BVRLA advisc is to take care with ridiculously cheap deals on the internet

Cheap car rental deals prove too good to be true

The BVRLA is advising car rental customers to take extra care when confronted with ridiculously cheap deals on the internet or in the press.

Police and Trading Standards officials are currently investigating a number of companies that have lured consumers with low prices and offer to deliver vehicles to their door. In many cases, customers have handed over hundreds of pounds in advance only to find that their car never arrives and the company does not really exist.

The BVRLA is taking the opportunity to remind people to always rent from its members because they are quality assured and operate under a code of conduct. The association has produced the following advice for consumers, which members may wish to pass on:

Only use a BVRLA member. Seeing our logo on the front desk or website is a sign that you are dealing with a reputable company that has been vetted and operates to a professional code of conduct. You will also be able to use our conciliation service in the event of any dispute.

Never hand over cash. Most rental companies will only want to accept credit/debit card payment.

Make sure the company is operating from bona fide commercial premises, not a PO Box or virtual office, no matter how prestigious the location sounds.

Make sure the company actually has the cars it is offering – all BVRLA members operate their own rental fleet.

Remember, if the price or service being offered seems too good to be true, it probably is!

See more about the bvrla at www.bvrla.co.uk