All reviews of Mikael Buxton
Review about: Discover Cars
Car rental in Birmingham: I got scammed
I experienced a frustrating scam during a recent vehicle rental in Birmingham, UK, that left me paying over double the original online quote. When attempting to pick up a car booked via DiscoverCars, I was met with an unexpected demand from their partner, Drivalia. Instead of the agreed €100, I was coerced into shelling out €250 due to an alleged issue with the security deposit.
The reason provided was my payment method: despite presenting a VISA card, I was informed that it was a "debit" card and not a "credit" card, which was supposedly required for the deposit. I argued, both in person and later via email, emphasizing that in France, where I'm from, the distinction between "debit" and "credit" cards isn't as pronounced – we generally use VISA or MASTERCARD without such issues. It's worth noting that I've frequently rented cars with this very card, both in the UK and elsewhere, without ever encountering such a problem regarding the deposit.
This ordeal forced me into opting for a no-deposit package, inflating the cost to 2.5 times the original quote. Having rented vehicles across the globe with the same card, this is a first for me, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the claim that my card was the issue.
To my fellow French travelers and anyone renting cars internationally: exercise caution or, better yet, consider alternative options to avoid similar situations.
Dear Mikael,
We apologize for any unexpected situation.
Please keep in mind that when the main driver has the obligatory documents, no extra amount can be charged, and the provider cannot deny the delivery of the vehicle.
We inform customers which documents will be required before they finalize the purchase under rental conditions.
This information is located in blue, just below the photo of the vehicle.
The same information is later in the voucher.
Note that we have thousands of confirmed reservations per day and also thousands of satisfied customers.
I was able to find your reservation by name, and I see that our post-booking team added a credit of 30 EUR, to be used on your next trip.
We hope that this gesture minimizes any inconvenience caused.
We wish you a better experience on your next journey.
Thank you for your feedback.
Bruno Fernandes,
Community Manager