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Following booking a flight with British Airways to Rome, we decided to hire a car through BA using Avis/Budget. On 12/11/25, I booked a rental vehicle from Budget at Rome Fiumicino Airport for a ‘Total Car Rental Price’ of £177. Upon arrival at the rental desk in Italy, I was asked to sign rental documentation electronically on a phone. The additional optional extras, fees and surcharges subsequently added to the agreement were not properly explained, clearly disclosed, or prominently presented before signature. At no stage were the additional “Requested Optional Extras” discussed with us individually, nor were we informed that accepting them would increase the rental cost substantially beyond the original booking price. We understood that the additional amount taken on the credit card was a temporary pre-authorisation against potential vehicle damage, refundable upon return of the vehicle. Budget charged an additional £361.28 above the original agreed rental price.
Took Avis/Budget to the Small Claims Court, but received a response denying liability stating Avis Budget UK was not the contracting party to the agreement and did not provide the vehicle as it took place in Italy; Avid Budget Italia SpA.
What is your take on this?
Took Avis/Budget to the Small Claims Court, but received a response denying liability stating Avis Budget UK was not the contracting party to the agreement and did not provide the vehicle as it took place in Italy; Avid Budget Italia SpA.
What is your take on this?