Beware ‘unbeatable’ rental offers

20th February 2011

The BVRLA, trade body for the UK vehicle rental industry, is advising customers to take extra care when confronted with cheap deals on the internet or in the press.

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

In the meantime, the BVRLA is offering some simple tips for customers looking for safe and hassle-free van rental.

• Only use a reputable company that operates to the BVRLA code of conduct.  You will also be able to use their 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 vehicles it is offering - all BVRLA members operate their own rental fleet.

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said BVRLA chief executive John Lewis.  “Unfortunately, it is all too easy for fraudsters to pass themselves off as legitimate businesses over the internet.”