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Avis fined one million euros for abusive consumer practices
Spain's Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda has imposed a one-million-euro fine on the car rental company Avis for engaging in abusive practices. The sanction follows a complaint by the Basque Association of Consumers and Users (EKA/ACUV).
The ministry determined that Avis was charging customers between 33.88 and 45 euros as “management fees” for processing traffic fines incurred while using rental vehicles. The investigation concluded that these fees were abusive because the company is legally obligated to identify the driver responsible for an infraction and communicate this to the administration. By passing this cost to consumers, the company was deemed to be charging for a service that is a mandatory legal duty, creating a disproportionate economic burden and breaking the contractual balance.
The resolution classifies the conduct as a very serious infringement, noting the aggravating factor of recidivism, as a court in Vitoria had already declared this specific clause null and void in 2020. While the administrative route is exhausted, Avis retains the right to appeal the decision in court.
Entities
AVIS · EKA/ACUV · Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda · Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and 2030 Agenda · Pablo Bustinduy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Avis charged customers between €33.88 and €45 for managing traffic fine administrative sanctions. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ministry deemed the charges abusive because identifying the driver is a legal obligation for vehicle owners. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The investigation originated from a complaint by the Basque Association of Consumers and Users (EKA/ACUV). www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and 2030 Agenda imposed a one million euro fine on Avis. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es