it's a UK law site. Sorry. It's not immediately obvious that anything illegal has happened.

Did you deal direct with the car hire company in Lithuania? Or did they have a UK agent that you made the booking through?

Incidentally Lithuania isn't an eastern European country, it's a Baltic state.

[tesla6518]

Why did you not obtain an international licence from the post office, quite a simple process, I have travelled all over Europe including Eastern Europe, Even when we were a part of the EU I still made sure I had an international licence.

[H20]

I booked the car independently of any other travel arrangements. I have travelled a lot and always hire a car, I've never encounter anyone asking for an International Licence (IL), even outside the EU. I cannot see anything that tell me that you need a IL. But also surely when booking online they should have request or at least told you that an IL was needed. I'm so sure this is fraud, as so many other people have posted reviews expressing the same opinion.

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/c...ving%20licence.

[atticus]

British citizens need an International Driving Licence to drive in the EU. £6 from a Post Office.

Another Brexit benefit.


EDIT - the above is what I understood, having had one of those shoddy bits of card for a couple of years. The latest government advice is here: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/in...driving-permit

[tesla6518]

The reason I obtain International licence ( only last for 12 mths) because my first time in Serbia (non EU) I had to obtain a separate insurance at the border (£100).

Also do insurance companies give (the old green card) nowdays?

[atticus]

Mine lasts 3 years.

[PallasAthena]

Also do insurance companies give (the old green card) nowdays?

Yes if needed but not usually needed in Europe

"The UK is part of the Green Card Free Circulation Area (GCFCA), which comprises all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries as well as Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Switzerland. UK-based drivers do not need to carry green cards for their vehicles when travelling to these countries."

https://www.mib.org.uk/making-a-clai...stem-explained

[tesla6518]

Having checked all the available information on Lithuanian car hire, the car lease should have covered the minimum 3rd party car insurance, it may be that the company had it's own rules that required further insurance to cover any damage to their vehicle. I would read all your paperwork very carefully in case this is the reason for the extra insurance

[H20]

Hi I'm sure looking into this it was a fraudulent endeavour. However, Lithuanian doesn't appear to have a small claims court system like the UK. Is this something I might be able to claim back from my credit/debit card?

Thank you for your comments

[islandgirl]

[QUOTE=atticus;n1668797]British citizens need an International Driving Licence to drive in the EU. £6 from a Post Office.

Another Brexit benefit.


/QUOTE]

Small price to pay...

[CharlotteF]

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Gather evidence: Collect all documents related to the car rental, including the rental agreement, insurance details, and any emails you exchanged.
2. Report the incident: File a complaint with the Lithuanian National Consumer Protection Authority (https://www.vvtat.lt/en) explaining the situation and providing copies of your evidence.
3. Contact your travel insurer: Inform your travel insurance provider about the situation and see if they can offer any assistance in recovering the additional insurance cost.
4. Consider legal advice: Depending on the amount involved and your desired outcome, consulting a lawyer specializing in consumer rights or travel disputes might be beneficial.

Remember, responding promptly can increase your chances of a successful resolution.