Car rental companies face scrutiny over unfair contract clauses

Car rental companies are facing scrutiny over potentially unfair contract clauses that leave customers liable for unexpected costs. A common issue involves the concept of multiple deductibles. While a customer may expect a fixed financial risk based on a stated deductible, many major rental brands—including Sixt, Alamo, Leclerc, Getaround, Hertz, and Europcar—utilize terms stating that a deductible can be applied to each distinct incident.

This practice means the total financial risk for a renter is not clearly capped. Despite previous legal actions by consumer groups like UFC-Que Choisir to strike down abusive clauses, problematic terms continue to appear in rental agreements, often leaving customers responsible for vehicle damage even after signing inspection reports.