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What Is the European Car Rental Conciliation Service?
The European Car Rental Conciliation Service can help with unresolved cross-border complaints about rentals abroad, but its decisions only bind companies that subscribe to it. If you booked through a UK company or platform, UK consumer law may apply.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Short Answer
European Rentals
For rentals abroad, the European Car Rental Conciliation Service can help with unresolved cross-border complaints, but its decisions bind only companies that subscribe to it. If you booked through a UK company or platform, UK consumer law may apply, and Citizens Advice can help assess cross-border options. source
Section 75
If you paid by credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may apply to totals between £100 and £30,000. Debit card holds are harder to dispute, but you can ask your bank about chargeback, which is a card scheme and not a legal right. source
Paying Under Protest
Which? advises telling the company you are paying 'under protest' if you are unhappy and telling your card provider about the dispute. Also query any unexplained card charges, since firms have sometimes refunded customers after being challenged. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- £100 to £30,000Section 75 card claimCredit card payments over £100 and up to £30,000
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Complain to the hire company in writing.
Step 2 of 4
Check whether it subscribes to the service.
Step 3 of 4
If you booked through a UK site, complain to that company too.
Step 4 of 4
Ask your card provider about Section 75 or chargeback.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Hire Company's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and ask for the evidence.
European Car Rental Conciliation Service
For cross-border complaints about member companies.
Your Card Provider
Tell it about the dispute straight away. Section 75 for credit cards, chargeback for debit cards.
Want Help?
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- travelsupermarket.com/en-gb/blog/travel-advice/disputing-car-hire-charges-what-are-your-rights Checked 12 October 2026
- civilhelp.co.uk/travel-consumer/car-hire-disputes Checked 12 October 2026
- which.co.uk/reviews/car-hire/article/car-hire-advice/car-hire-scams-auABy0O5rX7M Checked 12 October 2026